2011-2012Annual Report

Celebrating 30 Years of Helping People with Disabilities

Achieve Independence!

A Message from the President and Executive Director ................................ 3

Programs At A Glance: Attendant Services .................................................... 4

Programs At A Glance: Access and Awareness ............................................... 5

Our Success Stories: Myrna & Nicholas ...................................................... 6

30 Years of Milestones: An ILCWR Timeline ................................................... 7

Summary of Revenues and Expenditures ..................... 8

Milestone Staff & Volunteers ...................................... 9

Special Thanks to All ILCWR Supporters .....................10

Board of Directors & Staff Listing ...............................11

Vision

Together, Freedom Through Access and Choice

Mission

To support persons with disabilities by:

• Facilitating individual growth towards greater independence

• Creating opportunities to make informed choices

• Assisting in the removal of barriers to full participation in the community

• Improving the capacity of caregivers to assist and support them

• Helping to increase the community’s acceptance and integration of them

ILCWR staff attend the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the accessible entrance at the

agency’s Marsland Drive office in 1990.

• Justice • Dignity • Teamwork • • Respect • Welcoming •

Table of Contents

Recipients of ILCWR’s Independent Living Awards pose with sponsors

at the 2002 Ceremony.

Members of the ILC Family prepare for dinner at the 25th Anniversary Gala in 2007.

From left to right: Roy Steckley, Bea Steckley, Dianne Boston-Nyp, Joan Schooley, Ruth Ann Carter.

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A Message from the President and Executive Director

Whether for an individual or for an entire organization, turning 30 presents a unique opportunity to reminisce about the past, while focusing intently upon the future. This coming December, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region celebrates its 30th Anniversary—three decades of success helping people with disabilities achieve independence in our community. It is a big milestone, and one that inspires us to look to the future in addition to commemorating the past.

Throughout this year’s Annual Report, readers will notice a number of old photographs populating its pages, unearthed from our archives to provide a glimpse of ILCWR activities through the ages. We are also pleased to include a visual timeline on Page Seven, outlining significant moments in the history of the organization including the initial launch of programs still proudly offered today. This past year, these very programs helped almost 700 people with disabilities to live more independently in Waterloo Region, and our educational presentations informed over 3,800 community members about how to remove barriers to accessibility.

While much of our programming depends on the investments of our generous supporters listed on Page 10, it is particularly significant that this year, ILCWR received accreditation as a member of Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program. This is just one of the ways the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region demonstrates its commitment to fiscal accountability and transparency, along with the agency’s full financial summary available on Page Eight.

It is, of course, impossible to look back at the good work we have done in the past without also looking toward the successes of the future. As a major in-home healthcare provider in our community, ILCWR is working closely with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network to put the health of Waterloo Region’s residents first. This ongoing partnership requires us to be adaptive and resilient as the methods of delivering community supports shift to meet demand as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Luckily, resilience is part of ILCWR’s organizational history, dating back to the organization’s establishment in 1982, and enduring throughout the systemic transforma-tions of the past three decades. We look forward to continuing our exceptional, consumer-directed service delivery in the decades to come, and using our Strategic Planning sessions this coming fall to lay the groundwork for our future accomplishments.

Taposhi Batabyal, President

Bil Smith, Executive Director

Attendant ServicesFor 30 years, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region has designed and implemented innovative and philosophically unique programs to help people with dis-abilities to live independently in our community. By offering consumer-directed attendant services to assist our consumers with the activities of daily living at home, work or school, ILCWR assisted 230 individuals with physical disabilities this year with living full and fulfilling lives in Waterloo Region. Over 200 attendants assist people with tasks like personal care, meal preparation and light housekeeping, so that our consumers can focus on their larger goals and ambitions.

Outreach

Each day in Waterloo Region, ILCWR’s attendant staff members are busy providing consumer-directed services in the homes, workplaces and educational institutions of our consumers with physical disabilities. In an average week, ILCWR attendants deliver over 2,200 hours of service to 195 consumers in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the Townships. Not only do these services reduce hospital visits and long-term care admissions, but they also improve lives by making it possible for our consumers to stay in their own homes and neighbourhoods. That’s just one of the reasons why this year, the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network increased their annual base investment in the program by $575,000. It is simply a better way to create independent lives, diverse communities, and a fiscally responsible healthcare system.

Assisted Living

Home means many things to different people. It is a place to feel comfortable and safe. It is an access point to a larger neighbourhood and community. It is a place to host your family and friends. And it is a corner of the world to call your own. ILCWR’s 35 accessible Assisted Living units, spread throughout Waterloo Region, give people the opportunity to make their own homes, with 24-hour, consumer-directed support. The result? More independent lifestyles, lived by consumers who can enjoy the comfort and privacy of their own homes, and participate fully in their surrounding community.

Executive Director Bil Smith presents a plaque to Darlene O’Brien, ILCWR’s first staff member

to celebrate 25 years with the organization, at the 2010 Christmas Open House.

Programs at a Glance

“Personal care attendants and home care workers act as a lifeline for many of us

struggling to keep our most precious ones out of an institution.”

– Linda, spouse of ILCWR Consumer

“I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent services that Independent Living

Centre of Waterloo Region provides…the support I receive and the way that my

independence is nurtured and valued truly enhances my lifestyle.”

– Sharon, ILCWR Consumer

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Programs at a Glance

Access and Awareness

Our Access and Awareness Programs, formerly Community Support Services, provide access to information, resourc-es, skill-building and networking opportunities for people with any disability, and awareness of the value of difference and the importance of accessibility in our larger community. Here’s how Access and Awareness turns its name into action:

Information & Referral: Available in-person or by phone or e-mail, Information & Referral connects people with disabilities, their families and community members with resources and ser-vices related to disability and accessibility concerns.

Peer Resource: Connects people with disabilities to a support network of individuals and organizations through workshops, social events and personal introductions to help with the navigation of community services and pursuit of personal goals

Individual Advocacy: One-on-one meetings which build skills and provide access to resources in order to help people with disabilities become advocates for themselves, and improve their experience of the community.

Public Awareness & Education: Breaks down attitudinal barriers and increases the integration of our neighbours with disabilities by educating private-sector businesses, public-sector organizations, children and community members on issues related to disability and accessibility. Through Kids on the Block puppet shows for children and Beyond Barriers presentations for adults, Public Awareness & Education creates a more welcoming community for all.

Direct Funding: Provides financial resources to increase the independence of individuals with disabilities by enabling them to become employers of their own attendants and build management and organizational skills along the way.

Youth in Transition: Offers young people ages 15-25 the opportunity to develop important skills for an independent lifestyle. Group members plan their own weekly get-togethers and hold discussions, invite informational speakers, socialize and prepare meals in a fun and supportive environment.

Tournament of Hope: Celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2012, the annual Tournament of Hope Golf Classic raises funds to help with the purchase of assistive devices for individuals and families who need it most.

Access Fund: An application-based initiative which provides donated funds to people with disabilities requiring financial assistance with the purchase of costly equipment and assistive devices.

“Thank you for being part of the community and helping to meet the needs of people like

me. It means a great deal!”- Karen, Access and Awareness Consumer

Balcony Gardening

Kids On the Block Puppets

Youth In Transition

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Assisted Living Program: yrna’s StoryM In January, 2007, Myrna made a move to one of the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region’s Assisted Living Projects—and she hasn’t looked back since. “It makes me feel more like myself,” Myrna says of her independent lifestyle. “I was always independent and had my fingers in so many pies, and since I moved in here I’m able to continue to do that. I love it.” Myrna has thrived over the last five and a half years, but independent living wasn’t always the norm for her. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997, Myrna sold her home and moved in with her daughter in 2002. Three years later, she decided to move out of her daughter’s home in order to give her more space to focus on her young family. However, the only environment that met her needs at the time was a single-room suite in a retirement community. While Myrna had indeed retired from a long and diverse career at Conestoga College, she was far too young to be living where she was—especially for two years. Aside from being immensely expensive, daily life in the retirement community was also not ideal. “I’m used to showering every day, and having a bath in the evening,” Myrna mentions as an example. While

living in the retirement community, she was permitted to shower only once per week, and had no control over what she could eat and when. But as luck would have it, Myrna got a call in late 2006 to tell her that one of ILCWR’s Assisted Living apartments had

become available. And the rest, as they say, is history. “It’s nice to be in with other people my age,” Myrna says. And having the additional space provided by her apartment gives her more room for working on jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and hosting friends and family who visit almost daily, including her grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

It’s clear that, for Myrna, independent living is the best fit possible. “I get to choose what I’m going to eat myself, I plan my own meals, and I’m able to have some of my antiques around me, which feels good,” she says thoughtfully. “It’s like having…a warm hug.”

The Tournament of Hope: icholas’ StoryN When asked to describe her son Nicholas, Donna Lesniak starts with the basics. He’s eight years old, loves being around other kids, and adores Thomas the Tank Engine. But then she throws in one last tidbit about her son that really paints a vivid picture of him: “He is the most courageous, bravest little boy I have ever met in my whole life.” Years ago, Nicholas was diagnosed with Battens Disease, a condition which affects his mobility and can cause frequent seizures. “We didn’t want him to be stuck in a hospital bed in a sepa-rate room,” Donna explains. The Lesniaks eventually learned about the CareFoam chair, a special chaise-lounge with sides that would allow Nicky to lie down safely, permit his parents to provide his care, and fit nicely in the living room to continue the family’s tradition of spending time together. It was almost a perfect solution, except for one detail. “It’s very expensive,” sighs Donna. “There’s no way we would have been able to afford it on our own.” Luckily, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region was able to offer help through its Tournament of

Hope Golf Classic. After receiving funds raised by the local Kiwanis Club, the CareFoam chair was almost within reach—but it was the ILCWR funding that brought

the chair to the Lesniaks’ door. “We were amazed,” Donna says candidly. “It just fills my heart that so many people out there would give their time and money to help my son. As a parent of a child with special needs, you think

a lot of the time that you’re alone—this makes you feel like you have a family around you that loves your son as much as you do.” Now, Nicky spends lots of time in safety and comfort in his CareFoam chair—something Donna and Rob appreciate immensely. “I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough times,” Donna says. “This chair is going to mean better quality and longer life for him. It really does change your life.”

“I was always independent and had my fingers in so many pies,

and since I moved in here I’m able to continue to do that. I love it.”

“This chair is going to mean better quality and

longer life for him. It really does change

your life.”

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Years of Milesones An ILCWR Timeline

The Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region is founded as an initiative of Mennonite Central Committee, paving the way for 26 additional Independent Living Centres to establish themselves in communities across Canada over the years to come.

• 1982

The Mooregate Assisted Living Project opens in Kitchener when inaugural tenant Wayne Beauvais moves in.

• 1983The Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region is incorporated, establishing it as a separate entity from Mennonite Central Committee.

• 1987

The Shamrock Co-op Assisted Living Project opens, after being designed and built from the ground up to be fully accessible and visitable by individuals using mobility devices.

• 1990

The first ACCESS Tradeshow is held at the Waterloo Inn, starting a tradition of bi-annual Access shows exhibiting acces-sible products and services for people with disabilities and their families. The ACCESS series, held at the Kitchener Auditorium after 1990, continued until 1998 and was revitalized in 2010.

• 1990

Staff and Volunteers at Access 1992

Albert Street Project’s Annual Barbeque

The Albert Street Assisted Living Project opens its doors, providing around-the-clock attendant services in close proximity to Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo.

• 1996

The Kiwanis Assisted Living Project opens in Cambridge, establishing ILCWR’s presence in each of Waterloo Region’s tri-cities.

• 1998

ILCWR hosts the first Independent Living Awards ceremony, recognizing individuals, businesses, organizations and structures contributing to accessibility in the area.

• 1999

Independent Living Awards, 2004

With renovations complete, ILCWR moves into its current Head Office on Victoria Street South.

• 2004

ILCWR celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a Gala at Kitchener’s Holiday Inn.

• 2007 Members of the ILCWR family arrive for the 25th Anniversary Gala. Left to Right:

Sue Morgan, Dianne Boston-Nyp, Lori Price, Paula Saunders, Marg Ertel

The Outreach Program, founded in 1985, receives a 20% expansion in funding, allowing ILCWR to provide attendant services to an additional 35 consumers every day in Waterloo Region.

• 2009Joan Williams, pictured celebrating her 20th Anniversary with the orga-nization, retired in 2012 after two decades as an Outreach attendant.In its 14th year, the

Tournament of Hope becomes a program of ILCWR.

• 2011

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Summary of Revenues and ExpendituresREVENUES

Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network $5,745,391Independent Living Canada 53,478Centre for Independent Living Toronto (C.I.L.T.) 100,160United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo 41,300Fees for Service 288,419Donations, Interest, Miscellaneous & Other Grants 82,209 _________TOTAL REVENUES $6,310,957

EXPENDITURES

Outreach $3,127,528Supportive Housing 2,157,856Access and Awareness 217,458Administration 748,790Capital Expenditures 7,349Fundraising Costs 2,768Depreciation* 28,633 _________TOTAL EXENDITURES $6,290,382

SURPLUS $20,575

* Depreciation is a non-cash expenditure used to depreciate capital assets on the balance sheet.

STATISTICS

PROGRAM SERVICE LEVELSAccess and Awareness 448 contacts (Information and Referral, Peer Support, Individual Advocacy)

Public Awareness & EducationKids on the Block ..................... 60 shows, 3073 participantsBeyond Barriers ......................... 19 shows, 808 participantsYouth In Transition ......2 x 12 week sessions, 16 participants

Attendant ServicesOutreach ........................... 195 consumers 119,139 hoursSupportive Housing ..................35 consumers 12,992 days

SOURCE OF FUNDS

Donations, Interest,Miscellaneous &

Grants 1%

Fees for Service 5%

United Way of KW 1%

Centre for Independent Living Toronto

2%

Independent Living Canada

1%

Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network

90%USE OF FUNDS

Outreach50%

SupportiveHousing

34%

CommunitySupport Services

4%

Administration12% Depreciation

1%

SOURCE OF FUNDS

USE OF FUNDS

“ILC should be very proud of themselves for all the good work they have provided to all the consumers in the K-W area.” – Jean, ILCWR

Consumer

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Milestone Staff~ 5 Years ~Marilyn McCaffreyLucia DutraDesiree HalloranFlorence ThatcherGabriel RodriguezSandra DombroskiePam MeranteJean BarronElaine ClarkeMonika McKenzieErin LegarySarah SouthcottNancy Acheson

~ 10 Years ~Deborah MyreDiane LiretteAngela KornJosie WallAlice JaurysAnnette AdamsPriscilla Byfield- MoultonK. Joanne BeaudrySue Hofstetter

~ 15 Years ~Julie MercerAngela Evans- GalwayDeborah McMasterCindy GuyDarlene ShyhinskyjCorey Schmidt

~ 20 Years ~Nicky RodriguezCathy DoerbeckerBeverley WalkerJoan WilliamsLinda Cully

~ 25 Years ~Jalea McPhersonJeff McBrideShawn Stranberg

Members of the ILCWR family

celebrate staff milestones at

ILCWR’s annual Christmas Open

House.

VolunteersKen AllenSue AllenAnnie ArissTaposhi BatabyalJudy BruynGerard CarmichaelFran ChartrandElysia CloetMarla DeBruynKeena DorionJames Downham Patti DukeEltag ElkhalifaDonna FarrowAnthony FickDianna Fong-LeeSharron GarrahJustin GautreauJames HunsbergerJosh Kortleve Barra LalandeAshleigh LatimerMary Leveck

Joan MazzantiGwen McAlisterLaurie ModdermanGreg MooreSue MorganPeter MusselmanPeter NausRonnie NelsonMerle O’SullivanLori PriceCarina RampeltLiz ReussKathy SargesonMary Ellen SlykhuisInnez SniderPeter SnowCarmen SutherlandElizabeth TemplinGwen ThrowerJanet ValentineDawud Wharnsby-

Ali

The 2007-08 Board of Directors, which served during the agency’s

25th Anniversary.

“ I love the work we do. Helping to keep people independent is a very worthwhile calling. I love the people I work with.” -ILCWR Attendant

“ ILC has let me keep my life.” –Patti, ILCWR Consumer

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to All ILCWR Supporters

pecialShanksT

Ronald AhrensJanet AllemangTaposhi BatabyalAden BaumanBeechwood Co-operative HomesDavid BennettBill BlakeAndrea BoehmKlaus & Dianne BorchAssunta BorgheseDianne Boston-NypSuzanne BourqueCheryl BoydSusan BraunSteven & Sandra BrimeElizabeth (Betty) BrownRon & Loretta BurkeCambridge Highlands Lions ClubMary CameronGrant CampbellGary Chard Bob & Karen DekkerJulie DreisingerLeslie DuffyPatti DukeBetty EbyEltag ElkhalifaJohn & Debby ElliottEd & Norilynn EppJames ErbErnst & YoungEmily FinneyDianna Fong-LeeDavid & Shirley GellnerRobertson & Marlene GibbonsFrances GirodatJacqueline GoodGordon Linkletter Family FundMary Karen GosselinkPaul & Heidi GottfriedAngelo GrahamRobert & Lorie GrantCathy Gregory

Patti GutscherJanet Harding-CurleyBrock Hart Marilyn HenryKim HopperIntegratis Benefit Solutions IncJeannette JespersenPatricia JonesFred KinsieEileen KrampienJames & Shelley KropfLeslie KunertLadies of Redeemer ChurchDave LaneJudy LeishmanDon & Sharon LidstoneBrian LynchRod MacKayBob & Doreen MarshallRick & Nancy MartinMay Court Club of Kitchener WaterlooMBA Consulting Inc.John McBrideDonna McClellanMartin & Sandra McVannelMennonite Savings and Credit UnionRoy MillingtonJadranka MocevicLaurie ModdermanBarbara MooreSue MorganMarion MorrisonLewis & Idella NafzigerPeter & Anke NausJohn & Ruth OaksPaul OgramOptimist Club of Twin Cities Waterloo RegionWinfred & Phyllis OswaldMargaret Anne PattersonRosalind A. PettWilliam PlauntzPreceptor Beta Rho

Lynelle PurdyAudrey ReitzelEmil & Anne Rose RektorJames & Donna RobinsonEmily RobsonAngela RollemanSylvia RoordaAnnette RouseRaymond & Norma RubyWinifred SandersJean SchaafPatricia SchreiterMary ScottJean ShantzWalter SidlerNatalie SilvanovichBill SkellyGerald SlemkoDaryl SmithJim & Ruth SnelgroveClare SniderRuthanne SniderSt. Andrew’s Presbyterian ChurchSt. Jacob’s Printery

Warren & Martha StauchRoy & Bea SteckleyPaul & Barb StumpfDavid SutherlandElizabeth TemplinKen & Mary ThomasToyota Motor Manufacturing IncJanet ValentineMike VollHeather WagnerPaul & Jean WagnerBeverley WalkerWaterloo & Halton Re-gions Elks & Royal Purple LodgeRobert WebbWendy WeinbergBeth WhittleFred WiensJoan WilliamsStephen WoodworthDerek WrightHilda Ziegler

Tournament of Hope participants enjoy a sunny day on the green at the 2011 Golf Classic.

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2011 - 2012 Board of DirectorsThe operations of the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region

are guided by its Board of Directors, a group of ILCWR consumers and community members who determine the philosophical direction of the organization

and monitor its effectiveness using a policy governance model.

ILCWR’s first Head Office, which opened in 1982 at Erb Street Mennonite Church in Waterloo.

Taposhi Batabyal, PresidentGreg Moore, Vice PresidentJudy BruynMarla DebruynPatti DukeEltag ElkhalifaDianna Fong-LeeJames HunsbergerSue MorganPeter NausElizabeth TemplinJanet Valentine

Head Office Staff Listing

Staff members Sandra Isaac and Tracy Spencer

stand in the newly renovated, and eventually award-winning

ILCWR Head Office on Victoria St. S.

Executive Director .....................................Bil SmithDirector of Business Services ......................Angela KornDirector of Human Resources .....................Laura SparksEmployee Health Coordinator .....................Christina ChurchillHuman Resources Coordinator ...................Doug BoucherFinance Coordinator ..................................Tracy SpencerExec utive Assistant and

Community Relations Coordinator ........Andrew PosenReception and Information & Referral .........Jim Ducharme

Director of Access and Awareness ..............Paula SaundersPubli c Awareness and

Education Coordinator ........................Andrena Lockley-BrownPeer Resource and Advocacy Coordinator .........................Dan LajoieDirect Funding Coordinator ........................Lorene Collingwood

Director of Service .....................................Daryl NancekivellOutr each and

In-Home Respite Supervisor ................Cindy GuyOutreach Supervisor ..................................Sandy StaufferOutreach Supervisor ..................................Lise HancockMooregate Supervisor ................................Allan RussellShamrock Supervisor .................................Cathy DoerbeckerKiwanis Supervisor ....................................Jacqueline DoummarProgram Support .......................................Heather MarshProgram Support .......................................Leanne Schade

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Twitter: @ILCWRFacebook: www.facebook.com/ilcwrYouTube: www.youtube.com/ilcwr

Charitable #10750 5356 RR0001

This report can be made available in alternate formats, please contact the ILCWR office.

Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region127 Victoria Street South, Suite 201, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2B4

Phone: 519 571-6788TTY: 519 571-7590Fax: 519 571-6388E-mail: info@ilcwr.org Website: www.ilcwr.org

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