2017-18 Annual Report
Message from the Board Chair & Executive Director
First and foremost, to everyone involved with ASYR – staff, clients, board members, community members – Happy 35th Anniversary!
When ASYR was established in 1983 its purpose was to provide supportive services to people affected by addictions. This work continues today and we are proud to be celebrating 35 years serving individuals, their families and communities in York Region and beyond.
We believe in the ability of the people we serve to make choices that are right for them and are committed to honouring their life experiences. We believe in the right of all persons to choose programs and services that are consistent and meaningful to them, and that are sensitive to their social and lived experiences. We recognize that individuals who may have been historically disadvantaged by mainstream systems, structures, and ideologies should have full access to the services they need. We are working hard to serve everyone with the best programs and services.
2017-2018 was a very busy year. Our collective commitment to serving individuals affected by addictions, is reflected in a number of different ways by our board, staff, community partners and funders.
During the past year, the Board has worked hard to consider changes in the legislative and environmental landscape and how those changes might impact the work of ASYR. The Board is committed to continuing these discussions as it looks to the future. In its commitment to provide sound oversight, the Board embarked upon its own governance training. This work was invaluable and will strengthen its governance role moving forward.
The work of our staff is the element in the success of the agency. We value the staff at ASYR, their expertise and ability. The integrity demonstrated by each staff member, daily, with each client is critically valued. We are committed to doing our best to support staff in their work, and to ensure a safe and supportive working environment for everyone.
Led by the ASYR Cultural Responsiveness, Equity and Inclusivity Committee, a consultant was engaged to work with ASYR to deepen the commitment of the agency to Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism (AOAR). Earlier this year, staff came together to increase awareness and knowledge of AOAR and its impact on structures, laws, policies and culture, and to increase understanding of the value of implementing a change process to enhance equity in the organization.
ASYR has re-committed to an important and essential AOAR journey. The work that has been accomplished thus far is important. As part of its commitment to AOAR, ASYR will continue to collaborate with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) to provide Indigenous Cultural Competency training to health service providers in York Region, South Simcoe and beyond.
During the past year, funding for ASYR from the Central LHIN increased by approximately 26%. As part of its enhanced role, ASYR was designated the lead agency by the LHIN. ASYR brought together five other agencies to collaborate and develop a suite of programs and services for individuals affected by addictions. The Wellness Collaborative includes Across Boundaries, Black Creek Community Health Centre, Caritas School of Life, the Krasman Centre, Vitanova Foundation and ASYR. Using a harm reduction approach, the Wellness Collaborative has successfully expanded case management, peer support and counselling services across the Central LHIN. We are grateful to the Wellness Collaborative agencies for their commitment and leadership in reaching out to individuals and communities, and for their support of our collective work to increase program and service capacity for those affected by addictions.
During the past year, ASYR and OPSEU negotiated a first Collective Agreement. We wish to thank both bargaining teams for their commitment to building a fair and reasonable agreement for everyone.
Thank you to the members of our board. Your leadership and commitment has enabled the agency to continue its work to provide important programs and services to individuals affected by addictions.
A very special thank you to all ASYR staff. Your hard work is critical to individuals who seek us out and you inspire our efforts to ensure you have the necessary resources to provide the best possible care.
Without the support of our funders, we would not be able to do our work. Thank you to the Central Local Health Integration Network, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Municipality of York Region for your continued financial support.
We also want to thank our community partners. You are an essential ingredient in our work and we are grateful for your partnerships.
As we pause a moment to celebrate our 35th anniversary, it is essential that we spend that time recognizing the hard work and commitment of
those that have come before us. Let’s all recognize those individuals that have been involved in the growth and development of ASYR over the years. Thank you for your vision and hard work. You built the foundation on which ASYR continues to grow and serve more and more people. We will continue to build on that foundation to serve people affected by addictions.
As we look to the next 35 years, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We remain committed to serving all people affected by addictions.
Again, Happy 35th Anniversary ASYR!
Allan Hoyle – Chair, Board of Directors | Penny Marrett – Executive Director
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