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East MetroYouth Services

1200 Markham Rd. Suite 200


Scarborough, Ontario M1H 3C3
tel.416.438.2697
fax.416.438.7424
Belong. www.emys.on.ca
to be proper or due; to be properly or appropriately
At East Metro Youth Services, we continuously strive to engage youth in reaching their personal best through:

placed, engaged; to be a part of something.


• Enhancing their mental health
• Active collaboration with our diverse families and communities, and
• Values-based partnerships

At East Metro Youth Services, we believe...


• The best interests of youth in our community are paramount.
• Youth and their families are treated with dignity and respect.
• The diversity, strength and potential of youth and their families are recognized and valued.
• In the value of our staff and volunteer and the importance of their contributions and commitments to the youth served,
our communities and East MetroYouth Services.
• In a professional practise built around client strengths and cultural and evidence-based competencies.
• Flexibility, innovation and individualized approaches are key to providing responsive services.
• Collaboration that demonstrates achievement of outcomes for youth in an effective and efficient manner should be promoted.
• Excellence and quality are achieved through focused leadership, integrity and accountability.

At East Metro Youth Services, we offer the following programs:


• Counselling - Individual and Family Therapy • Developmental Services
• Counselling - Intensive Child and Family Services ∞ AYCES

belong:
∞ GASP (Galloway After School Program)
• Counselling - Priority Access for Child Welfare

[bi-lawng] –verb
∞ Time for the Taking
• Counselling - Transitional Support Services ∞ Respite Care
• Counselling - Whatever It Takes (W.I.T.) • TheViolence Intervention Project
• Residential Treatment ∞ CommunityVolunteer Program
• Diversity in Action Scarborough (DIAS Program) ∞ Pre-Employment Program
∞ Respect In Schools Everywhere (RISE Program)
• Day Treatment
∞ Youth Outreach Worker Program (YOW Program)
• ADAPT Program ∞ SayWord Journalism Program
∞ School-Based Diversion Program
∞ Studio2 Multimedia Program
Dear Colleagues:
BOARD MEMBERS

Chairperson
I t is with a great sense of pride that we share with you
our 2008-2009 annual report. This report encompasses
the third of four phases of our Strategic Implementation
dedicated funding to staff programs that support racialized
youth, those living in designated“priority”communities,
and young newcomers and their families. These funds
Douglas Millstone Planning Program, which has helped to navigate, track and are most important given the mental health stresses that
measure our efforts in order to bring our mission statement can accompany acculturation. We are also grateful for the
Past Chairperson
to life. Indeed, as the voices of the youth and families in continued support of funders like the Ontario Trillium
Carolyn Ferreira
this report illustrate, this year is no exception in realizing Foundation, the City of Toronto and the Argos Foundation.
Vice Chairperson our efforts to continuously strive to engage youth in
Consolidation is indeed timely as we begin preparation
Ray F. Williams reaching their personal best. We achieve this through active
for our next accreditation in the spring of 2010. In 2005
collaboration with our diverse families and communities,
Secretary EMYS achieved an outstanding score of 99.4% and the
and values-based partnerships.
Alison Herrington feedback from the site review team continues to burn in
As we enter the final phases of our Strategic Plan, we have our ears. With our bar set high, we hope to complete this
Treasurer
already begun to grapple with some important issues as to undertaking and sign off on the last phases of our Strategic
Gopal Karna
what it means to be a multi-service mental health centre Plan so that this time next year we can direct our energies
Members that provides a broad continuum of programs. While the towards a more integrated model of mental health service
Brian Ashton old adage of not being able to be all things to all people delivery that reflects the individual yet diverse nature of all
Jameel Boothe holds true, we have become increasingly aware of the those we serve.
diverse needs of our community and the various doors
Kar Choi Chan In carrying out all of that which we do, we must remain
through which EMYS youth and their families come
Michael Connell mindful of how the stress of the current economic situation
to us. In particular, the growth of our Level 3 violence
has impacted Ontario’s youth and families. It will certainly
Maria Cuzzolino-Lam prevention and community programs has demanded we
present the centre with funding, resourcing and staffing
Charlene Di Danieli take a broader look at mental health and, in particular, how
challenges in the near future. As a result we can anticipate
Kiana Eastmond closely it is linked with violence, trauma and distress.
an increase in service demand and a decrease in service supply.
Mary Jarrell At the same time, we recognize the embodiment of youth
Fortunately, as this report reflects, EMYS has remained
Steven Jones engagement in Level 3, where the youth are meaningfully
strong in its endeavours. The agency is supported by a
involved in all aspects of programming, from design to
Shivanand Mahadeo variety of funders who believe in our work, as well as a
delivery and from development to implementation. This
Judy Marshall dedicated Board of Directors and staff group. All of these
spirit has enhanced the strengths-based approach inherent
people combine a passion to help and to heal with a finely
Executive Director within our clinical programs, ultimately helping to connect
honed commitment to professionalism. We have no doubt
Claire Fainer the silos between our clinical and community programs
that this passion and support will continue to serve EMYS
and ensuring the importance of positive outcomes for all
well and allow us forge ahead with strength, clarity, and of
the young people who walk through our doors .
course, a continued commitment to standards of excellence
Fortunately, amidst these transitions, we have been able to in all that we do.
provide a broad continuum of programs that reflect and
respond to the needs of our surrounding communities.
This year, we enjoyed another year of financial Respectfully,
consolidation, expanding our list of funders to include,
Service Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, The
Youth Challenge Fund, and the Jays Care Foundation. This
has allowed us to strengthen our diversity agenda, with

Doug Millstone Claire Fainer


EMYS Board Chair Executive Director
O n the first day of high school many youth have a
number of expectations around getting bullied or
lost around the school, and adaptations that they have
manner and how to conduct myself. For the past 2
years, I have made a lot of friends, made an amazing
documentary entitled ‘Voices Over Violence’, and most
to make. Eventually, we all have to adapt to the new importantly, helped spread the word about violence
environment and make the necessary adjustments to prevention both physical and domestic to countless
our daily lives in order to achieve success at the end audiences both young and mature.
of grade 12. For me the transition from middle school
In conclusion, the RISE program has had a huge
to high school was easy because of RISE. My first
impact on Cedarbrae Collegiate, as well as its students.
encounter with RISE was in grade 8. When I went to
Since attending the school in 2007, I have seen a
Cedarbrae in grade 9, I was given the opportunity to
decrease in violence than in previous years. RISE
join the program and become a RISE youth delegate.
has helped people like me discover who they are as
I decided to join because I felt that it was very youth
individuals and remain positive at all times. Now in
oriented and promoted a positive message. Under the
2009 as grade 11 approaches, I am writing this not only
guidance of great people such as the RISE Coordinator,
as a RISE youth delegate, but as an employee of the
and placement students, I was able to learn in depth
East Metro Youth Services summer staff! Opportunities
about issues such as bullying, healthy relationships and
such as this are just an example of the opportunities I
violence prevention.
have been given as a result of great work with RISE. As
In a number of ways, the RISE program has helped the writer of the official RISE Anthem, I plan to follow
me realize a number of things about myself. Having my dreams and continue to RISE Above the Violence!
experienced bullying and witnessed violence during
my early years, I was able to learn the reasons why
people bully, ways to handle situations in a positive
L ilian Yange lost her mother, father, grandmother
and younger sister in Uganda where she was born
and raised. Life there was extremely hard and she felt
at East Metro Youth Services and said that her goal was
to build a school in every country in the world to bring
education to youth like her who grew up in places
alone and lost. Lilian’s uncle became sole guardian of where it is not easily accessible.
her brother, older sister and her. Desiring to provide all
She has found a home at East Metro Youth Services. At
of them a more positive life, he worked hard to come
the present time Lilian is involved in several different
to Canada for a fresh start and new opportunities.
programs such as the Photography Club, Expressive
Settling in Canada was not easy for Lilian. Trying to Arts, Say Word Journalism, School-Based Diversion at
adapt to the fast-paced, urban youth culture when you Winston Churchill and the Level 3 drop-in program.
are the“new girl”from Uganda proved challenging. Lilian Yange’s story is truly remarkable and real. If you
Lilian came to the country with many barriers. She want to know more about her, drop into the Level
wasn’t fluent in English, not the strongest in reading 3 space anytime. Her ultimate goal is to be a world
and writing. renowned photographer and a mentor to youth.
As time progressed things fell into place for Lilian. She is well on her way.
This dedicated and optimistic young lady never
hesitated to seek help or guidance from mentors, Words and story by: F
 aith Galbraith, 17 (Say Word Journalism Program)
counselors or any positive resources. Lilian
participated with in the Student Success focus group
M y name is Lindsay. I am 19 years old. I began
attending counselling at East Metro Youth
Services when I was 11 years old. I was suffering
At various times throughout the years I worked with
my counsellor, I worsened or lost my ability to fully
function. She recognized the signs immediately and
from depression and my parents suggested seeing a helped me get the proper medical care.
therapist to help me deal with my feelings.
During my 7 years at EMYS, I learned the coping
While sceptical of the program at first, I found myself mechanisms I now use to deal with my depression,
comfortable with my counsellor, and continued to medication-free, every day. Cognitive Behavioural
work with her until I aged out of youth services. Therapy, and the ability to talk to someone when
I’m feeling overwhelmed or depressed, have been
While attending personal counselling at EMYS, I also
invaluable. I have no doubt that I would not be where
participated in a group for teenaged clients intending
I am today were it not for EMYS and the wonderful
to educate them on the chemical aspects of mental
people I’ve worked with.
illness and how certain medications applied to
certain issues, including Major Depressive Disorder, I am now attending college and look forward to
which I have been diagnosed with. The group, led by graduating with my class, and living in college
a qualified psychiatrist, taught me quite a bit about residence, able to handle life without constant support.
my illness and helped me understand how various
therapies, including those provided by EMYS, helped
treat me. During a time of particular stress, I began
intensive therapy, which further aided my recovery.
Lindsay
Shawn`s Dad: tuning our relationship. Without EMYS, I Now, Shawn has confidence and direction
wouldn’t be able to write this letter today. I and has been taught how to channel all that

I t’s hard to explain normal. It’s also


tough expressing calm, inclusiveness,
expectations and being proud parents. Prior
to coming to EMYS, my wife and I had
am eternally grateful for this service and my
family and I thank EMYS for it. I would also
like to give Paula a special thank you from
anger. I have been attending family and
personal counselling sessions with Paula. I
am a more confident person and am able
our whole family. to voice my opinions. We are also now
none of this. Our daughter took much of
communicating and working together as a
the abusive behaviour of our son, Shawn*.
Shawn`s Mom: family. Paula has really assisted our family
Every day, coming home from work filled us
through her hard work and dedication.
with anxiety about what Shawn did today. I am so appreciative of the work of EMYS
Because of her and EMYS, I see hope and a
and our counsellor, Paula. Since my son
Shawn was socially repressed. Rarely brighter future for both my children.
Shawn was 8 years old, we have been to
would he go out with us. On larger family
many therapists. The fights and arguments
functions, he would just sit in the van Shawn’s Sister:
were overwhelming and put a constant
and refuse to come out. We would feel
strain on our family. We had difficulty For the past few years, I have been attending
embarrassed trying to explain his actions.
socializing as a family due to this constant family counselling and personal counselling
It was my wife, Laura* who finally contacted conflict. My son was drowning socially. As at EMYS. During that time, our counsellor
EMYS. To be honest, I thought it would be he entered high school, he would hide and Paula has supported me and guided me
another dead-end road. Shawn was tested disappear. I would receive daily calls from through a lot. She went on her own time
over two days and we were then assigned the school. My son was put on various and even stayed past her hours to help
a family therapist named Paula* who went medications since he was 9 years old, which me. She has also gotten me through some
over Shawn’s results. In my frustration, I did little to stop the aggressiveness and emotional and physical problems I was
was ready to pull Shawn out of the Day anxiety we all felt. facing, helping me get through my fears,
Treatment school he attended. Fortunately, pain and so much more. She has given
My son was a patient of a hospital doctor
Paula talked me out of it. She started Shawn me techniques to cope with my stress and
for approximately 4 years. After years of
on an action plan, both at school and home. hooked me up with a program that brings
counselling, it was recommended I take
We started family counselling once a week teens with similar problems together, which
Shawn to a clinic to help him deal with
with Shawn and Paula. has helped me significantly. I was a little
his problems. Then, we were presented
sceptical at first, but with the help of the
Two years later, I am writing this story. with a new set of issues. After looking
counsellors of the group, I was able to heal.
Shawn is looking forward to going back to at our options, counselling and services
school and attending“regular classes.” We through the years, we almost gave up. Paula has also helped our family get through
now go to family functions where Shawn is Then, a counsellor at one of the Section 23 a lot of boundaries that we thought we
an active participant. programs where Shawn went to school would never break through. She has been
recommended we go to EMYS. a miracle to me, staying by me, my family
Prior to coming to EMYS, I was worried
and helping all of us through our problems.
Shawn would drop out of school and Between the Section 23 program that Paula
Now, my brother and I don’t fight as much
become entangled in the Justice system. attends every Thursday and counselling with
anymore and we can actually sit and laugh
Now, he is talking about becoming a her at the EMYS office, we have experienced
together. My health has improved and I am
Correctional Officer. If we hadn’t come to more success in these last 3 years than
more confident in myself and my family. It is
EMYS, our family could not have had the with any other program. Paula also attends
just so reassuring to know that there’s a place
same outcome. We are still in counselling meetings with other clinics to ensure we
like East Metro to support people like me.
once every other week. We’re now fine- know what is best.
*Real names have been changed
REVENUE 2009 2008
Ministry of Children and Youth Services $5,382,806 $5,382,015
Children’s Aid Societies $1,508,652 $1,475,703
Other Program/Special Services Funding $1,320,468 $602,651
Donations and Other Revenue $225,341 $135,640
Amortization of Deferred $27,141 $20,220
Capital Contribution
Interest Income $22,119 $53,328
Ministry of Education $581,201
$8,486,527 $8,250,758

EXPENSES
Salaries and Benefits $6,608,594 $6,153,905
Rent $350,012 $360,006
Consulting and Professional Fees $294,330 $312,182
Repairs, Mainetenance and Equipment $208,120 $306,450
Program Expenses $189,988 $272,131
Supplies and Other $140,217 $213,193
Travel $108,732 $105,621
Food $91,852 $85,240
Training $85,172 $60,937
Medical and Personal Needs $73,313 $67,656
Communication $72,848 $78,154
Meetings and Promotion $69,505 $46,712
Insurance $31,935 $33,632
Utilities and Property Taxes $29,721 $27,357
Mortgage Interest $21,106 $27,929
Goods and Services Tax Recovery (Note 9) ($41,636)
Amortization $63,669 $67,057
$8,439,114 $8,176,526

EXCESS REVENUE OVER EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR $47,413 $74,232


East Metro Youth Services is honoured and grateful to receive funds
from and be accountable to these essential funders:
• The Argos Foundation
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• The City of Toronto
• Service Canada
• The Jays Care Foundation
• The Government of Canada
• The Ministry of Children and Youth Services
• T
 he Provincial Centre of Excellence
for Child and Youth Mental Health
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation
• The Youth Challenge Fund
• United Way Toronto

Support EMYS
DONATE
To find out how you can contribute, call us at 416-438-3697;
email us at emys@emys.on.ca; or make an online donation at
www.canadahelps.org

With your help, we can help others.

THANK YOU
The enhancement and sustainability of many of East Metro Youth
Services programs and services would not be possible without the
generosity and valuable support of our sponsors. To them, and to
future sponsors we are indebted and grateful.
to be proper or due; to be properly or appropriately
At East Metro Youth Services, we continuously strive to engage youth in reaching their personal best through:
• Enhancing their mental health
• Active collaboration with our diverse families and communities, and

placed, engaged; to be a part of something.


• Values-based partnerships

At East Metro Youth Services, we believe...


• The best interests of youth in our community are paramount.
• Youth and their families are treated with dignity and respect.
• The diversity, strength and potential of youth and their families are recognized and valued.
• In the value of our staff and volunteer and the importance of their contributions and commitments to the youth served,
our communities and East MetroYouth Services.
• In a professional practise built around client strengths and cultural and evidence-based competencies.
• Flexibility, innovation and individualized approaches are key to providing responsive services.
• Collaboration that demonstrates achievement of outcomes for youth in an effective and efficient manner should be promoted.
• Excellence and quality are achieved through focused leadership, integrity and accountability.

At East Metro Youth Services, we offer the following programs:


• Counselling - Individual and Family Therapy • Developmental Services
• Counselling - Intensive Child and Family Services ∞ AYCES
∞ GASP (Galloway After School Program)

belong:
• Counselling - Priority Access for Child Welfare
∞ Time for the Taking

[bi-lawng] –verb
• Counselling - Transitional Support Services ∞ Respite Care
• Counselling - Whatever It Takes (W.I.T.) • TheViolence Intervention Project
• Residential Treatment ∞ CommunityVolunteer Program
• Diversity in Action Scarborough (DIAS Program) ∞ Pre-Employment Program
∞ Respect In Schools Everywhere (RISE Program)
• Day Treatment
∞ Youth Outreach Worker Program (YOW Program)
• ADAPT Program ∞ SayWord Journalism Program
∞ School-Based Diversion Program
∞ Studio2 Multimedia Program
Belong.

East MetroYouth Services


1200 Markham Rd. Suite 200
Scarborough, Ontario M1H 3C3
tel.416.438.3697
fax.416.438.7424
www.emys.on.ca

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