Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program -

1999 Appeals Report

The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 30, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:

Purpose:

This report presents the recommended allocations from the $20,000.00 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program appeal fund for organizations that made deputations to the June 17, 1999, meeting of the Community Services Committee.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Funding of $651,900.00 for 1999 Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants is available in the approved 1999 Consolidated Grants budget. An amount of $631,900.00 was recommended for allocation to 60 applicants in the May 31, 1999, report to Community Services Committee, leaving an amount of $20,000.00 to respond to appeals.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the appeal fund of $20,000.00 be allocated as recommended in Appendix 1 of this report; and

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference/Background/History:

The Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants program was initiated in 1993 by the former City of Toronto as a result of recommendations made by the Safe City Committee, under the general authority for making grants which is provided in the Municipal Act Section 113(1).

During 1998, the Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants program undertook a service review to identify directions for the program in 1999. The September 16, 1998, report "Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants - 1999 Service Options" summarizes the review and identifies options for the delivery of the program across the new City of Toronto. In 1999, applications were received from organizations throughout the City of Toronto.

The Community Services Committee on June 17, 1999, had before it a report (May 31,1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services recommending the allocation of Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants totalling $631,900.00 to 60 applicants. Twelve organizations appealed the grant recommendations.

In developing recommendations for allocation of the appeal fund, staff reviewed the original recommendations, considered the additional information presented in the deputations as well as direction provided through the recommendations of the Community Services Committee.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Community organizations submitted a total of 108 applications for 1999 Breaking the Cycle of Violence grants. Sixty groups were recommended for support, and 48 were not recommended. Of the 12 groups that appealed the recommendations, 11 had not been recommended for any funds, and one had been recommended for a grant.

Of the 12 groups appealing the grant recommendation, seven had received project funding in 1998, and five are new applicants. Applicants are considered new if they have not received funding in the previous year, although some new applicants have received project support in years prior to 1998. Of the new applicants making appeals, three are organizations outside the City of Toronto that prior to 1998 had not been eligible to apply to the program.

During the appeals, some groups provided information on changes in their program plans and revised their requests for grants to address some specific component of their proposal. In making recommendations for appeals, staff considered the project proposals and the original recommendations as well as the revisions and comments made by groups during the appeals. Consideration was given to the limited ability of the appeal fund to respond to the level of requests, which totalled $213,500.00 for the 12 groups making appeals. Priority was given to applications where the available funds could contribute most effectively to a specific project.

During consideration of the appeals, the Community Services Committee requested that the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services bring together agencies that aim to service unilingual South East Asian and Chinese victims of domestic violence with the purpose of providing grants to projects that aim to break the cycle of violence. Staff will meet with organizations to assist in identifying potential partnerships and co-operative efforts to serve victims of domestic violence in these communities. Staff reviewed the appeal information related to services for these communities, and the recommendations include support to two project initiatives: one for prevention of domestic violence in the Vietnamese community and one for the prevention of child abuse in the Mandarin speaking community.

Five organizations are recommended for grants from the appeal fund of $20,000.00 as identified in Appendix 1 of this report. These recommendations will provide grants to organizations to undertake specific projects directed at media awareness in ethno-specific communities (two projects) and education for children, youth and families (three projects).

These recommendations bring the total of new groups funded to 48 (out of a total of 74 new applicants). Grants are now recommended for 17 returning groups (out of a total of 34 returning applicants).

Conclusion:

The Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program enables a wide variety of community organizations to participate in making Toronto a safer place to live and work and play. Each year, requests exceed the level of support available for viable projects. Based on a review of the original recommendations and the information presented in the appeals, grants totalling $20,000.00 are recommended for five organizations as listed in Appendix 1.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Sue Kaiser, Agency Review Officer

Tel: 397-7302/Fax: 392-8492

skaiser@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca

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Appendix 1

Breaking the Cycle of Violence Grants Program

1999 Appeal Recommendations

19991999 Appeal

Name of Agency1998 Grant Request Recommendation

1.Canadian Centre of Victims of Torture $9,000.00$10,000.00$ 0.00

2.Canadian Organization for the Advancement N/A 52,000.00 4,000.00

of Black Single Mothers

3.Harriet Tubman Community Organization 7,000.00 10,000.00 4,000.00

4.Native Canadian Centre of Toronto 5,000.00 50,000.00 0.00

5.Neighbourhood Information Post 5,600.00 10,000.00 0.00

6.Oromo Canadian Women's Support Group* N/A 10,000.00 0.00

7.Somali Immigrant Women Association N/A 9,500.00 0.00

8.South East Asian Services Centre 0.00 24,500.00 4,000.00

9.Tamil Eelam Society of Canada 9,000.00 10,000.00 0.00

10.Toronto Christian Resource Centre 6,500.00 8,000.00 4,000.00

11.University Settlement Recreation Centre 3,000.00 10,000.00 0.00

12.Vietnamese Youth and Women's Centre N/A 9,500.00 4,000.00

$45,100.00 $213,500.00 $20,000.00

N/A- Did not apply.

0.00 - No grant recommended.

* This group was recommended for a 1999 grant in the March 31, 1999, allocation report.

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Appendix 2

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

1999 Appeals: Project Request Summary and Comments

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture - (Item No. 11)

Project: Violence Against Women: The Unspoken Pain:

The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture provides counselling and support to survivors of torture who are immigrants/refugees in the City of Toronto. The proposed project is designed to create family violence awareness among new Canadians. The project will educate and inform women survivors of torture in their own language through group sessions. The project will incorporate guest speakers and art therapy.

Comments: During the appeals, the organization reiterated the need for the project activities and the success of the proposed activities in assisting women who are victims of torture, war and violence. This organization has received five Breaking the Cycle of Violence project grants since 1993. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.

Canadian Organization for the Advancement of Black Single Mothers (COABSM) -

(Item No. 20)

Project: Building Bridges Towards a Safer Community:

The Canadian Organization for the Advancement of Black Single Mothers offers social programs, boys and girls soccer club, a family support group and a supplementary food program. The proposed project will develop innovative safety tools through weekly interactive group discussions. The project will also include workshops such as anger management and positive parenting training. Partnerships will be built with business, labour, government, banks, hospitals, churches, public/private sector and, other community agencies.

Comments: During the appeals, the applicant reiterated the need for the project activities, and indicated that a smaller grant would assist the group in developing its capacity to support violence prevention activities with mother-led families in the Jane/Finch neighbourhood. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the group in providing violence prevention activities and developing its leadership and organizational skills. Release of the grant is conditional on the group providing a trustee agreement with a suitable organization.

Harriet Tubman Community Organization - (Item No. 44)

Project: Save Our Youth:

The Harriet Tubman Community Organization serves at-risk youth in the African Canadian community. The proposed project will develop a strategy for prevention of violence by involving youth in learning and leadership opportunities. The project will reach out to agencies and organizations across the City to build partnerships and serve at-risk youth.

Comments: During the appeals, the group reiterated the need for the project and identified its priority for activities with young people through the Positive Rap Coalition. The group identified that a smaller grant would enable them to focus on developing youth leadership and peer outreach on the issues of violence for young black youth. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization with youth leadership activities and peer outreach.

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto - (Item No. 56)

Project: Seventh Generation Gathering Lodge:

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto serves the community with cultural activities, community development, men's, women's and children's circles, visiting elders program and services to seniors. The proposed project is an expansion of a previously funded, volunteer-led circle focussed on healing and abuse issues. The teachings will emphasize traditional concepts of respect for women and children and the violence that has effected the First Nations people. Teachings will be open to the public, but people of the First Nations will specifically be targeted.

Comments: The appeal meeting received information from the group about the need for the project in the community, the success of the previous year's activities and the fact that a smaller grant would assist them in meeting their goals. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended. The organization is encouraged to seek out other sources of funds for its ongoing program activities.

Neighbourhood Information Post - (Item No. 59)

Project: Building a Violence-Free Life:

This project proposes to establish a multi-cultural youth support group for female youth (15 youths aged 16-24). The focus of the group is to stop the violence in the lives of youth through education, creative expression and community participation. Partnerships and sharing of resources have been established and outlined.

Comments: During the appeal meeting, the organization reiterated the need for the project and identified the specific activities to be undertaken for youth. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.

Oromo Canadian Women Association in Ontario - (Item No. 65)

Project: Prevention of Domestic Violence Project:

The Oromo Canadian Women's Association assists Oromo women to settle in Canada, and provides support for women to participate in social and economic life. The proposed project is designed to educate Oromo women, men, and youth on the causes and consequences of domestic violence. Approaches will include printed materials, workshops, discussion forums and the establishment of peer support groups for women. The goal of the project is to prevent or minimize domestic violence in the Oromo community.

 Comments: The appeal meeting received information from the group about the high level of need for the project in the community, and a request that additional funds be provided beyond the amount of $4,000.00 recommended in the May 31, 1999, allocations report. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no additional funds are recommended. The group is encouraged to develop a plan for increasing services that incorporates other community resources. Staff will be available to assist the group.

SIWA - Somali Immigrant Women's Association - (Item No. 77)

Project: Dixon Community Safety:

Somali Immigrant Women's Association provides support to Somali women and children to adjust to life in Canada, including information and referral, peer counselling, community workshops, youth leadership and support in dealing with community resources and institutions. Its primary target areas are the former municipalities of North York, York and Etobicoke. This project will provide opportunities for the Somali community in the Dixon Road area to develop capacity for problem solving and reducing conflict on a community-wide basis. Activities will include leadership training for youth, a summer camp, a drop in for women and elders, as well as meetings with police, schools and building management to discuss opportunities for reducing isolation and increasing safe activities for youth.

Comments: During the appeal meeting, this group reiterated the need for violence prevention initiatives in the community, and the proposed project activities. This is an ambitious project, and the applicant is encouraged to seek out additional partners in developing the activities. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.

South East Asian Services Centre (SEAS) - (Item No. 80)

Project: Better Future:

South East Asian Services Centre provides many services to create adaptation, independence, and participation of South East Asians in Canada. The proposed project will focus on a parenting program and child abuse prevention education. Activities will include a media-based education campaign, community events and a child abuse prevention/intervention hot line service. Among other things, this project aims at increasing awareness, reducing child abuse, and increasing the accessibility of services to the Mandarin-speaking community.

Comments: During the appeal meeting, the applicant reiterated the need for the project activities and indicated that some new resources had been secured through the Children's Aid Society Foundation. The group also indicated that a smaller grant would assist the project in reaching additional isolated community members through media outreach to raising community awareness of child abuse issues in the Mandarin speaking community. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization in media outreach for prevention of child abuse.

Tamil Eelam Society of Canada (TESOC) - (Item No. 87)

Project: Breaking the Cycle of Violence - Seminars and Dramas:

The Tamil Eelam Society of Canada caters to the needs of all ethnic communities by facilitating their integration into the mainstream of Canadian society. The project is divided into two parts: (1) a two day conference on violence against women; and (2) a radio drama. The conference will focus on issues such as legal rights, sponsorship breakdown, accessing social assistance, and women from war torn countries. The radio drama will consist of a drama on "Violence against Women" in order to educate men and women in the community with the help of volunteers.

Comments: During the appeals, the organization reiterated the significant need in the community, the work that had been done in previous years, and indicated that a smaller grant would assist in undertaking the proposed work. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended.

Toronto Christian Resource Centre - (Item No. 90)

Project: A Home for Creative Opportunity - Respect Project:

Toronto Christian Resource Centre is a multiservice centre serving Regent Park. Home for Creative Opportunity is a program for youth and adults that provides an open, supportive environment where the arts are used to foster creative thinking, self reliance and entrepreneurship. The RESPECT project aims to reduce and prevent violence in the Regent Park community by providing a safe, preventative, and creative studio and arts program for children, youth and adults. Activities include workshops for volunteers, staff and participants in conflict management, staff consultations with conflict resolution specialists for solving problems, and support for participants in dealing with difficult issues through art therapy.

Comments: During the appeals the organization reiterated the need for the project, and identified that a smaller grant would assist the organization in running the project at a reduced level. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization in providing conflict resolution support to participants, staff and volunteers.

University Settlement Recreation Centre - (Item No. 95)

Project: Building the Healing Circle for Survivors of Family Violence in the Chinese and Vietnamese Community:

The University Settlement Recreation Centre serves West Central downtown community of Toronto. The proposed project is designed for isolated, vulnerable Chinese and Vietnamese women who are victims of family violence. Volunteers will be recruited to provide support to women, while they are attending the pre-employment and life skills training. Public education on family abuse and outreach to members of this target group will also be provided.

Comments: During the appeals, the organization reiterated the need for the project activities and the success of the project in previous years. In light of the many demands on the grant funds, this request was given lower priority and no grant is recommended. The organization is encouraged to explore ways of incorporating the identified supports for abused women into their ongoing programs.

Vietnamese Youth and Women's Centre of Toronto - (Item No. 98)

Project: Breaking the Cycle of Violence:

Within the Vietnamese community this organization promotes friendship and a healthy lifestyle, helps Vietnamese people adjust to life in Canada, and aims to increase public awareness of Vietnamese cultural heritage and traditions. The proposed project consists of four workshops to raise awareness about family violence, a 24 hour hot-line, a video for the purpose of raising violence awareness for distribution to various Vietnamese community associations and addressing the awareness of violence through Vietnamese community radio stations and community newspapers.

Comments: During the appeal process the applicant reiterated the need for the project activities and identified barriers that assaulted Vietnamese women face in seeking assistance. A grant of $4,000.00 is recommended to assist the organization in undertaking community education activities. The organization is encouraged to continue its efforts to develop a co-operative service model in the community.