Community Services Grants - 1998 Allocations and Appeals

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation in the following transmittal letter (June 11, 1998) from the Municipal Grants Review Committee:

Recommendation:

The Municipal Grants Review Committee on June 11, 1998, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, the adoption of the attached reports (May 20 and June 9, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services respecting the Community Services Grants Program - 1998 Allocations and Appeals, subject to amending the condition (24) in the June 9, 1998, appeals report respecting Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies (416 Drop-In Centre) (Grant No. 171) by deleting the last sentence of such condition and inserting in lieu thereof the following sentence:

"The referral system needs to be completed by August 14, 1998, and should this not occur, staff be requested to report back to the Municipal Grants Review Committee.".

 The Municipal Grants Review Committee reports, for the information of the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, having received communications from the following in connection with their grants appeals:

(a)(June 5, 1998) from Mr. Ali-Siraj Ali, Public Relations Officer, United Oromo Canadian Society of Canada (Grant No. 415); and

(b)(June 8, 1998) from Ms. Kathryn Seymour, Chair, Open Door Centre Board of Directors (Grant No. 284).

Councillor Jones, at the meeting of the Municipal Grants Review Committee on June 11, 1998, declared her interest in those portions of the 1998 Community Services Grants Program allocations pertaining to the Etobicoke Crime Prevention Association (Grant No. 149), and Thistletown Community Services Unit (Grant No. 383), in that her husband has prepared audited statements for such organizations.

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(Report dated May 20, 1998, addressed to the Municipal Grants Review Committee from theCommissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services)

Purpose:

This report presents the recommended allocations for 433 agencies which have applied for municipal support under the Community Service Grants Program (C.S.G.P.). Of the 433 agencies that applied for grants, 386 have been recommended for funding.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Sufficient funds for the 1998 C.S.G.P. allocations exist in the Community Services Grants Programs component of the Corporate Grants appropriation. A line item grant to Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre included in the Corporate Grants appropriation is also addressed in this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the attached 1998 Community Services Grants Program allocations totalling $11,947,891.00 for 386 agencies, described in Appendices A, B, and C be approved;

(2)an amount of $264,509.00 be allocated in September 1998 for Emergency Support Fund winter allocations;

(3)the special allocation of up to $28,000.00 to Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre by the former City of Toronto be granted in 1998, pending the conditions noted in Appendix "C"; and

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

Council Reference/Background/History:

Under the general authority for making municipal grants provided in Section 113 (1) of the Municipal Act, all of the former municipalities provided support to the not-for-profit sector through community service grants. The 1998 Community Service Grants Program, represents a combination of ten existing grants programs provided by the seven former municipalities as the primary means of municipal support for community-based agencies.

This report provides the recommended agency allocations for approval in the following former ten programs: East York Community Grants ($32,800.00), Etobicoke Community Service and Development Grants ($298,700.00), Metro Community Resources Fund ($8,292,900.00), Metro Emergency Support Fund ($1,200,000.00), Metro Special Projects Grants ($689,100.00), North York General and Sustaining Grants ($436,600.00), Scarborough Grants to Organizations ($266,800.00), Toronto General Grants ($676,800.00), and York Community Services Grants ($330,700.00).

While there is some variation in the policies and criteria, most community service grants programs have emphasized the following: disadvantaged and/or under-served communities; proposals to address gaps in service; small and medium sized organizations; and requests consistent with the municipality's mission and goals. In addition, some of the former municipalities favoured innovative and/or preventative approaches to service delivery.

This report includes detailed allocation recommendations for each applicant in Appendix C. The majority of returning agencies received funding from two or more of the former funding programs noted above (through the 1998 review process staff have determined that there has not been a duplication of funding under the former programs). Because requests were reviewed under a number of different sets of criteria, this report specifies what portion of agencies' total recommended allocations has been allocated under which particular criteria. This approach was necessary in order to maintain the stability of funding for agencies through this transition year. The reporting format in future years will be revised based on the directions set in the new Municipal Grants Policy.

Some former municipalities made additional funds available to organizations in need of urgent assistance as a result of unforeseeable circumstances outside the regular review cycle. Such emergency funding has not been included as part of the 1998 Community Service Grants Program process or budget.

The attached appendices provide more information on the grant recommendations to agencies: Appendix A - grant requests and recommendations by agency; Appendix B - recommendations to Aboriginal and ethno-specific and multi-ethnic agencies; and Appendix C - detailed summary of each applicant.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Grants Administration:

The overall approach to the grants review and allocations processes in 1998, as outlined in the "Administration of Municipal Grants" report approved by Council on February 4, 5, and 6, 1998, has been to undertake a simplified review process, provide flatline allocations to returning agencies that do not have identified performance issues, and to consider new applicants using funds made available by non returning agencies or those with reduced allocations. The priority for staff has been to manage the amalgamation of ten previous programs and, at the same time, work to simplify the 1998 allocations process and minimize any negative impact on funded agencies.

Although redistribution of grants funds was a priority under the largest of the existing programs, the Community Resources Fund, staff have not attempted to undertake redistribution in the 1998 transition year. Any funds made available through attrition within the program have been recommended to new applicants. This reflects the importance of open access to municipal grants programs as identified in the "Administration of Municipal Grants" report.

The allocations processes of the various service areas, including the Community Services Grant Program, have been co-ordinated through an inter-departmental Grants Managers' Workgroup. There are a number of areas of crossover between the C.S.G.P. and other services areas. Staff have co-ordinated to ensure that the same activity is not funded twice, although there will be groups funded by two or more service areas. These situations will be addressed through the new Municipal Grants Policy.

1998 Budget:

The total amount approved in the 1998 Community Service Grants Program (C.S.G.P.) budget is $12,252,400.00. The C.S.G.P. budget reflects the amalgamated budgets of the former grant programs noted above and the $28,000.00 line item grant to the Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre.

An amount of $40,000.00 has been set aside for appeals. Agencies have been notified in writing about the appeals process and the availability of funds.

On February 4, 5 and 6, 1998, Council approved a policy to provide advance payments to agencies in receipt of sustaining funding from the former municipalities, on the condition that specific criteria were met by the agencies. To date, 131 previously funded agencies have received advance payments totalling $2,542,658.00.

Application and Assessment Process:

Overall, 433 agencies requested $17,514,177.00 under the 1998 Community Service Grants Program. This includes 379 previously funded agencies and 54 new applicants. Eighteen agencies funded in 1997 did not reapply for funding in 1998.

In 1998, a common application package was used for all applicants to the C.S.G.P. Grant applications already issued for 1998 funding by the former municipalities were deemed to be 1998 applications to the new City of Toronto. In some cases, agencies may have been required to submit additional information after a review of their original submission. The existing eligibility criteria of the former municipalities was used to assess applications and all applicants that were eligible for funding in 1997 continued to be eligible in 1998.

The assessment/review process was streamlined this year to facilitate the development of a municipal grants policy for implementation in 1999 and to allow staff to complete the review process in a timely manner. A team of grants staff assessed applications against existing criteria, principally using information provided in the application forms. Each applicant was assigned a single staff liaison, even if they previously received funding from a number of different community service grant programs. Extensive interviews were conducted with the following applicants: organizations with previously identified funding conditions; organizations with identified performance or dependancy issues; and new applicants. Agency interviews allowed grants staff to more fully determine eligibility, assess the capacity to deliver the proposed programs/services, clarify issues and discuss expectations regarding governance, financial management, community linkages, program development and delivery. Over 120 agencies represented by agency staff and/or board members were interviewed by grant staff. All new applicants received a site visit to determine the appropriateness of space for programs and/or agency activities. In addition, accountability documentation was required from each agency for the community service grants programs e.g., board minutes approving the application, list of Board of Directors with home addresses, and financial statements or audits.

Allocation Recommendations:

Of the 433 applicants, 386 agencies have been recommended for a total of $11,947,891.00. Of the remaining 47 agencies, one withdrew, one was not accepted and 45 are not recommended for funding.

The general approach to recommendations in 1998 was to flatline allocations at the 1997 levels to agencies that received sustaining/ongoing support. The principles of equitable access to grants, agency effectiveness and efficiency, community needs and available resources were considered in the review of new applicants and in the conditions and/or comments applied to some previously funded applicants. In cases where there are ongoing concerns related to performance or previously identified issues of municipal dependency, grant reductions have been recommended.

1998 Allocation SummaryNumber of Agencies

 Recommended flatline*361

Recommended reduction 11

Recommended new applicants 14

Total386

*Of those agencies which are flatlined, 27 received additional funds in 1998 under the Winter Emergency Support Fund and, therefore, may appear to have received increases.

Of the 386 recommended agencies, six Aboriginal and 111 ethno-specific/multi-ethnic agencies will receive $2,309,607.00, or 19.3 percent of the total 1998 C.S.G.P. recommended allocations as noted in Appendix B . These figures do not include ethno-specific programs and services provided by non-ethno-specific agencies.

New Applicants:

Fifty-four agencies which did not receive funding in 1997 applied for support in 1998.

Five of these applicants received Community Service Grants Program funding in the past, but for various reasons, did not receive funding in 1997. Three of the five agencies are recommended for funding again in 1998.

Of the remaining 49 new applicants, 14 are recommended for allocations in 1998. Thirty-five applicants have not been recommended because they have been determined to be ineligible under the C.S.G.P. criteria. Agencies were deemed ineligible because:

(i)the agency requested funds for activities not funded under the C.S.G.P.;

(ii)the agency requested funds for activities which are eligible for funding under established funding programs provided by senior levels of government;

(iii)the agency does not have a social service mandate;

(iv)the agency has not yet developed the required organizational systems and structures;

(v)the agency has demonstrated considerable capacity to raise funds through donations and grants; and/or

(vi)the agency did not demonstrate the required level of performance through the interview and review process.

Of the new applicants recommended, eight are ethno-specific organizations providing services that are unavailable or not accessible from existing service providers.

Metro Emergency Support Fund:

The Emergency Support Fund (E.S.F.) was established by Metropolitan Council in 1996 at the recommendation of The Advisory Committee on Homeless and Socially Isolated Persons. This fund was designed to respond to the most pressing needs of the homeless and socially isolated population. Metropolitan Council approved a total of $750,000.00 for this fund in 1997 to be annualized in 1998 resulting in a $1,200,000.00 Emergency Support Fund.

The E.S.F. has been administered through a collaborative process, with the United Way of Greater Toronto, the former City of Toronto, Housing Division and the Hostel Services Division working with grants staff to develop a co-ordinated funding response to the needs of homeless and socially isolated populations. This approach has resulted in support for a range of services that meet the needs of this community.

This year, the E.S.F. has been administered as originally designed with two main streams. The first is for year round programs providing supports to the homeless population, the second is a winter specific response with funding for additional hours of service, or, other programs designed to respond to the specific issues facing the homeless population during the cold weather.

This report includes a flatline recommendations for agencies funded through the E.S.F. in 1997, as well as the $450,000.00 allocated in 1998 through the E.S.F. Winter allocation.

Once staff have completed an evaluation of the winter programs funded in 1997/1998 and determined service priorities across the City for the coming winter, meetings will be held with potential service providers to review service plans and funding requirements for the 1998-1999 Winter period. An amount of $264,509.00 has been reserved for 1998 E.S.F. Winter allocations and will be administered in the fall.

Metro Special Projects Grants:

There are four agencies funded under the former Metro Special Projects Grants Program: Metropolitan Toronto Action Committee on Public Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC), Metro Youth Council, Toronto Child Abuse Centre (formerly Metropolitan Toronto Special Committee on Child Abuse) and Victim Services Program of Metropolitan Toronto. The 1998 allocations for these agencies are included in this report.

In July 1997, the former Metropolitan Council approved the 1997 Special Projects Grants allocations report. All Special Project Grants recipients were required to submit anti-discrimination and access policies and directed to continue their efforts to reduce their financial dependency on the Special Projects Grants Program.

METRAC and Toronto Child Abuse Centre:

For the past several years, the Metro grant has accounted for a significant proportion of the total operating budget of METRAC and core administrative budget of Toronto Child Abuse Centre. Since 1994, both organizations had been directed to reduce their dependency on Special Projects Grants by seeking alternative funding sources and implementing fundraising plans. The Special Projects Grants accounted for 63.7 percent of METRAC's overall income in 1996 and 50.1 percent in 1997. The Toronto Child Abuse Centre's grant represented 88.4 percent of its total core administrative costs and 24.5 percent of its overall budget in 1996 and 71.1 percent and 27.9 percent respectively in 1997.

In 1998, both organizations have requested flatline allocations, METRAC at $241,425.00 and Toronto Child Abuse at $235,681.00. Last year METRAC raised approximately $17,543.00 net through fundraising activities and is currently in the process of developing its fundraising plan which should be ready later this year. The Toronto Child Abuse Centre fundraised over $27,000.00 net in 1997 and has doubled that amount since January 1998. Grants staff have again identified the need for these two agencies to rigorously develop concrete plans aimed at reducing their reliance.

The 1998 recommended funding level for these organizations is based on the level of dependency in 1997. For example, the Special Projects Grants accounted for 50 percent of METRAC's income in 1997, the 1998 recommendation has been set at 50 percent of the projected 1998 budget. These two organizations will be funded at a level which maintains them at the same rate of dependency of their 1997 grant, flatline allocations would result in an increased dependency on the Special Projects Grants.

Summer Day Programs:

The former Metropolitan Council initiated funding for summer day programs for school aged children in 1989 in response to Federal reductions in youth summer employment funds. Community-based agencies had been utilizing Federal funding to hire summer students to staff their summer day programs. Since 1994, the programs continued to be funded by Metropolitan Toronto under the Community Resources Fund and were monitored on an annual basis by Metro Children's Services staff. In 1998, the Summer Day Program budget has been flatlined at the 1997 levels and transferred to Toronto Children's Services of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department. The administration and allocation of these funds are now provided under purchase of service agreements through the Children's Services Division.

Issues Identified During the 1998 Allocations Process:

The administration of an amalgamated Community Service Grants program in 1998 has highlighted a number of issues that will have to be addressed in the 1999 service review process.

Over the past few years, funding conditions and/or comments have been applied to a number of agencies related to the membership and board structure of their organization. Funded agencies are required to have an open and accessible membership structure providing an appropriate means of ensuring community input and control in decision-making. In some cases, agencies have not effectively implemented changes to address this situation. In 1998, these agencies will be required to develop a membership and board recruitment strategy which includes a review of the agency's bylaws, an analysis of the community to which the agency is accountable, the development of membership targets which ensure accountability to this community and an implementation plan. Staff will work with the agencies to facilitate the development of the required strategies.

Some funded agencies continue to have ongoing performance issues in the areas of governance, volunteer recruitment and development, administration and financial management, and service delivery. When significant performance issues have been identified, staff have provided referrals to resources have which assisted agencies to address the performance deficiencies. Staff have also provided a range of workshops, training opportunities and individual consultations to assist agencies.

Staff have identified a number of agencies which have considerable capacity to raise funds through donations and/or user fees and/or other grants and/or productive enterprises. Consequently, in 1998 these organizations are encouraged to develop other sources of income for the program(s) funded by the C.S.G.P. Given the need in the community for funding support, consideration may be given to reallocating funds to organizations with a greater demonstrated need in the future. Staff will meet with the noted agencies in the fall to clarify their ongoing need for municipal funding.

Services for Seniors:

Recently, the Provincial Government released the figures allocated for community long-term care services under/through community reinvestment. Of the $125.5 million allocated to Toronto, 75 percent will be allocated to the six Community Care Access Centres. The remaining 25 percent, approximately $3.9 million per year, will go to volunteer-based community services such as meals on wheels, day programs, friendly visiting and other such community supports.

Within the amalgamated City of Toronto, total municipal funding for all community-based seniors' programs amounted to over $3.4 million to 93 organizations across Toronto in 1997. The bulk of this money was administered by the former regional municipality of Metropolitan Toronto through the Community Services grants program. Approximately $3.1 million in grants funding ($1.2 million for elderly persons centres and almost $1.9 million in home support) was provided to 83 community organizations across the new City of Toronto.

The issue of potential changes in the need for municipal funding of these services will be addressed in the C.S.G.P. service review.

Service Area Review:

There are a range of issues for the service area review, including: the appropriate level of agency accountability under the amalgamated program and the staff resources are required to ensure agency accountability; how the City, as a funder, can improve its ability to determine the effectiveness and impact of grants as a tool to address the needs of communities; and, what mechanisms and policies are needed to facilitate the redistribution of the resources within the Community Services Grants Program. These issues will be addressed through the Community Services Grants Program service area review and reported out to the Municipal Grants Review Committee at its July 27 meeting.

Conclusions:

Community-based agencies play a critical role in the City's social service infrastructure. They contribute positively to the quality of life in their communities in a cost-effective and responsive way. During the Transition Team process, agencies and communities reiterated that the City's continued funding and support of their work was critical in these difficult times.

Agencies understand that resource constraints from all funding sources will continue. They have faced this challenge by making more extensive use of volunteers and by trying to increase their self generated revenues. Agencies have implemented many strategies to preserve programs and continue to serve their clients. Strategies have included increased workloads, salary and/or benefit roll backs, reductions in hours of service, and program cutbacks or closure. In addition, agencies have been strongly encouraged to pursue creative restructuring activities in order to maintain as much of the community based human service system as possible.

The reality of increasing community need and static or declining resources, poses a particular challenge for grants allocation process. The complexity of the allocations process in 1998 is significantly greater given the amalgamation of the grants programs. Every effort has been made to minimize the impact of amalgamation on agencies receiving support under the Community Services Grants Program.

This report recommends that a total of $11,947,891.00 be granted to 386 agencies under the C.S.G.P.

Contact Name:

Chris Brillinger, Tel: 392-8608/Fax: 392-8492, e-mail address: chris_brillinger@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca.

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 Appendix A

1998 Community Service Grants Programs

Directory:

N = New ApplicantT = Transfer

WA = Withdrew ApplicationNA = Not Accepted

DNR = Did Not ReapplyEW = Emergency Support Fund Winter Allocation

MA = Merged AgencySC = Summer Camp

(A copy of each of the Appendices B and C, referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Municipal Grants Review Committee for its meeting on June 1, 1998, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)

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(Report dated June 9, 1998, addressed to the Municipal Grants Review Committee, from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services)

Purpose:

This report presents the recommended allocations from the $40,000.00 Community Services grants program appeal fund for the agencies which appealed to the Municipal Grants Review Committee for reconsideration.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The 1998 approved estimates provide for $11,987,891.00 for the Community Services Grants Program. Municipal Grants Review Committee received a report, entitled "Community Service Grants Program - 1998 Allocations" on May 20, 1998, which recommended the allocation of $11,947,891.00 to 386 agencies. An amount of $40,000.00 was reserved to respond to agency appeals.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the appeal fund of $40,000.00 be allocated to: the For Youth project ($26,000.00); the Metro Association of Family Resource Program ($10,000.00); The Broad African Resource Centre ($3,000.00) and SIWA- Somali Immigrant Women Association ($1,000.00); and

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

Council Reference/Background/History:

Under the general authority for making municipal grants provided in Section 113 (1) of the Municipal Act, all of the former municipalities provided support to the non-profit sector through community service grants. The 1998 Community Service Grants represents a combination of ten existing grants program provided by the seven former municipalities as the primary means of municipal support for community-based agencies.

On May 20, 1998, the Municipal Grants Review Committee received a report, entitled "Community Service Grants Programs - 1998 Allocations", which recommended allocations totalling $11,947,891.00 for 386 agencies.

Fifty organizations provided a written and/or verbal presentation to the Municipal Grants Review Committee regarding either the amount of funding recommended to their agency, conditions placed on the grant, the fact that they were not recommended for funding, or the support provided by other levels of government.

In developing recommendations with regard to how the appeal funds could best be allocated, staff reviewed the original recommendations and considered the information presented in the deputations. A total of $40,000.00 is available for the 1998 Community Service Grants Programs Appeals.

 Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Of the 50 organizations which appealed their allocations, 21 were new applicants not recommended for support, two were new applicants recommended for a grant, but appealing the amount, and the remaining 27 were returning agencies. Of the returning agencies, one agency was recommended for a reduced allocation, and 26 for a flatline allocation. Nine agencies have conditions on their 1998 grant and six agencies have future funding conditions.

The overall approach used in assessing the appeals was consistent with directions outlined in the May 20, 1998, report, "Community Service Grants Programs - 1998 Allocations" and as outlined in the "Administration of Municipal Grants" report approved by Council on February 4, 5, and 6, 1998, which were to provide flatline allocations for returning agencies that do not have identified performance issues, and to consider new applicants.

As a result, staff are recommending that the direction not to undertake redistribution in the 1998 transition year be maintained. In the absence of a new grants program design, a fair and equitable basis from which to recommend increases to some applicants and not to others does not exist. Funds made available through the appeals fund have been recommended to eligible new applicants or to redress confusion through the amalgamation of the new City and to return the agency appealing to their 1997 funding base. The principles of equitable access to grants, agency effectiveness and efficiency, community needs and available resources were considered in the review of new applicants.

Staff have considered the direction from the Municipal Grants Committee meeting of June 1, 1998, regarding the need for funding with respect to the issues of homelessness, children and youth programs. Further to the issue for the need for funding in these sectors, the report of May 20, 1998, entitled "Community Service Grants Program - 1998 Allocations", recommends that a number of issues be looked at through the service review, including the impact of grants as a tool to address the needs of communities. As well, the report of May 20, 1998, recommended that an amount of $264,509.00 be allocated in September 1998 for Emergency Support Fund winter allocations for services to the homeless and underhoused.

New Agencies:

New agencies that were not recommended, were determined to be ineligible as they had not yet developed the required organizational systems and structures, or did not demonstrate the required level of performance through the interview and review process. One agency was not recommended because it does not have a social service mandate and has considerable capacity to raise funds through donations, user fees, grants and productive enterprises. Another agency was not recommended because it requested funds for activities which are eligible for funding under established funding programs provided by senior levels of government.

Based on the information provided during the deputations and a review of agency applications, staff have confirmed the original recommendations regarding agencies which have not yet developed the required organizational systems and structures. These agencies will be invited to attend organizational development workshops provided by the Community Resources Unit of the Social Development and Management Services Division. In addition, staff are meeting with other funders to identify possible supports to assist agencies during their developmental stage and, where appropriate, to encourage agency co-ordination/collaboration.

Based on the deputations and Committee input regarding the City's priority for children's programs, one new applicant was recommended for additional funds through the appeals fund. Two new applicants that were already recommended for funding in the May 20, 1998, report, and made deputations have been recommended for increased allocations through the appeals fund. These two organizations are ethno-specific organizations and are assisting communities at risk, including children and youth.

Returning Applicants:

As indicated above, staff have confirmed the direction to flatline allocations in 1998. Of the 15 agencies appealing a flatline allocation, one agency's initial recommendation (For Youth Project) has been reconsidered and revised, returning the agency to its actual 1997 funding base.

One agency who appealed, the Toronto Child Abuse Centre, had received an initial recommendation for a decreased allocation. Grants staff identified the need for the agency to reduce its reliance on the municipality and recommended funding the agency at a level which maintains it at the same rate of dependency as its 1997 grant. A flat-line allocation would result in an increased dependency. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency and have confirmed the initial recommendation.

As well, deputations by agencies covered a range of concerns related to: conditions or comments placed on agencies; portions of the agency grant going to restructuring costs; funding for summer student programming costs; and the loss of in-kind contributions from other municipal departments.

The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf made a deputation related to a 1998 grant condition regarding the membership and Board structure of its organization. In 1998, several agencies were required to develop a membership and board recruitment strategy which includes a review of the agency's by-laws, an analysis of the community to which the agency is accountable, the development of membership targets which ensure accountability to this community and an implementation plan. The Metro Community Resources Fund (C.R.F.) eligibility criteria for agencies receiving a grant states that agencies must have a voluntary, democratically-elected Board of Directors or Advisory Committee that is representative of the communities served, must be accessible to the community, and ensure that there are appropriate means of ensuring community input and control in decision-making. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal and have revised the condition as outlined in the Appendix.

The Ethiopian Association in Toronto Inc. made a deputation related to a condition on the 1998 grant that the agency must secure an acceptable trustee to manage the municipal grant. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal and have communicated with the federal and provincial funders of the agency. Other levels of government are concerned about the financial management capabilities of this organization and will be meeting with City staff shortly. Staff have confirmed the initial recommended condition.

Coping in Tough Times, made a deputation related to a condition on their 1998 grant that the agency must secure another organization to manage and operate the budget counselling programs. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal and the history of recommendations made to the agency under the former Metro Community Resources Fund regarding the necessity for the agency to review its long-term viability and to initiate restructuring discussions with other service providers. Staff have confirmed the initial recommendation.

Conditions attached to Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies (416 Drop-in Centre) required the agency to make the necessary changes to return to operating as a women's only drop-in program by August 14, 1998. This issue was identified by staff during the 1997 review process, and the former Metro Human Services Committee expressly directed that a process be undertaken to move male clients to other services. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal and the history of recommendations made to the agency under the former Metro Community Resources Fund regarding the necessity for the agency to resolve the issue of redirecting male clients to other services. Staff are recommending that the agency develop a system to refer male clients to other service providers. This should include the agency meeting regularly with other agencies providing services to homeless men and developing a systems which documents the process of referral and when service is accessed or denied. The referral system needs to be operationalized by August of 1998. Staff have revised the condition as outlined in the Appendix.

Four of the deputations/communications were made regarding the 1998 grant conditions and future funding conditions placed on the Open Door Centre and Rooms Registry Inc. and the Toronto Friendship Centre. The deputants were concerned that the recommendations required the two agencies to restructure and that $5,000.00 from each allocation was being held to address potential restructuring costs. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal and the history of recommendations made to the agency under the former Metro Community Resources Fund regarding the necessity for the agency to resolve issues of financial viability and the need to restructure. Staff have confirmed the recommendation to restructure.

Staff have already begun meeting with the two agencies and will continue meeting with them over the next two weeks to formalize the restructuring discussions and draft the terms of reference. With regard to the use of $5,000.00 from the Metro C.R.F. toward costs related to the merger, staff are now recommending that the 1998 grants go to the provision of the drop-in programs, and that an additional $5,000.00 be given to each agency from the Contingency Fund towards costs related to restructuring if required.

St. Bernadette's Family Resource Centre, requested additional funds because of an increasing need for resources to cover the costs of summer student programming. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal. Staff confirm their recommendation. However, staff will report to Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee and the Municipal Grants Review Committee regarding supports to agencies for summer student programming at a later date.

Thistletown Teen Centre requested funds in order to meet the needs of youth in the Rexdale area of the former City of Etobicoke. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal. Staff confirm their recommendation. However, staff will initiate discussions with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and report back at a later date.

The Y.M.C.A. of Greater Toronto, Etobicoke Youth Centre requested in-kind supports of $3,500.00 from the Recreation Department be continued as in the previous year. Staff have reviewed the materials and deputation comments provided by the agency at appeal. Staff confirm their recommendation. However staff will initiate discussions with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and report back at a later date.

Two agencies, Chalkfarm Community and Family Centre and Malvern Family Resource Centre, made appeals regarding their allocations on the basis of the need for service in their catchment areas and the variability of funding levels across the City. Staff identified these issues in the May 20, 1998, report, Community Service Grants Program - 1998 Allocations", as appropriate issues for the service area review. Through the review, the City as a funder needs to assess how it can improve its ability to determine the effectiveness and impact of grants as a tool to address the needs of communities and what mechanisms and policies are needed to facilitate the redistribution of the resources within the Community Service Grants Program. Staff confirm their recommendations.

Conclusions:

Based on reviews of the information presented through the deputations, staff are recommending: that one new applicant receive funding through the appeals fund; that two new applicants already recommended for funding receive additional funds through the appeals fund; that one returning applicant receive their 1997 flat-line allocation and the additional funds be taken from the appeals fund; that two agencies' grants be allocated for the provision of service and that no portion of the grant be used for restructuring, and that two agencies' conditions be revised.

Contact Name:

Chris Brillinger, Tel: 392-8608/Fax: 392-8492, e-mail address: chris_brillinger@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca

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Appendix 1

(1)After School Program (Grant No.9):

The agency serves youth and parents in the northern area of the former City of Etobicoke. They provide after school programs for youth, and a weekly Friday evening social and recreational program for youth and their parents. They provide parenting education workshops and informal counselling and referral. In 1997, 100 individuals were served by 10 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(2)Agincourt Community Services Association (Grant No. 10):

The agency serves the area bounded by Highway 401, Steeles Avenue, Markham Road and Victoria Park (the Information Centre serves all of the former City of Scarborough). The agency provides information and referral, and community services which include emergency food, a food bank alternatives program, a clothing depot, income tax and legal clinics, transportation, shopping trips and friendly visiting. In 1997, 20,891 individuals were served by a staff of 5.70 full-time equivalents and 234 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(3)Applegrove Community Complex (Grant No. 20):

The organization serves residents in the area bounded by Lake Ontario, Gerrard Street, Jones Avenue and Woodbine Avenue. The agency's programs include youth services such as social/recreational activities, informal counselling, an after-school program, a drop-in program for seniors and two parent/child drop-in centres. In 1997, 1,338 individuals were served by a staff of 6.75 full-time equivalents and 174 volunteers.

Comment:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Recreation Grants program for $2,500.00 and receives City funding as an Association of City Funded Centre (AOCC). Staff will report to Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee and the Municipal Grants Review Committee at a later date regarding supports to agencies for summer student programming.

(4)Asian Canadian Support Centre (Grant No. 23):

The agency serves residents in the former Cities of North York and Etobicoke at an office in the Jane/Finch area. They provide services to foster the development of the Asian community such as locally based orientation programs, an information referral service and outreach programs. In 1997, 1600 individuals were served by 22 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(5)Bloor Information And Life Skills Centre (Grant No. 38):

The agency serves residents within the area bounded by St. Clair Avenue, College Street, Avenue Road and Lansdowne Avenue. Services include information and referral, legal aid, and direct social services such as counselling, crisis intervention, income tax clinics, interpretation, translation, and home visits. In 1997, 5,840 individuals were served by a staff of 3.9 full-time equivalents and 39 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(6)Blue Ribbon Child Care Society (Grant No. 40):

The agency recently began serving new immigrant parents of the Blue Ribbon Daycare Centre in the western area of the former City of Toronto. The agency proposes to introduce job search programs, English language training classes and computer classes. In 1997, individuals were served by a staff of 3 full-time equivalents and 21 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(7)Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf (Grant No. 41):

The agency provides services for the hearing impaired across the new City of Toronto. Services include an elderly persons' centre, seniors supportive housing and nursing services, adult education programs which prepare students for independent living, job readiness and working English, English-as-a-second language classes, one to one tutoring, adult literacy and vocational training program. Activities include a bi-monthly newsletter, weekly arts and craft classes, bowling, bingo, euchre, self-help groups, trips and excursions, recreational sports, aquafit, games, diner's clubs, friendly visiting, workshops and seminars. In 1997, 1,024 individuals were served by a staff of 85 full-time equivalents and 272 volunteers.

Conditions:

In both 1996 and 1997, the agency was advised that future funding was conditional on the development of an open and accessible membership structure. To date, the agency has made little progress in changing its membership or governance structure to address this situation.

The agency is required to develop a membership and Board recruitment strategy which includes a review of the agency's by-laws, an analysis of the community to which the agency is accountable, the development of membership targets which ensure accountability to this community and an implementation plan. This strategy must be integrated with the agency's anti-discrimination and access policy. Staff will work with the agency to ensure the development of a strategy which meets the funding criteria.

Future funding will be conditional on the continued implementation of the developed plan.

Comments:

This condition has been under discussion with the agency since 1996, when staff identified that the agency did not meet a number of the Metro Community Resources Fund (C.R.F.) funding criteria.

(1)The agency does not demonstrate community support through an active agency membership:

The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf's (BRCD) bylaws state that the agency's voting membership is comprised of the Board of Directors, the incorporated body, The Ontario Mission for the Deaf, and "other individuals, corporations, partnerships and other legal entities as are admitted as members by the board of directors, from time to time." This does not meet the criteria since only those members of the deaf community who are already on the Board of Directors, act as the official representative of the Ontario Mission for the Deaf, or are admitted "from time to time" can participate in this membership.

(2)The Board of Directors is not representative of the communities served:

As noted earlier, the BRCD's membership consists of the agency's Board of Directors, the incorporated Ontario Mission for the Deaf, and others admitted "from time to time." According to the agency's by-laws, this membership elects the Board of Directors each year at the agency's annual general meeting. However, the agency's by-laws also give the Ontario Mission for the Deaf a veto on virtually all matters voted on by the membership, including the election of the Board of Directors. Specifically, the agency's by-laws provide the Ontario Mission for the Deaf with the number of votes cast by all other members plus one additional vote (the single exception where this privilege does not provide a veto is in the case of motions to remove individual members of the Board of Directors before the end of their term; such removal requires the support of two-thirds of the votes cast).

The Board of the BRCD is also not reflective of the Toronto community served by the agency. At its grant assessment interview, the Executive Director and Board President of the BRCD reported that both the staff and the clients of the Centre were, like the deaf community of Toronto, ethnically highly diverse. Currently, the Board of the organization, does not reflect this diversity.

In addition, during the assessment interview, the President of the Board acknowledged that no efforts had been undertaken by the agency to improve the representativeness of the Board. In a letter to grants staff dated April 15, 1998, the Executive Director expressed his opinion that such efforts would be futile since "the minorities in the deaf community are our students (not our leaders at the present time)".

The opportunity exists for the agency to facilitate minority students to become leaders within the organization. This should be an agency priority along with external recruitment of minorities from within the deaf community, and staff will assist the agency in developing a strategy to address this issue.

Reverend Rumball in his deputation communicated his opinion that open membership implies that the "non-deaf will decide for the deaf." Staff have already responded to these concerns (written correspondence April 20, 1998) by clarifying that "community" as used in the C.R.F. criteria in all cases refers to the community served and/or the community to which the agency is accountable (in this case the deaf community). Based on the agency's concerns, staff further encourage the agency to review its bylaws as they pertain to the composition of the Board of Directors. These by-laws specify that the agency's 20 member Board of Directors must have a minimum of 5 deaf and 5 hearing members. Based on information provided by the agency the Board is currently composed of 8 hearing and 6 non-hearing individuals.

(8)Broad African Resource Centre (Grant No. 47):

The agency serves African families and children across the new City of Toronto. They provide after school tutoring and activity programs through the use of volunteers. As well, they support single parents through outreach services regarding education and social issues and provide home visits, referral services and employment training. In 1997, 30 individuals were served by 20 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is recommended for $3,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $6,000.00

(9)Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (Grant No.71):

The organization promotes knowledge and enforcement of human rights among disadvantaged groups and individuals, with an emphasis on access to adequate and affordable housing across the new City of Toronto. Public education and advocacy on housing issues as well as assistance to individuals are provided. The largest client group served by CERA is low income families with children. In 1997, 1286 individuals were served by a staff of 2.9 full-time equivalents and 30 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Access and Equity Grant program for $5,500.00.

(10)Chalkfarm Community and Family Centre (Grant No. 75):

The agency serves residents of the area surrounding the Jane Street/Wilson Avenue intersection bounded by Sheppard Avenue, Keele Street, Highway 401 and 400. The agency and three others (Daystrom Family Resource Centre, Falstaff Community Service Organization, and Jane Finch Boys' and Girls' Club) have been collaborating to provide a variety of recreational activities, social services, and educational programs, and are about to undergo a merger. Activities include a parent/child drop-in program with a bilingual Spanish component, adult fitness, social recreational programming for children, youth and seniors, women's support group, special community events, and a newsletter. In 1997, these four partner agencies served 3,730 individuals using a staff of 6 full-time equivalents and 378 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

The agency is about to conclude a merger with Falstaff Community Service Organization, Jane and Finch Boys' & Girls' Club and Daystrom Family Resource Centre to form a new agency, Doorsteps. The grant allocation for 1998 reflects a combined flat-line allocation of the grants that the four agencies received in 1997.

The 1998 grant allocation represents a total amount for the merged agencies that in 1997 went to four different locations. In 1997, the Community Service grants from all of the former municipalities was: Chalkfarm Community and Family Centre - $27,200.00; Falstaff Community Service Organization - $27,200.00; and Daystrom Family Resource Centre - $49,688.00 (including $8,000.00 to the Jane Finch Boys' and Girls' Club).

(11)Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (Grant No. 78):

The organization serves residents of the Greater Toronto area. They recently began providing cultural services for individuals and families through general interest courses, organized activities, celebrations and festivals, collaborative projects with institutions such as the ROM, AGO, Toronto District School Board, and the Bathurst Jewish Centre.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

Comments:

The agency is recommended for a 1998 grant from the Cultural Grants program for $3,000.00.

(12)Community Information Centre for the City of York (Grant No. 94):

The agency serves residents and service providers in the former City of York. Services include information and referral, case management and child care information services, advocacy, informal counselling, community outreach and publications. In 1997, 8,077 client contacts were made by a staff of 2.6 full-time equivalents and 28 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(13)Coping in Tough Times (Grant No. 104):

The agency serves lower and fixed income residents across the new City of Toronto including social assistance recipients and subsidized housing tenants. The organization trains volunteers to provide counselling and support to those needing assistance in managing their income and expenses. In 1997, 7,000 individuals were served by a staff of 1 full-time equivalent and 105 volunteers.

Condition:

The 1998 grant will be held until the agency has secured another organization to manage and operate the budget counselling programs. Future funding is conditional on the agency providing an audited financial statement.

Staff confirm their original conditions.

Comments:

The financial vulnerability of this agency raises concerns about its long-term viability. The agency was advised in 1997 to pursue appropriate restructuring opportunities. The agency has been strongly encouraged formally to pursue partnerships with other appropriate service providers working with a similar population during the last two years. To date the agency has not developed structural partnerships with any other service providers. Staff are not requiring that the merger process be complete before the 1998 grant be released, but that at a minimum, a clear contract of agreement to proceed with the merger with agreed upon time lines be established.

(14)Crime S.C.O.P.E. - Etobicoke (Grant No. 111):

The agency serves residents of the former City of Etobicoke. They are responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the former Etobicoke Mayor's Task Force on Community Safety through building community partnerships and involving people in creating programs to enhance feelings of community safety. They organize youth conferences, neighbours nights out with the Police and Seniors Awareness Programs. In 1997, 50 individuals were served by a staff of 1 full-time equivalent and 236 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(15)Deep Quong Non-profit Homes Inc. (Grant No. 121):

The Deep Quong Non-Profit Homes Inc. provides affordable, secure singles housing with shared facilities at 106 Beverley Street in the former City of Toronto. The agency provides services and programs to the residents in order to encourage resident involvement in the community and to encourage personal growth and development. In 1997, 92 individuals were served by a staff of 3 full-time equivalents and 23 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(16)Economic Community Starting Centre (Grant No.139):

The agency mandate is to assist people across the new City of Toronto to find employment, develop self-employment opportunities, or develop community economic development positions through the creation of a City-wide data base of individuals looking for work and possible employers. Proposed activities include recruiting retired workers to act as employment mentors and working with small business to create employment. The agency is not currently providing services, and has no staff or volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(17)Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (North York) (Grant No. 142):

The organization serves immigrant women in the area bounded by Steeles Avenue, Wilson Avenue, Islington Avenue and Dufferin Street. The organization offers English-as-a-second language and sewing classes, workshops, life skills education and settlement support services such as interpretation, translation, escorting and supportive counselling. In 1997, 513 individuals were served by a staff of 4.5 full-time equivalents and 43 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(18)Eritrean Canadian Community Centre of Metropolitan Toronto (Grant No. 145):

The agency serves the Eritrean community with settlement support, cultural and community development activities. Programs are for people of all ages across the new City of Toronto and include tutoring, settlement support, violence and suicide prevention and other community development activities. In 1997, 1,135 people participated in services offered by one full time equivalent staff and 73 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

When the group applied through the consolidated Community Services Grants program application form, they included their Access and Equity funds as if it were a former Metro C.R.F. grant. During the staff review of applications, it was determined with the group that these funds were not properly attributed to the Metro C.R.F., and were therefore not eligible for a flatline allocation for 1998. Unfortunately, it was not determined at that time that the funds had actually come from another former Metro program, the Access and Equity Program. At the Municipal Grants Review Committee meeting on June 1, 1998, the agency indicated in its deputation that they were concerned about the loss of funds from the City, and subsequently provided documentation to the Community Service Grants staff showing that the former grant had come from the former Metro Access and Equity Programs in 1997.

(19)Eritrean-Canadian Society For Youth Advancement (Grant No. 146):

The agency serves youth and young adults of the Eritrean community in the areas bounded by Lake Ontario, Lawrence Avenue, Victoria Park Avenue and Lansdowne Avenue. They provide workshops, information through a newsletter, organize volunteers, and work with women's groups in order to provide an environment that enables young Eritreans in Toronto to be members of Canadian society. In 1997, 576 individuals were served by 71 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(20)Ethiopian Association in Toronto (Grant No. 148):

The agency serves the Ethiopian community in the new City of Toronto. Services include supportive counselling, interpretation, translation, advocacy, orientation for newcomers, heritage language classes for children, summer day camp, refugee sponsorship, workshops, seminars and a newsletter. In 1997, 2,750 individuals were served by a staff of 10 full-time equivalents and 88 volunteers.

Conditions:

In 1997, the agency's C.R.F. grant was held pending the submission of a plan to reduce the agency's debt. The agency subsequently retired its debt with the inappropriate use of federal and provincial grant funds. As a result, the 1998 grant will be held pending the agency securing an acceptable trustee to manage its municipal grant.

The 1998 grant will also be held pending the development of a strategy and implementation plan to address the under-representation of women in the agency's decision-making processes, including the Board. Future funding will be conditional on the continued implementation of this plan.

Staff confirm their original condition.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Recreation Grants program for $4,500.00.

Staff spoke on June 3, 1998, to the federal funders of the agency, who are concerned about the financial management of the agency. The federal and provincial funders of the agency will be meeting with City staff shortly to discuss their joint funding concerns.

(21)Etobicoke Crime Prevention Association (Grant No. 149):

This agency serves the residents of the former City of Etobicoke. This organization serves to reduce crime in the community through such measures as crime prevention education, providing a communication network to share ideas and holding seminars. In 1997, 2,700 individuals were served by a staff of 2.5 full-time equivalents and 144 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(22)First Nations Day Committee (Grant No. 162):

The committee organizes a one day festival celebrating First Nations Day, on June 21 of each year. The festival features traditional and cultural activities. Participants at the festival are mostly inner-city, Aboriginal individuals and families. In 1997 more than 1000 individuals participated in the festival which was organized by 60 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

Comments:

As recommended by Committee and Council, $2,000.00 will be allocated from other funds for the one day festival.

(23)For Youth Project (Grant No.168):

The For Youth Project is a partnership initiative comprised of eight organizations (mainstream and ethno-specific) looking at issues affecting ethno-racial youth in the former City of York. This is a community development/systems change initiative looking at restructuring existing services and institutions to better meet the needs of ethno-racial youth. Youth have been involved in the initiative and organized a number of meetings, workshops and events. As well, the coalition of agencies is intending to set up a youth resource centre. In 1997, a staff of 0.7 full-time equivalents and 19 volunteers worked on the initiative.

Recommendation:

The agency is recommended for an additional $26,000.00.

Comments:

The agency's initial recommendation has been reconsidered and revised, returning the agency to their actual 1997 funding base for a total grant of $36,210.00.

(24)Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies (416 Drop-In Centre) (Grant No. 171):

The agency provides a daily drop-in for homeless, transient and socially isolated women across the new City of Toronto. Services include shower and laundry facilities, clothing, food depot, breakfast and a hot lunch, crisis intervention, health services, recreation activities, and housing. In 1997, 85,000 client contacts were made by a staff of 9 full-time equivalents and 53 volunteers.

Conditions:

The 1998 grant will be held pending the agency developing a system to refer male clients to other service providers. This should include the agency meeting regularly with other agencies providing services to homeless men and developing a system which documents the process of referral and when service is accesssed or denied. The referral system needs to be operationalized by August 14 of 1998.

Comments:

A number of conditions were placed on funding to this agency in 1997. The agency was directed to redirect male clients to other service providers. Though a portion of the male clients have been referred to other agencies the Board of Directors has revised the agencies mandate to allow for the provision of services to "vulnerable males".

On August 13 and 14, 1997, the former Metropolitan Council adopted Clause No. 4 of Report No. 10 of The Human Services Committee wherein it recommended that the Friends of Shopping Bag Ladies develop and immediately implement a plan to redirect male clients to more appropriate service providers and that a property audit of the agency be conducted. This recommendation resulted in the E.S.F. allocation to this agency, of $8,000.00 being held pending the completion of the property audit. On November 7, 1997, the Commissioner of Community Services reported to the Human Services Committee that the property audit was complete and recommended that the $8,000.00 be released. The issue of male clients was still unresolved at this time. In September 1997, the agency held an Annual General meeting at which time a change was made to the by-laws, requiring membership requests to be approved by the Board of Directors. In November of 1997, the agency informed staff that the agency mission statement had been changed to include the following sentence "to provide limited support to those men unable to access traditional male services." The agency was advised by staff that this change in mandate could influence future funding recommendations. Staff have tried to encourage the agency to open dialogue with other drop-in programs serving the male homeless population.

The agency has made efforts to comply with the condition by moving half of their male clients to other services, but has not fully met the condition placed by the former Metro Council on August 1997, to redirect male clients to more appropriate services. The 1998 condition stating that the agency must develop a system to refer male clients to other service providers is based on this direction. The August 14 deadline has been determined to allow for reallocation of these dollars in the E.S.F. Winter allocations to be reported in September if the agency is unable to meet the conditions of the funding.

(25)The Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc. (Grant No. 177):

The agency serves the Greek community in the new City of Toronto. Services include form filling, counselling, casework, interpretation, translation, escort, employment assistance and orientation, social and recreational programs for children and families, a community outreach program and home support services for seniors. In 1997, 13,910 individuals were served by a staff of 9.25 full-time equivalents and 147 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(26)Heritage Skills Development Centre (Grant No. 182):

The organization promotes the social and economic self-sufficiency of African Canadian and other visible minority women. Activities include training in small business management, sewing and fashion design, and access to information and services. The Heritage Fashion Design Network project facilitates shared resources in the initial stages of small business development. Other activities include life skills and nutrition programs. In 1997, 1,489 people were served by a staff of 2 full-time equivalents and 27 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Economic Development Partnership Program for $20,000.00; from the Access and Equity Grant program for $3,500.00; and from the Recreation Grants program for $6,000.00.

(27)Horseed Youth Club (Grant No. 188):

The agency serves Somali and non-Somali youth across the new City of Toronto. They co-ordinate social and recreation activities, hold sports events and run a soccer club. In 1997, 30,000 individuals were contacted by 15 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(28)Malvern Family Resource Centre (Grant No. 230):

The agency serves the residents in the Malvern area of the former City of Scarborough bounded by Markham Road, Morningside Avenue, Finch Avenue and Highway 401. The agency provides parent/child, family support and multicultural programs for individuals and families. The agency also provides a newsletter and monthly brown bag lunches. In 1997, 3,615 individuals were served by a staff of 5.5 full-time equivalents and 160 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(29)Metro Association of Family Resource Programmes (Grant No. 239):

The organization supports the development of family resource programs through networking, professional and organizational development, consultation, advocacy, public education and staff and volunteer training. In 1997, 1,000 client contacts were made by a staff of 0.5 full-time equivalent and 82 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is recommended for a grant of $10,000.00 to assist in the provision of organizational support to family resources programs.

(30)Metro Street Focus (Grant No. 241):

The agency was previously known as The Samaritan Street Help Organization. The agency provides a volunteer support service offering practical assistance to street children and their families and the homeless. Through a street outreach service the agency provides food, clothing, transportation referral and support to the homeless. In 1997, the agency served over 500 individuals with 31 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(31)Native African Inmates and Families Association (Grant No. 254):

The agency addresses the unique cultural and linguistic needs of Continental African Canadians who come into conflict with the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on prevention, rehabilitation and integration. Programs include inmates, ex-inmates, victims and their families, as well as the broader community. In 1997, 475 people were served by a staff of 1.5 full-time equivalents and 19 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(32)Open Door Centre and Rooms Registry Service Inc. (Grant No. 284):

The agency serves people who are unemployed, homeless and mentally or physically disabled primarily in the downtown area of the former City of Toronto. Specific programs include a drop-in centre with a low cost food bar, mail service, recreational activities, income tax clinic, needle exchange program, and a rooms registry service. In 1997, 33,000 client contacts were made by a staff of 4.8 full-time equivalents and 88 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is recommended for a grant of $114,000.00 to assist in the provision of the drop-in program. The recommended grant includes an amount of $15,000.00 allocated through the E.S.F. winter program, which has already been forwarded to the agency.

Conditions:

Future funding is conditional on the agency restructuring with the Toronto Friendship Centre or another appropriate agency. The funds will be held until a plan for merger/restructuring endorsed by the Board of Directors of both organizations has been submitted. The 1998 grant will go to the provision of the drop-in programs, and an additional $5,000.00 will be given to the agency from the Contingency Fund toward costs related to restructuring if required.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Homeless Initiatives Fund program for $20,000.00.

The Toronto Friendship Centre and the Open Door and Rooms Registry Service Inc. have been asked to strongly consider restructuring options over the last five years. Both agencies are located in the same building and serve similar clients. The Toronto Friendship Centre is currently facing financial difficulties as a result of the loss of charity casino revenue.

Both organizations have been faced with financial difficulties at different times as a result of funding reductions or funding instability while at the same time responding to increasing needs in the area. Further, both agencies have had difficulties in securing and maintaining a full and active Board of Directors to govern the organizations and ensure community accountability.

Staff have met with both organizations and are proceeding with preliminary restructuring discussions to evaluate the potential for merger between these two organizations. Dependant on these discussions the two agencies may begin the merger process with each other or identify other partners. At a minimum the agencies will be required to review agency operations to address issues of management and governance.

Staff are seeking clarification with respect to the Board membership and accountability of the organization. The agency will be requested to submit minutes of past Board meetings, and a plan to strengthen the membership structure.

(33)Parkdale Intercultural Association (Grant No. 299):

Parkdale Intercultural Association provides settlement information and organizes educational and cultural activities for people in the Parkdale community. Activities include English as a Second language training, individual support, community development, education and cultural events. In 1997, 1,300 people were served by a staff of 4 full-time equivalents and 57 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Access and Equity Grant program for $14,000.00.

(34)Refugees And Immigrants Information Centre Toronto Inc. (Grant No. 311):

The agency serves immigrants and refugees in the St. Jamestown and Cabbagetown neighbourhood and across the new City of Toronto. Direct services include information and referral, English language classes and settlement counselling. In addition, they provide translation of documents for a fee. In 1997, 27,000 individuals were contacted or served by 5 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(35)Sahara Charitable Organization (Grant No. 316):

The agency provides settlement and orientation services to immigrants and refugees in the former City of North York. Services include supportive counselling, form filling and escort. In 1997, 200 individuals were served by 34 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(36)Scarborough Housing Help Centre (Grant No. 320):

The agency provides programs and services such as a central housing registry and a home-sharing program, resource centre of information on housing, housing help telephone line, workshops and a mediation service, and is located in the former City of Scarborough. The emphasis is on both tenants and landlord programs. The agency works with other services to provide a Winter Relief Program. In 1997, 1,967 individuals were served by a staff of 6 full-time equivalents and 17 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(37)Second Base (Scarborough) Youth Shelter (Grant No. 323):

The agency provide emergency shelter to youth in the former City of Scarborough. The agency provides food, clothing, counselling and life skills training. In 1997, the agency served 833 youth at the shelter and 403 through the outreach program with a staff of 1.5 full time equivalents and 51 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(38)761 Community Development Corporation (Grant No. 331):

The agency supports community self help and economic development initiatives focusing on individuals facing long term poverty and homelessness. Agency Community Economic Development initiatives include; Prezents of Mind; Street City Bikes and Inspirations. These programs provide participants with the opportunity to gain training and support. The agency serves individuals from across the new City of Toronto. In 1997, 700 individuals were served by a staff of 12 full-time equivalents and 62 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

A report regarding this agency will be submitted to the Municipal Grants Review Committee.

(39)Sikh Youth and Family Resource Centre (Grant No. 333):

The agency serves residents across the new City of Toronto. They provide settlement services and translators to newcomers. They also provide translators to other services, such as women's shelters. In 1997, 380 individuals were served by a staff of 1 full-time equivalent and 22 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(40)Silayan Filipino Community Centre (Grant No. 334):

The agency serves new immigrants, seniors, women, youth, victims of abuse and the unemployed. Services include interpretation, translation, housing registry and escorts. In 1997, 1883 client contacts were made by staff of 1 full-time equivalent and 59 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(41)SIWA- Somali Immigrant Women Association (Grant No. 337):

The agency serves women and children across the new City of Toronto. They provide community and social services for women and children. Direct services include post-settlement counselling, life skill workshops, peer support and support groups for assaulted women. In 1997, 840 individuals were served by 50 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is recommended for $1,000.00 in additional funds for a total grant of $6,000.00.

(42)St. Bernadette's Family Resource Centre (Grant No. 355):

The agency serves children and parents with special needs in the former City of York. The Centre offers respite programs for families with developmentally handicapped children and programs to integrate the children in community activities. Programs presently offered include a parent support group, parent/child we need a break program, after four program and a youth theatre program. All programs are integrated. In 1997, 486 individuals were served by a staff of 7 full-time equivalents and 39 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Cultural Grants program for $2,000.00. Staff will report to Community Neighbourhood and Services Committee and the Municipal Grants Review Committee at a later date regarding supports to agencies for summer student programming.

(43)Thadeus Human Support and Development (Grant No. 381):

The agency has not provided services as of yet. The agency proposes to deliver a youth peer support program in the former City of Toronto. In 1997, no individuals were served.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(44)Thistletown Teen Centre (Grant No. 384):

The organization proposes to set up a youth centre in the Thistletown area of the former City of Etobicoke. The organization proposes to run social and recreational programs including workshops on drug awareness and literacy. The organization has no paid staff. In 1997, no individuals were served.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

Comments:

Staff will initiate discussions with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and report back at a later date.

(45)Toronto Child Abuse Centre (Grant No. 390):

The agency promotes co-operation among health, legal, child protection and education systems and advocates for improved responses to child sexual abuse. It provides a range of unique services to sexually abused children, their families and offenders. Services are provided in three program areas: early identification/prevention, protection/legal response and support/treatment. Specific examples of initiatives include teachers in service training, preventive education program, child sexual abuse protocol, child-victim witness support program, crisis group support program, and treatment resource directory. In 1997, 2,304 individuals were served by a staff of 14 full-time equivalents and 126 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(46)Toronto Friendship Centre Inc. (Grant No. 398):

The agency provides a drop-in facility five days a week, for the homeless, transient, poor, and mostly unemployed men and women, in the downtown area of the former City of Toronto. Services include food, daytime shelter, health services, mail, women's programs, recreation, employment and housing assistance, substance abuse counselling, telephone access, volunteer programs and resource library. In 1997, 2,000 individuals were served by a staff of 4 full-time equivalents and 125 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is recommended for a grant of $83,593.00 to assist in the provision of the drop-in program.

Conditions:

Future funding is conditional on the agency restructuring with the Open Door and Rooms Registry Inc. The funds will be held until a plan for merger/restructuring endorsed by the Board of Directors of both organizations has been submitted. The 1998 grant will go to the provision of the drop-in program, and an additional $5,000.00 will be given to the agency from the Contingency Fund towards costs related to restructuring if required.

Comments:

The agency is also recommended for a 1998 grant from the Recreation Grants program for $2,000.00.

The Toronto Friendship Centre and the Open Door and Rooms Registry Service Inc. have been asked to strongly consider restructuring options over the last five years. Both agencies are located in the same building and serve similar clients. The Toronto Friendship Centre is currently facing financial difficulties as a result of the loss of charity casino revenue.

Both organizations have been faced with financial difficulties at different times as a result of funding reductions or funding instability while at the same time responding to increasing needs in the area. Further both agencies have had difficulties in securing and maintaining a full and active Board of Directors to govern the organizations and ensure community accountability.

Staff have met with both organizations and are proceeding with preliminary restructuring discussions to evaluate the potential for merger between these two organizations. Dependant on these discussions the two agencies may begin the merger process with each other or identify other partners. At a minimum, the agencies will be required to review agency operations to address issues of management and governance.

(47)United Oromo Canadian Society of Ontario (Grant No. 415):

The agency serves Oromo residents across the new City of Toronto. The agency provides services that offer orientation and guidance to newcomers and post-settlement programs to assist community members to integrate. Services provided include: counselling, workshops, job search assistance and skills training. In 1997, 300 individuals were served by a staff of 2 full-time equivalents and 65 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant .

(48)Vietnamese Youth Centre of Toronto (Grant No. 425):

The agency offers educational, cultural, and recreational activities for youth of Vietnamese origin residing across the new City of Toronto. Services include computer instruction, social clubs, library group, cultural and entertainment activities, sport events, discussion groups and a newsletter. In 1997, 1,000 client contracts were made by 24 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for a grant.

(49)Welfare Committee for the Assyrian Community in Canada (Grant No. 433):

The agency serves Assyrian speaking residents of the former Cities of Etobicoke and North York and the Greater Toronto Area. The agency provides various community, social and cultural services. In 1997, 345 individuals were served by a staff of 0.3 full-time equivalents and 20 volunteers.

Recommendation:

The agency is not recommended for additional funds.

(50)Y.M.C.A. of Greater Toronto, Etobicoke Youth Centre (Grant No. 456):

The Y.M.C.A. offers a wide range of recreation and community service programs across the Greater Toronto Area. In 1997, 163,103 people were registered in Y.M.C.A. programs, offered by a staff of 650 full-time equivalents and 9,334 volunteers.

Recommendation:

This agency is not recommended for additional funds.

Comments:

Staff will initiate discussions with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and report back at a later date.

(Copies of the communication dated June 21, 1998, from Ms. Darlene O'Donohue of the Homeward Family Shelter and the communication dated June 22, 1998, from Ms. Boyka Lokumo Monique, Director of the Economic Community Starting Centre Toronto Job Creation Inc.have been circulated to all Members of Council under separate cover.)