Inspiring Stories Kennedy House remains committed to empowering the youth of today to achieve their dreams of tomorrow. Donate In everything we do, Kennedy House works strategically and mindfully to positively impact the lives of individuals in our care. Seeing our clients begin to thrive is the ultimate reward. A Year in Review Read Video Transcript 2020-2021 a year in review 2021 much like 2020, was a year for the books. As an organization we changed, we grew, we adapted, and we watched our clients do the same for themselves. This entire (fiscal) year we have provided services to vulnerable individuals in the midst of a global pandemic. The pandemic increased and intensified the needs of vulnerable populations, like youth in care and youth experiencing homelessness. On top of being at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 with congregate living settings…There has been increased isolation, mental health issues, substance abuse, and more. We reacted and pivoted how we deliver programs and services. Keeping the wellbeing and safety of our clients and staff at the forefront. We opened a temporary second location to house shelter clients. And in January 2021 we expanded capacity to 53 beds. We came together in the face of emergency, and are so happy to report that as of August 2021 over 90% of Kennedy House staff have received their 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. Pandemic aside…a lot of good things are happening too! In May 2021 Kennedy House celebrated 50 years of operation! We looked back at where we started…and reflected on how much we’ve grown. On May 1st 1971, our Founders, Ed Blazo and Doug Chin, opened the doors of Kennedy Rd., creating a safe space for youth in care. What started as a small one-program organization, has grown into a dynamic multiple avenue agency, addressing the diverse and individual needs of Kennedy House clients. Kennedy House looks different than it did in 1971. But we remain driven by our founding mission and values. We believe that all individuals have the potential for growth and change. We made an impact in the lives of children, youth & families. And we fundraised to maximize that impact. Holiday Giving $13,000 Raised in monetary donations, an increase of 30% from December 2019 We launched the Kennedy House Gift Catalogue. Where donors can purchase items and experiences for clients. Shop our new gift catalogue and make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth this season For the majority of youth in our care, this will be their only holiday celebration. With your help we can make sure it’s a positive and memorable experience by giving them the holiday surprise that they deserve. 32 Christmas Morning Surprises purchased. This bought a $50 gift for a client. Help us find the bright side of 2020. With the cozy winter bundle youth in our care can relax and enjoy the magic of this season in a safe and supportive environment. 8 Cozy Winter Bundles were purchased, which included a new pair of socks and a blanket or sweater for a client. We missed having volunteers and donors in our programs during the holidays… But with their help we still made the season a magical one. Home sweet home Happy Holidays The Orange Door Project Campaign December 1st-20th 2020. 100% of funds raised will support a local youth serving charity COVID-19 Edition Kennedy House participated in the Home Depot Orange Door Project in December 2020 as a Charity Partner with 3 local stores. Although we weren’t able to be in stores due to COVID-19, the holiday campaign was still a success! $15k+ was raised in store and online for Kennedy House Youth Shelter 3:47 Coldest Night of the Year February 20, 2021 / $27k+ raised The most we’ve ever raised through CNOY! We hosted a virtual opening ceremony with staff, friends, walkers, and community leaders! 92 Walkers! $1300+ in corporate sponsorship! 200 New Donors! We accomplished a lot together. 34 Shelter residents transitioned into independent housing. In partnership with Grove School Board, a Shop Teacher was hired for the 14 youth detained or in custody at Kennedy House Youth Centre. 53 Shelter clients found employment. Congrats Class We celebrated a number of graduations with Kennedy House clients, like Abel from Brock Rd. who attended a drive-by graduation at his highschool! We’re about to do more for the youth in our care thanks to our community of support. Thank You Rogers Foundation, Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Home Depot Canada, C.B. Powell Foundation, Aqueduct Foundation, Ivanhoe Cambridge, RBC, Harrey E. Foster Charitable Foundation, Cadillac Fairview, TD Bank, The Kenn-Mar Foundation, United Way of Greater Toronto… PPE kits from Home Depot, Meals from C3 Church, Music Video Fundraiser from GW Music. And much more! Testimonials: “The silver lining of this year is that we’ve come out of this so much stronger, so much more connected, and so much more untied than we ever were.” – Megan Dealhoy, Shelter Services Manager “I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and dedication during this pandemic. They have done a tremendous job in protecting the health and safety of the clients we serve. Job well done.” – Louis Davis, Superintendent Kennedy House Youth Centre To our donors, community partners, Board of Directors, clients and incredible staff, thank you for helping us grow and for growing with us. “I learned that I was way stronger and smarter than I thought I was. Things that I didn’t think I can do, I can do.” – Kennedy House Youth Shelter Resident 2020-2021: a year of lessons, teamwork, and gratitude. 50 years in the books! And now we look forward to 50 more. Forging lives. Changing futures. Do you have questions?We have answers. Hear From Our Clients "When you are at your lowest you are also at your strongest, because you can pick yourself up." Anonymous Shelter Client (17 yrs. old) "Instead of Kennedy House it should be called Kennedy Home because that’s what it is: a home." Anonymous Residential Client Collective Impact 14,000 Kennedy House has impacted the lives of over 14,000 young people in our community. 18,250 Kennedy House staff have delivered over 18,250 days worth of essential services and programming to at-risk youth. 2,300 With the help of our amazing donors, the Kennedy House Youth Shelter has been providing safe sleeps for youth experiencing homelessness for over 2,300 nights.
