Sharing Our 2022-23 Annual Report
Our 2022-23 Annual Report is a powerful testament to the ways we’ve continued to grow as an organization and evolve as essential service providers
Jul 11 2023 | Connective
While no report could ever fully capture the countless ways we’ve continued to grow as an organization and evolve as essential service providers, every line, statistic, and story within represents an important piece of Connective’s story – the impacts we’ve had on the lives of our service users, and the ways they’ve contributed to our vision of a safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all.
While we invite everyone to read the complete report, we wanted to share a few highlights.
Our Year in Numbers
Hair and Makeup Artistry Certifications
Thanks to YESS funding from Employment and Social Development Canada, Connective Kamloops’ employment team supported a number of youths to complete Hair and Makeup Artistry Programs through the Cassidy Wyatt Artistry Collective (CWAC).
The first cohort of students completed programming in winter 2023, to great success – every student passed the course, and eight of them were awarded an ‘Excellence in Artistry’, recognizing them for all their hard work.
In addition to funding course costs, Connective also supported participants with grocery stipends, day care funding, gas subsidies to cover travel to and from the program, and rent assistance so that students could focus on their studies.
“The CWAC Hair and Makeup courses have been life changing. Before taking the courses, I had passion for beauty but lacked the knowledge and skills to turn that passion into a career. I am so grateful…Without this, I never would have had the knowledge and skills to land the dream job I just got offered!”
– Kiana
Expanding Opportunities in Whitehorse
In February of 2023, we were thrilled to announce our fifth program in Whitehorse – a supervised housing and reintegration program for up to six women on conditional release from institutions, giving them the opportunity to return home to an environment that is safe and supportive.
Peter Allik-Petersenn Educational Bursary Winner
“I was incredibly grateful to be chosen as this generous bursary from Connective helped me to cover the costs of my final semester at Thompson Rivers University. It was not an easy decision for me to return to school as a mature student with a family, including three children who depend on me. It was a very challenging two years, but I am proud to share that I have now earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree.” – Karen L (She/Her)
Therapeutic Expression Through Art
“Art therapy is cool because it’s a lot less daunting than traditional talk therapy; because it’s visual, and not as cognitive, it’s more palatable for a lot of people,” says Rebekah. For service users who might be hesitant to seek counselling through traditional means, it can be incredibly powerful.” – Rebekah, Adler University
A Path to Independent Living – Ty’s Story
Ty first came to Rosstown Housing from the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, after spending several years there. At Rosstown, Ty was able to work closely with staff and found a new outlook on life. His willingness to engage with the Forensic Treatment Team increased, and he developed a personal desire to remain clean from substances and create a more holistically enriched living experience.
After a year at Rosstown, Ty was ready to live on his own. Access to a housing subsidy helped bring this long-term goal to fruition, and with the support and encouragement of staff, he was even able to adopt two cats – Puzzle and Jenga – whom he cares for a great deal.
“My two cats are great to have around.”
Advancing Truth & Reconciliation – Connective’s Indigenous Advisory Committee
As part of Connective’s commitment to truth & reconciliation with Indigenous people in Canada, we recognize that it is our duty – as individuals, as an organization, and as a community – to engage with our true history through a process of ongoing learning and unlearning, and to take an active role in decolonization.
The road to reconciliation is a long one, with many steps along the way – it’s with this in mind that we were so pleased to form our Indigenous Advisory Committee this past year.
Complementing our Board of Director’s own knowledge and experience, the committee brings unique perspectives on the history and impacts of colonization, in addition to being experts and leaders in their field.
Together, they will provide critical and historical input to guide and support our Board as they plan activities or develop policies and procedures that impact Indigenous service users and communities.
“This has been an exciting year of Connective’s response to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations throughout the entire organization. The creation/implementation of the Indigenous Advisory Committee has brought together a diverse view of Indigenous perspectives that are shared in Connective’s delivery of programs and services, developing and revising policies, as well as advancing relationships and partnerships with other organizations in order to help Connective better meet the needs of those whom we serve.”
– Mavis Boucher, Connective Board Member
There’s much more to dive into in our full Annual Report. Click below to learn more!