Annual Report 2011-2012 Our Neighbourhood 34,291 residences In 1972, our neighbourhood came families and make connections. For within The 519 catchment area together to demand public space many members of our communities in our fast-growing community. As however, the hard–fought human a result of citizen leadership, a plot rights and political gains of the past of land consisting of a parking lot, a 30 years have not always resulted in 32% of households heritage building and a grocery store an increased standard of living. Our was purchased by the City of newcomers, youth, seniors, poor in our community have an income and turned into a community centre and marginalized members struggle of $30,000 or less surrounded by a park. Within four to build connections and find the years The 519 opened and began resources necessary for health and providing community space, services wellness. Across social classes, across and resources for local residents. identities and from every ward and 32,947 residences neighbourhood in Toronto, people are Our neighbourhood has changed reaching out to The 519, engaging in are mid– or high–rise apartments and grown over the past 40 years, community life, and taking an active or condominiums yet so much is still the same. As we role in building the kind of Toronto we look around our community we see all want to live in. new development everywhere. New neighbours move in every day and the When the City of Toronto established 55% of households isolation of downtown living continues The 519 they instituted a new and to be a concern for many of the innovative model of local citizen have only one occupant, living alone 40,000+ residents in our catchment leadership. Over the past 36 years area. Often, the people who live next our community has been setting the door are strangers, many of us eat course for our centre. As our needs alone and the most familiar face on and realities change, we ensure our 23% of households the street is the barista who makes our programs and services adapt to meet morning coffee. In the midst of this those emerging needs. move to a new dwelling every year urban isolation lies The 519, a place where we can meet, participate and In the midst of constant change, The celebrate together. 519 is the hub of our communities, a place where we can meet our Across the city, , , bi, neighbours, respond to the needs and trans and queer (LGBTQ) people challenges we face and celebrate our ‘BUILDING’ symbol, Benoit Champy, ‘MONEY symbol, Nick Levesque, ‘CHAIR’ symbol, Liza Keller are finding it easier to settle, build diversity together. from The Noun Project Our Centre 2,154 members As our communities have changed, The 519 is a stronger, more connected joined or renewed their membership so too has The 519. Walking into and effective organization now than it The Centre today, with its beautiful, was five years ago. As we look forward welcoming lobby, award–winning to the next five years, to World Pride, restaurant, and walls coloured by the 2015 Pan/Para Pan Am Games 195,801 visits stunning art, it is hard to imagine that and beyond, we have set new goals this is the same building that housed for our organization: we will define made to The Centre community dances in the 80’s and our impact and measure our success; rallies throughout the decades. Gone expand our work to areas such as is the Lesbian, Gay, Bi Youth Program; food access, art, culture, sport and in its place the new youth–led MOSAIC recreation programming; reinforce 6,300 hours group gathers LGBTQ youth seeking a the role of community leadership; place to belong. The Food Co-op at The grow our resource base; build on our of service contributed by volunteers Centre is a distant memory, but dozens organizational effectiveness and ensure of families visit The 519 every week to the continued stewardship of our pick up their Good Food Box, filled with building. fresh produce. 26% of activities We are redefining the role community Under the leadership of our centres play in creating strong are community–led groups and members and their elected Board neighbourhoods and strong organizations of Management, The Centre has communities. Together, we are developed into a vital community changing the way we understand hub–a place everyone in our community, public space and public- neighbourhood and throughout the private partnership. With your support, 21,468 referrals LGBTQ community can proudly call leadership and involvement, we’re ‘our centre’. While The 519 is still the changing Toronto. or information requests completed by first place vulnerable and marginalized staff at our Front Desk community members turn to for support, individuals who have never before set foot in The Centre are increasingly turning to The 519 for community and connections. Maura Lawless Executive Director Making Connections 747 individuals Melanie first came to The 519 two “There’s a huge difference. It was a real participated in newcomer programs years ago. After leaving her home in eye–opener.” the Caribbean, she arrived in Canada, searching for a place where she could Melanie’s story is strikingly typical. be open her sexuality. In a very For many members, especially 6,614 meals short time, Melanie became a regular those coming to Toronto from other presence around The 519, participating communities, The 519 becomes more prepared by participants for newcomer in a variety of groups and programs, than just a single program or activity. programs volunteering throughout The Centre and giving others as much support and “The 519 has been a god-send for me, mentorship as she receives in return. there is so much I can access here if I need it…so many things that people 7,688 visits “The 519 is a beacon, my home away take for granted. But for newcomers, it from home” she explains. “Being able means the world.” to all of our newcomer programs last year to just be yourself is not something that I’ve ever been used to. I’ve met so many For Melanie, The 519 is “volunteering, new friends.” membership, involvement, sensitivity, a place where you can be yourself.” 85% of participants Today, Melanie is most active in the Emerge Project, an initiative of The in newcomer programs are refugee 519’s settlement programs. Emerge, Next Steps claimants like many of The Centre’s programs and groups, utilizes a peer–based model. Newcomer services are the fastest Mentors in the project share their growing programs at The 519. In 2010 knowledge and lived experience with we secured funding from Citizenship 28 languages newcomers on issues as wide–ranging and Immigration Canada to expand as cooking, banking, employment and our services and we will continue to are spoken as the first language of socializing. seek additional financial support to newcomers at The 519 meet the growing need this community “Recently we had a group discussion faces. Increased capacity to measure about dating, a ‘Dating 101’. The outcomes and to articulate our impact expectations, the social norms, so many will also be a priority in this and all of things are different here.” our programs. Reaching Out 169 individuals Cheyenne, Gord and Christine joined “I’ve become more confident and participated in Older LGBT Programs the Older LGBT Program as phone I’m really enjoying the experience,” calling volunteers in the peak of a Christine explains. “One of the summer heat wave. Concerned about members on the list, he was shy at the older members of our community who beginning too. Now we can talk for 849 sessions may be suffering in the heat without hours.” air conditioning, these three volunteers of counselling were provided began calling each person on the For Cheyenne, Gord and Christine, The program’s contact list. 519 is “an open, caring, all-inclusive space that welcomes anybody who “We started calling to make sure people comes with a good heart.” 808 families had air conditioning, or that they knew where they could go to cool down,” attended family resource programs explains Gord. “But very quickly the conversations turned more casual. We would talk about their health, our experiences at the drop–in program. It 73% of participants became quite social.” in Older LGBT Programs are under 65 “I’m talking to friends I’ve known for years,” Christine elaborates. “I’ve been Next Steps in Toronto for 43 years and with a few weekly phone calls, I’m getting to know Community engagement 111,442 visits people better.” benchmarking will allow programs to identify new and emerging to The 519 were for Centre–led programs Before starting the program, Cheyenne, opportunities for engaging members and services Gord and Christine all had simple as volunteers. expectations—a quick call, a check– in, perhaps some details about the Reconfigured drop–in programs will upcoming movie night or drop–in meal, allow more flexibility in delivering but the experience changed each of focused, community–specific programs their perspectives of our community for older women, two–spirited people and of themselves. and LGBTQ youth.

‘TREE’ symbol, Hernan D. Schlosman, from The Noun Project Around The Table 20,885 meals Tysa and Sawyer came to The 519 as “Food is such an important part of our were served across all programs placement students in 2011, working lives.” Sawyer adds. “Sharing a meal in our meal drop–in programs and with each other makes it possible for us the LGBTQ youth tobacco prevention to build relationships.” initiative. They were drawn to The 14,702 snacks Centre because of the opportunities for For Sawyer and Tysa, The 519 is learning and the unique nature of our “community, a home away from home, were served across all programs programs and services. it’s an inspiration and it’s freedom to be who you are.” “There’s a freedom to be whoever you want to be,” Sawyer stated, articulating 773 visits what makes The 519 different. “You can see the changes in people, in were made by participants in our Healthy their lives. Being there and engaging TransActions program. with them one–on–one makes all the difference.” From our Healthy TransActions healthy 9,100 meals living intiative for trans and gender– queer youth, to our newcomer services were served in our social enterprise and LGBTQ homelessness programs, Next Steps restaurant FABARNAK food was always a central part of Tysa and Sawyer’s work at The 519. Increased focus on health and wellness, and especially food, nutrition, sport “It happens all the time,” Tysa explains. and recreation will play a central role 33% of referrals “If you’re in the kitchen cooking in our programs moving forward. together or you’re sharing a meal with New initiatives such as the LGBTQ were for social/recreational support someone, breaking bread, food helps Sport Leadership Program and new people talk; it helps them to get to community–based meal programming know each other. Food is essential to will enhance our capacity to build building community.” healthier communities.

‘FRUIT’ symbol, Jayme Davis, from The Noun Project Changing Minds 365 workshops Ami had attended youth groups at The The value and importance of our were provided last year 519, but her real engagement began capacity-building work is obvious. when she joined Project Open Door, providing policy consultation to social “I have realized that there is a lot of service agencies on trans–inclusivity. hope. People want to learn and they 5,172 participants Ami also provides trans–inclusion want to change. I have learned how to training through the Trans Access talk about these issues in a way that attended training and education events Project. helps them achieve their goals. “ led by The 519

“We help people to take trans inclusion For Ami, The 519 is “Kyle Scanlon. Kyle from the theoretical to the practical,” was passionate, caring, intelligent, and Ami states, explaining her work. “A lot he was someone you could rely on and 745 hours of the people I encounter have never trust. That is what The 519 is to me.” interacted with trans people before. of staff time was dedicated to building Often we have shared experiences, and Kyle Scanlon was The 519’s Research, networks and partnerships that certainly helps,” Education and Training Coordinator until his death in July, 2012. Project Open Door and the Trans Access Project are part of the broader Trans 3,332 people Programs at The 519 and are just two examples of the research, education Next Steps attended community meetings and training activities The Centre hopes will build capacity across our The 519’s new training and education communities. framework will provide a basis for additional capacity–building efforts in 15,454 visits “I recently flew up to Sudbury for a all of our program areas. consultation with a women’s agency. to arts– and culture–based drop-ins We had a long and very lively meeting Within the context of our community and allayed their concerns. They had engagement framework, staff will changed their opinions by the end of play an important role in sharing our the meeting and they understood why knowledge and experience through a change in support of trans inclusion organizational and intersectoral was important.” partnerships. community to meet, participate and engagement activities. In 2011, The 519 is responsive and celebrate together at The 519. From attendance at our Green Space on innovative. The benefits of our $1.80 the amount newcomer and settlement services to Church events during Pride increased model are clear, however none of yoga in the park, The 519 is reaching by 82%. Under the leadership of this would be possible without of community investment for every a broader, more diverse community we transformed the support and commitment dollar in core funding in 2011 than ever before. Increases in our Starry Night, our largest donor and of our donors, staff, volunteers membership and visitor statistics stakeholder event of the year, into and members. Thank you for attest to our value. the must–attend event to kick off your continued support of our Pride weekend. Now we are setting community centre. $ .81 the amount The Board continues to modernize our sights on 2015 as The 519 works The 519’s policies by undertaking with our community partners to of community investment for every an organization–wide policy review. coordinate the PrideHouseTO dollar in core funding in 2007 With the support of centre staff initiative–a hub for the LGBTQ we are ensuring a cyclical policy community during the Pan/Para Pan development and review process to Am Games in Toronto. Pascal Dessureault manage organizational risk and build Chair of the Board of Management 45% increase a strong foundation for our work. Chair’s The Centre is helping to define a new in community space following We have been successful in model of public–private partnership 2010 capital expansion Message increasing the number and value in our city. In a world of fiscal of donations to The Centre and restraint, we are not only innovating– What an exceptional year we have effectively diversified our we are creating a sustainable model have had at The 519! funding base. Thanks to our for local service delivery and civic The Board 56% increase donors, volunteers, staff, Board engagement. The Board firmly and with the generous support of believes that community leadership, in community investment since 2007 Through efficient and responsible our Honourary Patron Salah Bachir, coupled with the support of the Pascal Dessureault, Chair organizational management, The 519 continues to increase the City of Toronto’s Auditor General, Rudy Ticzon, Vice-Chair effective community engagement community’s investment in our Integrity Commissioner and legal Tyler Fleming, Treasurer and by delivering high–quality organization. and human resources staff, has built Scott Bomhof, Secretary 40% increase services to our community, The The 519 into a strong, trustworthy Margo Foster Centre is increasing our relevance With this increased community organization. And we accomplished Julia Lo in overall operating revenue since 2007 and sustainability. investment, the Board has focused all of this while providing a great Don Middleton on ensuring our events and return on investment. In 2012, The Andre Papadimitriou Our programs and services continue fundraising activities also engage 519 is projected to attract over $2.14 Anthony Partipilo to grow and diversify. The profiles the communities we serve. Our Pride of community investment for every Michael Von Teichman in this report speak to the range events have seen unprecedented dollar provided by the City in core Jeff Zoeller ‘BUILDING’ symbol, Benoit Champy, ‘MONEY symbol, Nick Levesque, ‘COINS’ symbol, Mike Hince of opportunities that exist for our success and have served as fantastic funding, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam from The Noun Project The City of Toronto provides core Financial Summary 2011 2010 funding to ensure our building is 1,733 donations maintained and open to the public. Core Funding $1,276,125 $1,239,607 Community investment allows us to made by individuals, organizations provide programs and services for our and corporations Community Investment $2,241,370 $1,342,680 communities. United Way 230,167 228,967 City of Toronto 263,761 272,700 In 2011, The 519 received $1,276,125 in $ REVENUE Government of Ontario 109,631 41,936 core funding from the City of Toronto 35,581 surplus Government of Canada 215,330 80,190 which accounted for 36% of our total Foundation Grants 100,521 182,110 operating budget. in 2011, excluding amortization Donations & Events 496,100 161,141 Pride Events 379,155 248,092 Full audited financial statements are Membership/Rentals/Fees 84,096 72,819 available by contacting The Centre. Social Enterprise 362,609 54,725 208% increase Total Revenue $3,517,495 $2,582,287 Community Investment in donation and event fundraising Core Funding revenue

Core-Funded Expenses $1,276,125 $1,239,607 Centre Administration 324,995 316,563 Information & Referral 311,664 306,606 45% 55% 46% 54% 176 donors Building Maintenance 447,511 425,770 Program Support 191,955 190,668 made gifts over $250 EXPENSES 2007 2008 Partnership Expenses $2,205,789 $1,339,350 Community Engagement 115,127 99,715 Fundraising & Events 258,776 60,498 48% 52% 53% 47% 239% increase Pride Events 249,212 178,679 Children & Family Programs 314,406 295,854 in spending on newcomer and refugee Community Drop–In Programs 191,863 159,962 2009 2010 services Trans Programs 321,677 194,469 Newcomer & Refugee Services 182,858 53,947 Counselling and Support 100,089 101,979 64% 36% Social Enterprise 471,781 194,247

Total Expenses $3,481,914 $2,578,957 2011 Major Funding Partners Leadership Council (1,000+) Benefactors (500+)

Alcoholics Anonymous – Church Street Group Karl Lohnes Simon Kattar & John Lloyd AAPA LGBT Caucus, Africans In Partnership Against AIDS, Alasdair Hooper, Albert Mui, Andre Goh Kenneth Fredeen Spencer Xiong Beth Easton, Blair Kissack, Brad Berg & Brian Rolfes, Brian Beattie, Brian Cartwright, Anthony Partipilo Kevin Gallant Swinging Out Brian Provini & Ron Harris, Brian Terry, Brian Wilding, Camp Ten Oaks, Chi Carmody, Bell Canada Larry Nevard TELUS Communications CUPE Local 79, Daniel Sanford, David Palumbo, Debtors Anonymous, Denis Frawley & BLU Energy Drink Lionel Tona Thomas Hopson Jon Novick, Doug Kerr & Mike Went, Downtown Swim Club, Eric Berndt, Evan Young, Bonte Minnema Lisa Gore & Tessa Duplessis Thornmark Asset Management Frank Butler, Gay Fathers of Toronto, Glenn Whittall, Gordon Lee, Helen Stanley, Brown-Forman Loblaw Companies Limited Toronto PWA Foundation Imperial Tattoos, Jim Grace, Julia Lo, Kim Chee Lee, Kyle Scanlon, Lee Mark Schofield, Canadian Gay Open LOFT Community Services Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund Lee Sneddon & Kris Fortomaris, Maureen Phillips, Michael Saver, Mustafa Nazarali, BMO Financial Group Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Louis Roberge Tristan Michela Overeaters Anonymous, Pascal Dessureault, Pearse Murray, Perry Orestes, Pink Cineplex Media Centennial College Lyndon Morley Tyler Fleming Triangle Press, Prime Timers Toronto, R. M. Lang Foundation, Renascent Foundation, George Cedric Metcalf Foundation Chris Schmid Martha McCain VISA Canada Robert Archer & Richard C. Pond, Robert McMurtrie, Safe Harbour Metropolitan Toronto Community Foundation Church Wellesley Village BIA Mathieu Chantelois The Woodlawn Arts Foundation Community Church, Sally Jakabowski, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, TICOT Social Chum Charitable Foundation Matthew Cutler & Avery Miller Society, Estate of Timothy Ross Wilson, Toronto Historical Bowling Society, Toronto David and Kate Daniels Maura Lawless & Fiona Murray South Central District 10 AA, Triangle Squares, Tracy Kay, Vicki Borenstein, W. Munro David DesLauriers Michael Moores Patron’s Circle (10,000+) David Himelfarb & Peter Proszanski Michael Von Teichman Advocates (250+) Dean Carlson Mijo Deluxe Postproduction Mill Street Brewery Honorary Patron Salah Bachir Don & Clayton Mohammad Al Zaibak Adam D. Peer, Ailsa Craig, Alcoholics Anonymous–Gratitude, Alcoholics Anonymous–Living Downtown Subaru Paul Austin In Today, Alex Wichmann, Allan Wands, Amy Langstaff, Annette Moll, Aquil Ali, Andrew Pinto, Dundee Wealth Management Pride and Remembrance Run Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS), Bill Vrantsidis, Brad Salavich, Brendan Row, Brian Smith, Andrew & Valerie Pringle El-Farouk Khaki & Troy Jackson RBC Financial Group Canada World Youth, Charles Duchesne & Brian Elder, Colin Quennell, Daniel Stapleton, Darcy B. Kate Amesbury & M. Joan Chalmers Ellis Jacob Red Bull Canada Bruce, David Emond, J. David Whitney, Deb Parent, N. Donald E. Altman, Duncan Exon Smith, John Bailey Endeavour Marketing Richard Durk & Stephen Weiss Eric Yu, Erick Decaen, Fieldstone Day School, Filomeno Jose, Helen Rykens, Helga Wyler, Iaroslav The Beaver Café Eric DeCou Richard F. Glaze Miretskyi, Imran Raza, Jaigris Hodson, Jason Van Tassel, Jeff Zoeller, John Roeleveld, Judy Skinner, Estate of Dr. James Howard Goudie The Frum Foundation Rick McCarty Julian Perez, Kabir Ravindra, Ken Harrower, Kristin Weckworth, Lance Dainard, Lukasz Rosinski , Frank Toskan & Darren Zakreski Geoffrey H. Wood Foundation Rick Mercer Marcel & Dora Dediu, Margo Foster, Mary Ann Scandiffio & Susan Wilkes, Mary-Louise Reddick, Joe Brennan & Daniel Greenglass GuySpy Rob McMurtrie Matt Kenny, Michael Cobb, Nanette Rosen, Natasha Garda, Nicole Borthwick, Ontario AIDS Labatt Breweries of Ontario Heart of the Flag Federation Rudy Ticzon & Randy Dawson Network , Out In Recovery, Patricia Thomson, Paul Willis, Peter Lam, Peter Moogk, Philip Junek, Manulife Financial IATSE The Sam Sorbara Foundation Promises Group, Rainbow Ballroom Dancing, Randal Defant, Randy Thisdale, Rian Boutolier, Rogers Communications Jaime Watt Sandra Simpson Richard Pierre, Robert Hay, Robert Preston, Ron Reaman, Sam Boonstra, Sandra Bickford, Social Scotiabank James Grace Sara Newman Planning Toronto, Stephen Menon, Sylvia Price, Thomas O’Shaughnessy, Timothy Wilson, Tony St. Joseph Communications Dr. John Jordan Scott Bomhof D’Addario, Virgil Quiogue, Victor Daneluzzi, Vincent Knott, Wendy Statt , Zelda’s Living Well TD Bank Group John Stephens CD Senator Nancy Ruth Restaurant Your Membership Matters

Membership is the best way for you to show your support for The 519. Your involvement helps keep our community vibrant, diverse and connected.

Registered Charitable No. In 1975, our community came together to build a space where 11931-0761-RR001 we could meet, participate and celebrate. For more than 36 years our members have helped to build a supportive, 519 Church St inclusive and welcoming space for Toronto’s LGBTQ and Toronto ON M4Y 2C9 downtown communities. Telephone 416-392-6874 Fax 416-392-0519 When you become a member of The 519 you join a network of [email protected] people who are working together to ensure our next 35 years are as innovative and engaging as the last.

Members of The 519:

– demonstrate their commitment to The 519 The519.org – provide volunteer support for The Centre – help inform and shape our programming – receive discounts on workshops and courses – receive discounts on our children’s camps Facebook.com/The519 –receive a 10% discount at FABARNAK

Get involved in your community and the hub of community life in downtown Toronto. Twitter.com/The519 Become a member today!