2. ................................................................................Introduction
2
......................................................................Mission Statement
3
.......................................Message from the Executive Director
4
.......................................................Message from the President
5
.....................................................................Board of Directors
6
....................................................................................Our Team
7
.......................................................Our Programs and Services
8
.......................Major Funders and Thank You to Our Donors
11
Profiles:
............Stephen Gaudreau – Former Safe Harbour Client
13
........................Barb Bevington – Detox Centre Volunteer
15
.................Anita Lewis – Addictions Resource Consultant
17
.....................................Lynn Jonasson – Aboriginal Elder
19
..........Linda Lockwood – People’s Place Shelter Manager
21
..............................................................................Looking back
22
.........................................................................Looking forward
23
....................................................Audited Financial Statements
24
...........................................................................Donation Form
27
..................................................................................Contact Us
28
SHSTable of Contents
3. I would just like to say
thanks. You made me feel
great about myself,
needed and liked. I still
have a place in this
world.
–Safe Harbour Client
SHS Annual Report 07–08 1
4. Introduction
who we are
Central Alberta’s Safe Harbour Society for Health and Housing is a non-profit,
charitable organization committed to providing frontline health and housing
supports to Central Albertans.
We formed on April 11, 2007, when the Safe Harbour Society for Addictions and
Poverty in Alberta, the Residential Society of Red Deer and the Central Alberta
Housing Society merged services under one umbrella. The amalgamation has
allowed the new society to provide a coordinated system of care, reduce gaps in
service delivery, pool resources and reduce financial costs.
what we do
The Safe Harbour Society provides help and support to people struggling with
substance abuse, and people who need assistance with housing. We welcome,
shelter and support people with addictions, mental health or housing needs by
facilitating opportunities for change.
The society provides a variety of programs and services, including emergency
shelters, a detoxification centre and residential housing support.
2
Safe Harbour, Safe People, Safe Community
5. Safe Harbour Society,
you let me in once
again to your open
door of love and
concern!
– Safe Harbour Client
Our Mission
To welcome, shelter, and support people with addictions, mental health or housing
needs.
Our Vision
A community that is enriched by embracing each of its members and valuing their
contribution.
Our Beliefs
TRUTH TELLING AND PEACE MAKING
We believe that people have a right to tell their story and have their truths heard.
We believe that truths can be told peacefully.
We believe everyone has a right to be heard and are willing to advocate accordingly.
DIGNITY AND RESPECT
We believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by being
accepted and welcomed into the community.
HARM REDUCTION
We believe that people have the right to be as safe, happy, and healthy as they can
be regardless of other choices they make.
EACH PERSON HAS ABILITY
We believe that each person has the ability and capacity to make decisions; having
responsibility for and control over their own life.
QUALITY SUPPORTS
We believe in a commitment to continually improve the services we deliver.
COLLABORATION
We believe in collaborating with the people we serve, our staff and the community
to achieve our mission.
SHS Annual Report 07–08 3
6. Message from the
Executive Director
“That is an
immeasurable
outcome. That is
our success. That
is what we’re
doing, why we’re
doing it and it is
never all for
naught.”
T
4
Typically this message would inform you of all of
the things we’ve been doing in the harbour for the
past year. I started to make a list and knew
immediately that I couldn’t begin to tell you all that
we’ve experienced since we’ve dropped anchor at
this site in July last year.
When I started with Safe Harbour in 2004, the agency had the
Overnight Shelter Program, about seven staff members and was in
the middle of its second bout with the dreaded NIMBY (not in my
backyard) virus. In four short years we have tripled our capacity
through the amalgamation; are an agency with close to 70 staff, 23
volunteers and a 2.2 million dollar budget; and most importantly, we
have consistently stayed true to our mission: to welcome, shelter and
support.
To be responsible to our funders we report regularly on the number of
people served, results, measurable outcomes and finances. Questions
from the community generally include a query as to our success rate. I
always want to answer them by telling them that I find myself at too
many funerals. As I sit there and think about “buddy” and his family, I
wonder…what are we doing? Why are we doing it? Is it all for
naught? Then, after the funeral, as I extend Safe Harbour’s heartfelt
condolences to the family, they tell me time and time again how
grateful they are that their loved one was tucked into this harbour.
That is an immeasurable outcome. That is our success. That is what
we’re doing, why we’re doing it and it is never all for naught.
Kath Hoffman
Executive Director
7. Message from the
President
“I have every
confidence that
the board and
Kath’s leadership
will carry us
through the next
year and into an
even more
challenging
future.”
S
Safe Harbour has successfully faced a number of
significant challenges this year. These include the
deaths of two guests, the implementation of new
programs and the ongoing supervision of the
amalgamation of three societies—Central Alberta
Housing Society, the Residential Society of Red
Deer and Safe Harbour Society.
July 2008 signalled one year’s occupancy in the new Safe Harbour
location and 14 months since the amalgamation took place. In the last
few months we have seen the successful blending of the three budgets
and a significant change in administrative structure.
The board of directors has clearly stated that we are a policy board. In
accord with this, the board has completed mission, vision and belief
statements that will guide our decisions and actions in the future.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when Kath Hoffman was offered
and accepted the position of executive director to manage the
organization.
Despite the fact that the agency is now triple in size, Kath has put
together a superb team, building on the strengths bequeathed to us by
past boards and staff. I have every confidence that the board and
Kath’s leadership will carry us through the next year and into an even
more challenging future.
Buzz Vander Vliet
President, Board of Directors
SHS Annual Report 07–08 5
8. 6
Buzz Vander Vliet,
President
Buzz Vander Vliet was appointed to the Safe
Harbour Society board in February 2007 and
was elected president in December 2007. He has
worked in the non-profit sector since 1986 and is
presently a self-employed carpenter.
Twila Harris-Olson,
Vice-President
Twila Harris-Olson joined the board of the
original Safe Harbour Society in 2006 and
continued her involvement throughout the
amalgamation. Twila works as a program
coordinator with Employment Placement and
Support Services, assisting individuals with
disabilities to develop meaningful activities and
employment in the Red Deer area.
Jill Lanz, Director
Jill Lanz has been on the Safe Harbour Society
board for nine months and is one of newest
directors. She first joined Safe Harbour as a
social work practicum student in 2006. She is the
health promotion outreach worker at the Central
Alberta AIDS Network Society. Jill is involved
in HIV and harm reduction work on local,
provincial and national levels.
Rae Dittberner, Treasurer
Rae Dittberner comes to us from the Central
Alberta Housing Society board, on which she
was a member since 1999. Rae is a chartered
accountant with BDO Dunwoody LLP. She
brings her accounting knowledge to the board,
as well as providing continuity with the Central
Alberta Housing Society board.
Gordon Hillman, Director
Gordon Hillman has been a member of the Safe
Harbour Society board since November 2006,
bringing private business experience to a non-
profit society. He has served on several public
company boards and has been self employed in
various businesses, including real estate
development and leasing since 1996.
Barb Sheppard, Secretary
Barb Sheppard was recruited to the original
board of Safe Harbour Society at the AGM in
2006. Barb is the director of the Career
Assistance Network Ltd., an agency which
provides career services to citizens of the Red
Deer area.
Paul DuVal, Director
Paul DuVal was amalgamated into the Safe
Harbour Society board through the Residential
Society of Red Deer. He is a regional consultant
for the United Church of Canada and has been
serving on boards and committees in Red Deer
for several years.
Shirley Goldade, Director
Shirley Goldade joined the Safe Harbour
Society board in September 2007. Shirley works
in the David Thompson Health Region as a
public health nurse.
Val Joa, Director
Val Joa has been a board member for the past
three years. She has spent many years
volunteering in the not-for-profit community and
enjoys balancing work, home and community
service.
SHSBoard of Directors
9. Administration Department
Hoffman, Kath – Executive Director
Harrison, Shauna
Strome, Adele
Van Koughnett, Chayla
SHS
Housing Department
Hazell, Lianne – Director of Housing
Edgar, Bridey – Program Lead, Transitional Housing
Arnold, Kelley – Program Coordinator, Housing First
Lockwood, Linda – Program Coordinator, People’s Place
Berry, Candice – Outreach
Dodd, Janel
Van Koughnett, Maegan
Badger, Charmain
Callan, Derek
Conway, Lisa
Evans, Barb
Howard, Kelsey
Hunter, Joan
Nooskey, Eugene
Nooskey, Tammy
O’Kell, Stephanie
Posner, Joanne
Richards, Joseph
Sullivan-Vigna, Dorothy
Beyeler, Alisha
Courtoreille, Sherri
Greer, Lyda
Maracle, Terry
Sawyer, Melissa
Scott, Tina
Wells, Crystal
Aboriginal Program
Jonasson, Lynn
Health Department
Markus, Colleen – Director of Health
Pike, Frieda – Team Leader
Smith, Laura – Team Leader
Balla, Shelly
Bannerman, Laurie
Brake, Laurie
Brown, Kim
Burton, Charis
Castro, Kathleen
Fleming, Robert
Hardy, Sandman
Hicks, Selina
Hillman, Sherrie
Hope, Angela
Hutchins, Taryn
Johnson, Brittney
Lewis, Anita
Loewen Sasha
McGillis, Shanon
Mullin, Shea
O’Brien, Kira
Roberts, Connie
Shukin, Richard
Thompson, Chris
Vanderbaaren, Garry
Waunch, Gloria
Weik, Charlie
Wolcott, Julianna
SHS Annual Report 07–08 7
Our Team
10. The Overnight Shelter Program provides shelter to people who are
high or intoxicated and in need of a safe place to sleep. This drop-in
program was initially a winter shelter, but it now operates year round
due to funding from AADAC (Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Commission). The shelter, at 5246–53 Avenue, has space for 20
guests and is open nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
The shelter helps Safe Harbour build relationships and establish positive
connections with people who are often without support. Guidance, support and/or
counselling is available, as well as referrals to community resources. Between April
1, 2007, and March 31, 2008, the shelter provided 7,095 mat spaces to people in
need. Between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008, staff had to turn away 280
individuals because the shelter was full.
Safe Harbour offers the only non-medical detox/transition program in
Central Alberta. The program serves up to 20 people at a time. Detox
clients, who have drug and/or alcohol addictions, typically stay three to
five days. Addictions counselling and referrals to residential treatment
programs or community resources are available.
Because many detox clients have no place to stay after getting clean, Safe Harbour
has incorporated five transition beds into the program. If there is room, clients can
stay in a transition bed until they find someplace safe to go, such as a residential
treatment program (which is usually a minimum six-week wait) or housing.
Between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the detox program served 339
individuals (249 males and 90 females). People were turned away a total of 832
times because beds were full, although 90 per cent of these were admitted at a later
date when space became available.
People’s Place Homeless Shelter, 6002-54 Ave., provides safe
accommodations for people in need. The shelter has 23 beds and
serves single men and women, as well as families. Guests must be
sober and can stay from one night to 30 days. Staff work with guests
to develop individual case plans and to help them secure appropriate
housing, as well as physical and mental health care.
Between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, People’s Place served 587 guests,
including 477 males, 110 females and six children.
people’splaceshelterovernightshelterprogramOur Programs & Servicesdetox/transitionprogram
8
11. The Winter Inn Program is an emergency shelter program that runs
from November to April at different churches in downtown Red
Deer, including St. Luke’s Anglican Church, the Seventh Day
Adventist Church and the Salvation Army Community Church.
Other churches supply volunteers to help out. When there is no
room at People’s Place, homeless individuals can find shelter and a
warm place to sleep between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Safe Harbour oversees the planning, implementation, staffing and supervision of
the Winter Inn Program. Through the Winter Inn Program, about 30 to 50
individuals are provided with a place to sleep each night. Last winter, a total of
310 individuals were served by the Winter Inn Program.
Safe Harbour offers transitional, shared accommodations in eight
housing units located throughout Red Deer. Couples and
individuals are provided with their own rooms and they share
common spaces with other tenants. Staff work with tenants to
build plans to help them successfully move onto independent
rentals in the community. Tenants, who may be recovering from
addictions or mental health issues, are given time to stabilize their
lives before transitioning to other housing.
Between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008, 79 individuals accessed Safe
Harbour’s transitional housing: 53 males and 26 females; including 22
Aboriginals, six immigrants and 11 children.
In November 2007, Safe Harbour opened the first Housing First
program in Western Canada. The goal of the two-year pilot program
is to provide housing and support for eight individuals who are
considered to be the most vulnerable in the community and who
have the most difficulty accessing regular housing. The Housing First
philosophy does not require sobriety, a medication regime or
mandatory treatment programs, although no illegal substances are
allowed on site. Services are offered, but participation is voluntary.
Two staff members are on-site 24 hours a day. Since November 2007, eight
individuals have lived in the house, including one female and seven males. No
one has been evicted from the program.
residentialserviceshousingfirstwinterinnprogram
SHS Annual Report 07–08 9
12. Safe Harbour began providing Aboriginal support to the community
in August 2007. About 30 to 40 per cent of the society’s clients are
Aboriginal. As part of this support service, an Aboriginal elder is
available two days a week, providing counselling and connecting
clients to their culture through sweat lodge ceremonies and healing
circles. Aboriginal support staff are also available three days a week.
With funding from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, Safe
Harbour rebuilt its sweat lodge at Fort Normandeau, located west of Red Deer. A
teepee was also erected and is used for community healing circles.
Having the detox program run 24 hours a day allows Safe Harbour
to offer 24-hour telephone support to those in the community who
are desperate for help. Emergencies occurs at all hours and staff are
ready to provide assistance, including crisis and suicide intervention.
Clients, and their family members, call for many reasons including assistance with
mental health and addictions issues. The 24-hour support line phone number is
403-347-0181.
In the fall of 2007, Safe Harbour welcomed the services of Dr. Norm
Costigan, a highly respected Red Deer psychiatrist who is
volunteering at the shelter and detox centre. Many of Safe Harbour’s
clients have concurrent disorders, which means that they have both
an addiction and a mental health issue to contend with. Dr. Costigan
provides a bridge to mental health supports at the Red Deer Regional
Hospital, where he works.
Dr. Costigan has worked with Safe Harbour in the past, and the society is excited
to have him provide services on a regular basis. In addition to working with clients,
he will be providing Safe Harbour staff with professional development in areas
such as non-violent crisis intervention.
aboriginalsupport24-hoursupportlinementalhealthservices
10
13. Major Funders
Several major funders help make it possible for the Safe Harbour Society to provide
programs and services to the community. They include:
• Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC)
• Government of Canada Federal Homeless Initiative Partnering Strategy
• Government of Alberta, Housing and Urban Affairs
• United Way of Central Alberta
• Red Deer and District Community Foundation
• The Muttart Foundation
• Red Deer Housing Authority
• Government of Alberta, Community Initiatives Program
• Government of Alberta, Community Facility Enhancement Program
• Government of Alberta, Wildrose Grants
Thank You to Our Donors
The Safe Harbour Society gratefully recognizes the support of the many individuals,
corporations and other community organizations and partners that share our vision and
support our programs through various donations, support and services.
Gifts, such as socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, vitamins and other personal care
products are always needed and welcomed. No donation is too small. “You can buy a lot of
socks for $20,” says Kath Hoffman, Safe Harbour Society executive director.
The population accessing the overnight shelter has an ongoing need for clean, dry socks.
Exposure to cold, wet weather, lack of easily accessible laundry facilities and poor hygiene
habits in general can create foot infections and other problems. Safe Harbour would like to
thank St. Francis school, in Red Deer, which held a sock drive last winter and collected
970 pairs of socks.
Thank you for sharing
our vision and
supporting the goals
and needs of the Safe
Harbour Society.
SHS Annual Report 07–08 11
15. Safe Harbour’s
Residential
Services Program
has eight
transitional
housing units that
can accommodate
up to 34
individuals.
Did you know?
Profile: Stephen Gaudreau
Former Safe Harbour Client
L
Life is looking good for Stephen Gaudreau. He lives in a
comfortable one-bedroom affordable apartment and has
a part-time job delivering newspapers. He’s happy with
life, but things weren’t always so good for the 44 year old.
Three years ago, Gaudreau had a gambling problem and
he was about to be evicted from his apartment in
Edmonton.
He scraped up enough money to buy a bus ticket and headed to Red Deer.
With no money and no place to stay, he turned to People’s Place for shelter.
“I didn’t have to sleep in the bush or sleep underneath a bridge. I was able
to feel safe,” says Gaudreau. “I never had to worry about not having a roof
over my head. Without their support, I probably would have been
homeless.”
He stayed at the shelter for a few weeks before the Residential Society of
Red Deer (now part of Safe Harbour) found him a room in one of its
transitional residential units. “The rent wasn’t expensive and it was very
easy to speak to the support staff. If you had a problem they would try to do
what they could to help you. I always felt welcome,” says Gaudreau.
With support and motivation from the housing society, he was able to move
out and rent his own apartment after about 18 months. “I just wanted my
independence. They helped me get back on my feet,” he says.
Gaudreau is grateful People’s Place and the residential society were there to
help him through a difficult time in his life.
“I think that people need to know that there are people out there that care
about them, that they’re not just a number,” he says. “I was battling two
problems; a learning disability and an addiction. A lot of people don’t
understand that, but the residential society did. When I needed them, they
were there.”
SHS Annual Report 07–08 13
16. There are so
many people
that want to
get better
and they’re
trying so
hard.
17. Safe Harbour
welcomes new
volunteers. An
application and
informal interview
are part of the
screening process.
Did you know?
Profile: Barb Bevington
Detox Centre Volunteer
H
Her friends sometimes wonder why she volunteers
at the Safe Harbour Society detox centre, but Barb
Bevington has no doubts. “I do it because it’s just
such a rewarding feeling,” says Bevington. “It’s a
great feeling when one of the guests says ‘Thanks
for listening to me.’ It makes me cry.”
Bevington volunteered at People’s Place homeless shelter for three
years and started helping out at the detox centre about 10 months ago.
She makes beds, helps with cleaning and offers comfort and support
to people with drug and alcohol addictions.
“The people are so real. They’re in a bad place, but if you can just give
them a little push in the right direction or a pat on the back, they just
are so appreciative of everything—every moment that you give them,”
she says.
Sometimes guests open up and share their stories with her. Bevington
is there to listen and not to judge. “It helps them because they can see,
yes, people do care,” she says.
Safe Harbour Society has 23 volunteers, but they can always use
more. Bevington encourages people to look past stereotypes about
addicts and the homeless and consider lending a helping hand. They
may be surprised what they discover.
“It’s a great place. The staff is amazing and they’re great to work with.
You think you’d go down there and you’d come home feeling awful.
But I always feel really good when I come home,” says Bevington.
“There are so many people that want to get better and they’re trying
so hard. It’s really hard to describe. Some people think I’m weird
because I feel this way, but it’s an uplifting experience.”
SHS Annual Report 07–08 15
19. W
The shelter
provided over
7,000 mat spaces to
people in need
last year.
Did you know?
Profile: Anita Lewis
Addictions Resource
Consultant
Working on the front lines, Anita Lewis sees first-hand
how her clients struggle with drug and alcohol
addictions. She works the 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. shift at the
Safe Harbour Society’s overnight shelter. It’s a safe
place for people who are high or intoxicated to spend
the night.
“Most of the people we serve really have no family connections left and
they’re pretty much on their own,” says Lewis. “They know this is a safe
place for them to come.”
As an addictions resource consultant, Lewis provides guests with referrals
to community resources, but a big part of her job is just being a good
listener.
“Each guest has their own story and their own reasons for what has
brought them to this point in their life,” notes Lewis. “We meet people
where they’re at, give them comfort and a little bit of dignity back in their
lives.”
Lewis believes it’s important to get to know the guests on a one-on-one
basis.
“I think the key factor is getting to know them as individuals, so you can
get a better understanding of why they are where they are,” she says.
While Lewis sees them struggle, there are times when she sees glimmers
of hope. She also works at the society’s detox centre, where people who
want to get clean go for help.
“The job is emotionally draining but it’s very rewarding as well to see
someone come off the street who is homeless and addicted, go through
detox, get healthy and get into housing,” says Lewis.
SHS Annual Report 07–08 17
21. Smudging is a
cleansing and
purifying ritual
using smoke from
burning dried
sweetgrass.
Participants ask
the Creator for
their mind, body
and spirit to
become strong.
Did you know?
Profile: Lynn Jonasson
Aboriginal Elder
A
As a young man, Lynn Jonasson battled a personal war
against drug and alcohol addictions. Returning to his
cultural roots helped him win his fight. He learned the
traditional ways of his Cree and Icelandic heritage,
taking pride in his family history. He also found guidance
from a respected Aboriginal elder and spiritual teacher.
Today, Jonasson himself is a respected elder in the Red Deer community,
offering cultural and spiritual support to Safe Harbour’s shelter and detox
clients. About 30 to 40 per cent of the society’s clients are Aboriginal, and
Jonasson understands first-hand the struggles many face with drug and
alcohol addictions. Besides providing one-on-one counselling, he holds
regular smudging and sharing circle ceremonies at the detox centre and at
Fort Normandeau, where the Safe Harbour Society recently erected a
community teepee and sweat lodge.
“It’s a safe place where people can go to express their feelings—whether
humour or sadness—through stories or drumming,” says Jonasson. “Lots of
groups come, not only First Nations. It helps them heal—physically,
emotionally and spiritually.”
Activities like the sharing circle and sweats, which are held once a month,
help Aboriginal clients build a cultural connection and learn about their
history. “They’ve never really had a place to go to celebrate their culture,”
notes Jonasson. “It helps them get away from their addictions and be proud
of who they are.”
In the circle, they can share their feelings in an atmosphere of healing and
forgiveness. “No one in the circle is any better or any worse, they’re all
equal,” says Jonasson. “They are children of the creator and the creator
doesn’t judge.”
While Safe Harbour only began offering elder support services last fall,
Jonasson believes it is already making a difference. “You can see the
progress already, of Aboriginal clients wanting to get back to where they
come from,” says Jonasson.
SHS Annual Report 07–08 19
22. We’re here when
they have no
other option
left and they
need a bed for
the night.
23. People’s Place
served 587 guests
last year, including
477 males, 110
females and six
children.
Did you know?
Profile: Linda Lockwood
People’s Place Shelter
Manager
T
The linoleum stairs into the People’s Place
Homeless Shelter are worn but solid. For many,
these unfamiliar stairs are the first steps leading
off the streets or out of a crisis. “We’re the front
end,” says shelter manager Linda Lockwood.
“We’re here for when they first hit that crisis.
When they have no other option left, and they
need a bed for the night.”
Every night the shelter takes in up to 23 people with few choices
left. And vacancies are rare. “We’re turning away seven to 10
people a night,” says Lockwood. “And that need will only increase
with time.” A rising homeless rate, drug use and untreated mental
health issues are all fuelling a demand for beds, explains
Lockwood.
In spite of the wave of problems, Lockwood is optimistic. “We
make a difference here,” she explains. “We want to stop someone
from coming here again. We want to stop that revolving door.”
The shelter’s 14 step-up beds are one way to help reduce repeat
visits. “When someone comes here and they’ve been here 16 times
in the last five years, we can help, but it involves work on their
part. With our step-up beds we sit down and make a plan…
‘What’s going to be different this time?’ Or I’ll say ‘Every day is a
new chance, but here’s what I need you to do.’ It involves work on
their part.”
Many do return, waiting for a roof and a bed, but each success is
measured by a life re-started. In the office at the foot of the stairs,
Lockwood stops to take a message. “That was the mother of a
fellow we had a while back. She was wondering how he’s doing—
he’s alright.”
SHS Annual Report 07–08 21
24. Looking Back
amalgamation
The past year was one of change and growth in our organization. On April 11,
2007, Safe Harbour Society for Addictions and Poverty in Alberta amalgamated
with Central Alberta Housing Society and the Residential Society of Red Deer to
form the new Central Alberta’s Safe Harbour Society for Health and Housing. The
move has allowed us to better serve our clients and to reduce costs.
“It made perfect sense to bring the services of all three agencies together under one
roof,” says Kath Hoffman, executive director of the Safe Harbour Society.
new executive director
Hoffman was named executive director for Safe Harbour Society in May 2008.
She was the residential director of the Safe Harbour Society for Addictions and
Poverty in Alberta since 2004. She has 12 years experience working in the
addictions field in both Red Deer and Drumheller.
a new place to call home
We celebrated the grand opening of our newly renovated 40-bed facility on July 4,
2007. Located at 5246–53 Avenue in downtown Red Deer, it houses our head
office, Aboriginal elder support, our residential services housing team, a detox
centre and overnight emergency shelter. We opened the detox centre with 10 detox
beds and 10 transition beds, which are available for people waiting to get into
housing or residential treatment programs. Due to continued demand for detox
spaces, we changed the ratio to 15 detox beds and five transition beds. We also
have 20 overnight shelter mats for people who are intoxicated or high and in need
of a safe place to spend the night. The growing need for services is one of our on-
going challenges.
housing first program an alberta first
A new program that we’re very excited about is the Housing First program, which
started in November 2007. It is a two-year pilot project providing housing and
support for up to eight individuals who are considered vulnerable and have the
most difficulty accessing regular housing.
mental health services
In the fall of 2007, we were happy to welcome the psychiatric services of Dr. Norm
Costigan. He is volunteering at the shelter/detox centre and provides drop-in
22
New programs, facility make for exciting year
25. To all of the
wonderful staff,
I thank you
from the bottom of
my heart.
-Safe Harbour Client
support to the Housing First program. He also offers resource and educational
support to Safe Habour staff.
aboriginal support services
Safe Harbour Society has received funding from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission (AADAC) so that we can offer Aboriginal support services to
clients. About 30 to 40 per cent of our clients are Aboriginal. An elder provides
support services at the shelter and detox centre a couple days each week. This
spring, thanks to funding from AADAC, our sweat lodge at Fort Normandeau was
also rebuilt and a teepee was erected. Weekly sharing circles and monthly sweats
are held to help connect clients, and the community as a whole, with Aboriginal
culture. The sweat lodge and teepee celebrated their grand opening in May with a
Spring Feast, sharing circle and sweat. More than 150 people attended.
challenges we face
Over the past year we have seen an increased need for services, particularly detox.
Clients are coming not only from Alberta and Canada, but also from around the
world, attracted by the province’s booming economy. We are the only organization
in Central Alberta offering non-medical detox. After detox treatment, it is a six- to
eight-week wait for our clients to get into a residential treatment program. Our
challenge is helping people stay clean while they wait for space at a treatment
program or find another safe place to stay. Transition beds were introduced to
address this issue.
Looking forward
We are excited to continue moving forward on all of the programs and services we
provide. After a year of transition, we will take the next year to settle down,
evaluate our operations and continue with strategic planning for the future.
Our long-term goals include a residential treatment centre to provide a place
where people can go to break the cycle of addiction and return to the community
healthier. “People can get cleaned up in our detox centre, but if they can’t change
anything else in their life, it’s easy for them to fall back into their old habits,” says
Hoffman.
Other future goals include a day shelter and apartments for affordable housing.
We will continue on our journey to create a Safe Harbour, Safe People and Safe
Community.
SHS Annual Report 07–08 23
26. To the members of Central Alberta’s Safe Harbour
Society for Health and Housing,
I have audited the statement of financial position of Central Alberta’s
Safe Harbour Society for Health and Housing as at March 31, 2008,
and the statements of revenues and expenditures, changes in net
assets and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the society’s management. My
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on my audit.
I conducted my audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that I plan and perform
an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.
In my opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material
aspects, the financial position of the society as at March 31, 2008, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended
in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principals.
Garth Pol
Certified General Accountant
Lacombe, Alberta
June 26, 2008
Auditor’s Report on
Financial Statements
24
27. revenues ($)
Government grants 1,700,012
Community grants 174,927
Rental revenue 107,822
Deferred grants 82,279
Donations 69,157
Fundraising 14,401
total revenues 2,148,598
expenses ($)
Salaries and wages 1,344,955
Amortization 98,034
Rental 75,235
Utilities 67,420
Repairs and maintenance 65,188
Food and household expenses 57,351
Interest on long-term debt 56,176
Professional fees 30,598
Insurance 28,793
Office 20,867
Telephone 20,859
Travel 13,355
Other 43,832
total expenses 1,922,663
other income 16,222
excess of revenues
over expenses 209,713
Summarized Statement of
Revenues and Expenses
Year Ended March 31, 2008
1%3%
4%
5%
8%
79%
Government Community grants
Rental revenue Deferred grants
Donations Fundraising
28. assets ($)
CURRENT
•Cash 399,902
•Accounts receivable 123,887
•Goods and services tax recoverable 55,206
•Prepaid expenses 15,364
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 67,645
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 2,901,505
3,563,509
Summarized Statement of
Financial Position
March 31, 2008
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS ($)
CURRENT
•Accounts payable 44,783
•Current portion of long-term debt 1,809
•Wages payable 57,609
•Employee deductions payable 21,353
•Deferred revenue 63,009
•Callable debt due 750,000
LONG-TERM DEBT 70,002
DEFERRED GRANTS 1,778,507
NET ASSETS
•Unrestricted net assets 435,250
•Equity in property and equipment 301,187
•Restricted fund 40,000
3,563,509
26
29. To make your donation to the Central Alberta’s Safe
Harbour Society for Health and Housing, please print
out and complete the form below. Send your cheque
(payable to the Safe Harbour Society) or credit card
information to:
Safe Harbour Society
5246–53 Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 5K2
SHS
This form can also
be faxed to the Safe
Harbour Society at
403-347-7275.
We also accept
donations by
phone. Please call
403-347-0181.
Donor Information:
Title (please circle): Mr. Mrs. Ms. Other:
Name
Address
Province Postal code
Telephone
E-mail address
Credit Card Information:
Type of card (please circle): Visa MasterCard American Express
Cardholder’s name
Signature
Account number Expiry date
Amount of gift:
$10
$20
$50
Other amount
thank you for your support!
Donation Form
30. SHS
Central Alberta’s Safe Harbour
Society for Health and Housing
5246–53 Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta
T4N 5K2
P 403-347-0181
F 403-347-7275
www.safeharboursociety.org
office@safeharboursociety.org
28
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