Semiahmoo House Society 15306 24Th Avenue Surrey, BC V4A 2J1 604-536-1242
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0 | P a g e Semiahmoo House Society 15306 24th Avenue Surrey, BC V4A 2J1 604-536-1242 www.uniti4all.com PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS TOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER 1 | P a g e Contents Contents ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Ownership Statement and Our Ends (Mission) ..................................................................................... 3 Our Board and Leadership Team 2019 – 2020 ..................................................................................... 4 Board Chair’s Report ............................................................................................................................. 5 Semiahmoo House Society Report ........................................................................................................ 7 Self-Advocates of Semiahmoo (SAS) Report 2019-2020 ...................................................................13 Inclusive Living Services Report ..........................................................................................................15 Community Services Report ................................................................................................................18 Innovation and Employment Services Report .....................................................................................24 Human Resources Report ...................................................................................................................28 Nomination Committee Report ............................................................................................................30 Board Member Appointments and Terms ............................................................................................30 Development Report for The Semiahmoo Foundation ........................................................................31 Auditor’s Report ...................................................................................................................................34 Thank You, Our Generous Donors! .....................................................................................................35 The Bollywood Dreams Gala ...............................................................................................................45 Thank You, Inclusive Business Partners! ............................................................................................46 In Memoriam ........................................................................................................................................47 An Inclusive Community Values All People! ........................................................................................48 2 | P a g e Ownership Statement and Our Ends (Mission) Semiahmoo House Society Ownership Statement The owners of Semiahmoo House Society are the people of the community. Our Ends (Mission) Semiahmoo House Society exists so that: People with disabilities live self-directed lives in the community at a justifiable cost and are valued members of the community: 1. People are valued members of society 1.1 People perform different social roles 1.2 People are respected 1.3 People live in integrated environments 1.4 People participate in the life of the community 1.5 People are leaders 2. People decide how they live their lives, and make informed choices: 2.1 People are connected to personal support networks 2.2 People have intimate relationships 2.3 People choose where and with whom they live 2.4 People choose their work 2.4.1 People should have paid employment opportunities 2.4.2 People have volunteer opportunities 2.4.3 People have entrepreneurial opportunities 2.5 People choose and use their environments 2.5.1 People choose services 2.5.2 People have recreational opportunities 2.5.3 People have travel opportunities 2.6 People have educational opportunities 2.7 People have opportunities to explore spiritual needs 3. The rights of people are protected 3.1 People are safe 3.2 People have the best possible health 3.3 People exercise rights 3.4 People are treated fairly 3.5 People are free from abuse and neglect 3.6 People experience continuity and security 3.7 People decide when to share personal information 3.8 The community is aware of the universal rights of people 3 | P a g e Our Board and Leadership Team 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors Bea Hadikin, Chair Nicole Russell, Vice-Chair Linda Annis, Member Teresita Aristizabal, Member Catherine Ferguson, Member Rich Gorman, Member Ian Jarvis, Member Colleen McGoff Dean, Member Marie Sabine, Member David Ure, Member Madison VanOene, Member Board Administration Diane Nimmo, Executive Administration Manager Leadership Team Doug Tennant, Chief Executive Officer Lise Boughen, Director of Inclusive Living Services Elizabeth Deschenes, Director of Community Services Seema Tripathi, Director of Employment and Innovative Services Stephanie Green, Director of Human Resources Ellen Powell, Director of Finance Louise Tremblay, Director of Development (The Semiahmoo Foundation) 4 | P a g e Board Chair’s Report I recently read the popular novel ‘American Dirt’ by Jeanine Cummins. Cummins has a European background, identifies as white, and grew up in a military environment. Reflecting on her decision to write a book about migrant Mexicans, she said, ‘If you’re a person who has the capacity to be a bridge, why not be a bridge?’ And, indeed, why not? In the context of our various relationships with UNITI, we can all tell our stories, educate those who don’t know about or understand the challenges and successes of people with disabilities, and make the world more user-friendly for all. I am exceedingly proud to chair the Board of Directors for Semiahmoo House Society and to contribute to an ethical, progressive, and person-centered organization. Being a community ‘bridge’ is both an honor and a privilege. UNITI is a partnership of three affiliated societies that have provided inclusive community services for over 60 years throughout Surrey and White Rock: Semiahmoo House Society (programs and support), Peninsula Estates Housing (affordable and inclusive housing), and The Semiahmoo Foundation (recognition, relationships, and resources). On the UNITI Board of Directors, there are twelve creative and capable members who take their roles as stewards of this organization extremely seriously. We hold regular meetings and participate in educational events and community outreach. At every formal meeting, we review our ‘Ends’, the overarching goals for all decisions, and provide input and feedback to guide and support senior management. I am grateful to Board members for their commitment, insight, and vision. Thank you! Thanks, as well, to Executive Administration Manager, Diane Nimmo, for her excellent administrative support. Last October, the Board held its annual Board/Management retreat. The purpose was to build strong relationships and refine our goals. Members participated in professional development on person-centered thinking. We learned how this approach is empowering, empathic, and respectful in all settings and, in particular, when working with people with disabilities. When we seek to understand with genuine curiosity, we build positive relationships and celebrate individuality. In that way, we can support people to achieve the life they want. In November, the Board hosted ‘The Bollywood Gala of Dreams’ - a food and entertainment extravaganza that raised $60,000 for inclusive community services and performed important outreach into the South Asian community. One highlight was Board Member Madison VanOene’s moving speech about her life and her contributions to society. Bravo! Unfortunately, because of the global pandemic, we postponed this year’s major fundraiser and our annual ‘Food for Thought’ dinner, where we ‘break bread’ and talk with our ‘owners’. As well, we had to reschedule our jointly- sponsored ‘roast’ of Gordie Hogg who has been a long-time friend and strong supporter of UNITI programs and people. The Inclusion BC Conference, where UNITI was a host, was also postponed. Like the rest of the world, we adjust and adapt. The Board continues to meet although now it is on Zoom. UNITI CEO Doug Tennant has kept us aware and regularly informed of the organization’s response to COVID-19 as we preceded through Phases 1, 2, and 3. There were daily management meetings, timely communication with staff and people we support and their families, and extensive consultation. Although it looked different than in the past, UNITI provided learning and social engagement through its online campus and thoughtful outreach. With a set of clear foundational principles guiding all planning and decision- making, we adhered to provincial standards for a careful and safe phase-in of services. Doug and his team have been kind, calm, and focused in the face of uncertainty. The Board is grateful for the quality leadership demonstrated by Doug, program managers, and all staff. While the pandemic has been foremost in our minds and hearts for the last five months, there have also been some milestones and magic at UNITI and all three organizations. Through the formal accreditation process, UNITI has been recognized as an important leader in supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council on Accreditation visiting team completed its on-site external evaluation last November after a focused review of our 5 | P a g e stellar self-study led by staff member