NEWS AND UPDATES FROM EVA’S INITIATIVES

FALL/WINTER 2006

News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives is Printed in the Phoenix Print Shop

SHOPPERS DRUG MARTHONOURS BUZZ HARGROVE On June 9, Aubrey Browne, National Vice-President of Pharmacy Services at ShoppersDrug Mart, presented a cheque for $100,000 to CAW President Buzz Hargrove tobenefit the Buzz Hargrove Fund at Eva’s Phoenix, our award-winning transitionalhousing and employment training facility for homeless and at-risk youth.

“We are delighted to be making this donation to Eva’s Initiatives in honour of BuzzHargrove,” said Aubrey Browne. “As Canada’s largest pharmacy retailer, we recognizehow important programs, such as these, are for our young people. We are pleasedto be able to support the work Buzz and the CAW have done to champion the needsof homeless and at-risk youth by funding these innovative programs that will helpto make a difference.”

“Eva’s Initiatives offers real solutions to the homeless crisis,” said Buzz Hargrove.“The organization recognizes the incredible potential of these youth and providesopportunities for training and employment that give them a chance for a successfullife off the streets.”

EVA’S PLACEGETS A MAKEOVERIn October, Eva’s Place underwent a fabulous “Makeover” – courtesy of “TheDesigner Guys” from HGTV who redecorated the common area and youthkitchen area. After 11 years of sheltering thousands of homeless youth, theshelter was looking a little ragged. We needed someone to help rejuvenate theshelter’s main common areas. The make-over was completed with the assistanceof a S.C.P.I Grant. This project was supported by the Government of Canadaand the City of Toronto, The Rotary Club of Don Mills, and Young NakKorean Presbyterian Church.

The effect is astounding! The television show will air on March 31, 2007 at10:00 p.m. on HGTV.

It was a pleasure watching the unveiling of the shelter’s new look. Our youthwere surprised that so much could change so quickly. It is great to see youngpeople gathering together – eating, watching television, playing games – in anarea that appears warm, home-like and cared for. Thank you very much,Designer Guys!

NATIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITYEva’s was extremely proud to organize and host the first National Youth Homelessness Learning Community meeting in November. Thirteen leading serviceproviders in the field of youth homelessness from across Canada came together for two days to discuss how we can collaborate nationally on issues of mutualinterest to develop the capacity in our sector so youth can benefit from the innovative best practices we have all developed. The discussion was lively andinformative and the Learning Community has agreed to focus its efforts in the first year on staff development strategies, youth engagement and evaluation.We are very excited to have this opportunity to work with innovative organizations to build our community of practice and help more homeless youth acrossCanada become self-sufficient.

Designer Guys, Matt, Anwar, and Allen of HGTV withExecutive Director Maria Crawford, Ed Smith- husband of Eva Smith,

and Betty Ferreira of Eva’s Place

Aubrey Browne, Board President Emree Siaroffand CAW president Buzz Hargrove

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & THE PRESIDENT

As you read the articles in this newsletter, you will see 2006 has been a very exciting and productive year on many levels for Eva’s

Initiatives. In addition to operating our three shelters and specialized programs for homeless youth, the Board of Directors has

focused on the development of a three-year strategic plan to address the key priorities and challenges currently facing Eva’s

Initiatives. These priority areas include raising our Public Profile, concentrating on the Funding Model and our Fundraising Capacity,

increasing the organization’s Human Resource Capacity (Board and Staff), ensuring a strong Service Delivery Strategy, and continued

Strategic Planning for the future.

To maintain our high-calibre programs and services, it is critical to have an appropriate infrastructure in place to maintain the

consistency and effectiveness of these leading-edge programs and services, our physical infrastructures and the continuation of a

high level of innovation. We must also look to the future to ensure this infrastructure is solid and adequately resourced to carry us

forward as we continue to evolve and focus our programming for homeless youth. At times throughout the year, this planning work

has been intense and has culminated in a plan for the future tailored to the needs, challenges and threats we face.

As we prepare for 2007, we do so with the threat our S.C.P.I. funding from the Federal Government may be discontinued. If this

funding commitment from the Federal Government does not continue, some of our special programs and shelter upgrades could

end. Eva’s has been working hard this year, in collaboration with the youth shelter network in Toronto, to lobby the government

with the hope of seeing this funding continue and with a view to achieving an equitable funding model to replace the woefully

outdated model under which we currently function. The demands for our services from the most marginalized of youth continue

to grow. We are now besieged by the ever-increasing needs of youth who come to us with mental health and/or addiction issues.

On a very positive note, the long-awaited construction-start to our Eva’s Satellite

process is imminent. The City has assured us construction will begin in December

of this year. It has been a long and challenging road over the past seven years.

The progress we made would not have been possible without the strong and

steady support we receive from the community.

We end 2006 with the utmost respect for the youth we serve and the courage and

tenacity they show in the face of great odds. We have deep appreciation for our

many volunteers, supporters and donors. Best wishes in the coming year.

Maria Crawford, Executive Director Emree Siaroff, President, Board of Directors Emree SiaroffMaria Crawford

PRINTED IN THE PHOENIX PRINT SHOP

2 ~ News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Fall/Winter 2006

EVA’S INITIATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We are pleased to announce that DavidBragdon is the 2006 winner of the BuzzHargrove Youth Achievement Award!

Emree Siaroff, President

Zahir Lalani, Vice-President

Michael Cossar, Treasurer

Megan Telford, Secretary

Directors:Heather BrownJean-Paul BrownGavin ClingbineMichael CraneEttie DawkinsNicholas Dureault

Patricia GloudonErin GordonKen RousselleCouncillor David ShinerKen SilverMarnie Silver

Honorary Board Members:Ed SmithEdeva Smith

Designer:Randal Boutilier at 12thirteen

Sheltered Life, a film created by youth in the Eva’s Phoenix Mentorship Program,was screened at the New York Harlem International Film Festival in October and

WON THE EMERGING YOUTH FILMMAKING AWARD!

“A year ago, I thought I’d end up in jail, or worse. I had nofuture, no hope. I knew there had to be help somewhere outthere and that if I put the effort into getting something outof life, instead of destroying my life, I could change.”

Darnell, youth client

GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW EVA’S SATELLITE BUILDINGThe current Eva’s Satellite is small, cramped, old and inadequate. Since 1999, whenthe City of Toronto approved funds to build a new facility, we have been waiting fora building that will allow for 24 hour service delivery, improved shelter access andmore harm reduction programming.

YOUTH STORIES FROM EVA’S SATELLITE• Megan arrived from Windsor at Eva’s Satellite as a result of family breakdown.

She had a grade 9 education, was a heavy narcotics user and had a difficult timeinteracting with anyone without yelling. After working with staff for severalmonths, Megan is now attending an alternative school full-time, has moved intoEva’s Phoenix and begun speaking to her family again. She is doing this becauseof the support she received from staff at Eva’s Satellite and will continue gainingthe skills she needs to live independently with their ongoing help.

• D.J. and Karen met while living at Eva’s Satellite. Both had drifted from shelterto shelter but expressed a strong interest in “settling down” and moving intogether. Their communication skills prevented them from coping well andachieving stability. Eva’s Satellite staff, together with many community partners,managed to get them appropriate assessments and supports, including angermanagement, substance-use counselling and support for young people withdisabilities. They now live together in their own apartment and D.J. has a job.

EVA’S PARTNERS WITHCHOICES FOR YOUTH IN ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND Choices for Youth is an innovative youth-serving organization in St. John’swith a range of services, including a shelter for young men, a housing programwhere up to 75 youth are placed with supportive landlords in the communityeach year and provided with necessary follow-up support, and a communityoutreach and engagement program including a drop-in centre offering foodand clothing for youth on the street.

In 2004, Choices for Youth opened the first Youth Services Centre in downtownSt. John’s, now the hub for a variety of service providers and governmentdepartments serving youth. One of the flagship programs housed at the YouthServices Centre is the Youth at Promise Challenge, a basic literacy skillsprogram designed to be flexible enough to meet the learning needs of street-involved youth.

Choices for Youth staff first met with Eva’s staff in May 2005 to learn moreabout the Eva’s Phoenix program. They were excited about the integratedemployment training and transitional housing model at Eva’s Phoenix and feltit was an approach that would fill a critical gap in the youth services sector inSt. John’s.

Since that time, our agencies have been working closely together to developcommunity and government support to build a similar facility in St. John’s. Inaddition to specific program development support, Eva’s staff has participatedin a number of information and strategic planning sessions with Choices’Board and Staff members and more than 125 government and communityrepresentatives at information sessions earlier this year. We are currentlyworking with them to secure funding for the project, select a site andarchitect.

Eva’s is proud to be working with Choices for Youth by providing them withtools and resources through our National Initiative Program and learningmore about their innovative approaches to working with homeless youth. Welook forward to a long and mutually-rewarding relationship with our newpartners on the east coast.

GRATEFUL GRADUATESOn Saturday October 21, I attended a convocation ceremony at York University for a former street youth who hadgraduated from York University with an Honours B.A. in Urban Studies and Political Science. Sadly, I was Matthew’sonly guest; he hasn’t had any contact with his family for ten years. Matthew lived in poverty and was oftenhomeless during his university years but his resilience, hard work and strong desire to succeed led to thisremarkable achievement. Matthew is now living in his own apartment, working in research jobs part-time and looking for full-time employment. Matthew is working with us to developopportunities for other street youth to attend university.

Celebrating Richard’s graduation on October 25 from Seneca College with an HonoursCertificate in General Arts and Science was a very special occasion. Richard and hisfamily are former clients of Eva’s Place and the Family Reconnect Program. Richardis at York University in the Administrative Studies Program. His family, through theRichard B. Lax Education Bursary, has generously supported youth at Eva’sInitiatives who attend a post-secondary institution.

News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Fall/Winter 2006 ~ 3

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMIn 2007 the Independent Living Program will be expanded at Eva’s Place. This program will assistyouth learn the skills to acquire and maintain independent households in the community and leavethe shelter system for good.

This program was made possible by the generosity of Carolyn Sifton Foundation Incorporated andEnbridge Gas Distribution.

CAROLYN SIFTON FOUNDATION INCORPORATED

Architectural rendering of the new Eva’s Satellite

4 ~ News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Fall/Winter 2006

PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS ONE FAMILY AT A TIMEEva’s Place offers more than just the traditional shelter model of food andemergency shelter. It provides a positive environment where youth can gainstability, develop personal Action Plans and determine long-term goals. Thisinteractive and holistic program finds new and innovative ways to help youthovercome personal struggles. Our client-centred approach includes anIndependent Living Program, Recreation Program and the FamilyReconnect Program.

The average age of a resident at Eva’s Place is 17 1/2 years – he/she is oftennew to the streets, unemployable and lacking the resources to liveindependently in the community. Many identify family breakdown as asignificant factor in ending up on the streets. For some of these youth,returning home can be a viable option, but only with specialized counselling,support and mechanisms in place to address the underlying issues that forcedthem onto the streets in the first place.

The Family Reconnect Program offers young people and their families thechance to re-establish communication, resolve conflicts and, most importantly,find practical, long-lasting alternatives to living on the streets or relying onthe shelter system. It offers hope and a positive future by providing asupportive environment in which to rebuild essential family ties, self-confidence and mutual understanding.

The Family Reconnect Program continues to work with up to 30 youth eachmonth, with a focus on therapeutic approaches to improving family relations.The program includes group sessions, individual youth counselling sessions andfamily sessions.

The Family Reconnect Program has now expanded its outreach to assist youthin other shelters and neighbouring schools to provide early intervention forfamilies in crisis – critical to preventing family breakdown and helping keepyoung people at home. This has proved to be incredibly successful – 22 youthinvolved in the program from April 1-September 30, 2006 avoided leavinghome altogether. This represents an enormous financial savings to the sheltersystem – more than $40,000 per month – and has a profound impact on eachfamily involved in the program.

EVA’S PLACE

EVA’S SATELLITEHARM REDUCTION - A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ADDICTIONSOperating from a harm reduction perspective, Eva’s Satellite provides emergency shelter for 30 youth each night who may have lost access to other shelters andservices due to behavioural problems or substance use.

The recommendations contained in the Toronto Drug Strategy released in October 2005 served to reinforce our Harm Reduction approach as the most effective optionfor helping these youth reach their potential to lead productive, self-sufficient and healthy lives. It is one we feel holds the greatest likelihood for positive changein the lives of this high-needs segment of homeless and at-risk youth.

It has long been the practice of Eva’s Initiatives to secure the support of community partners to enhance our programs and expertise, reduce program/serviceduplication and help maximize existing financial and human resources. Because we are currently housed in a facility that cannot accommodate our programmingneeds, we have had to develop a number of unique community partnerships to address our clients’ wide array of issues and concerns. In 2006, these included:

• Sex Health Education through East Metro Youth Services • Mental Health & Outreach Services through Toronto North Support Services• Breakfast & Recreation Programs at Mitchell Fields Community Centre • Legal Education through Justice for Children and Youth/Street Youth Legal Services• Drop-in Program in partnership with the North York Central Library • Community partnerships with groups such as 32 Division of Toronto Police Services

Eva’s Initiatives is committed to being “good neighbours” in any area where our shelters are located. Staff at Eva’s Satellite maintains good relationships with many ofthe available neighbourhood resources, thus ensuring youth access. A Community Outreach Worker resolves any issues between community partners and shelter clients,engages in a variety of community outreach activities and helps organize shelter events for youth and neighbouring agencies. As a result, Eva’s Satellite enjoys positiverelationships with community agencies and facilities, including Toronto Police-32 Division with which it has developed a special communication protocol for dealingwith homeless youth.

We look forward to being able to offer a fully integrated 24-hour Harm Reduction Program once the new Eva’s Satellite building is completed!

A MOTHER AND SON’SJOURNEY TOWARDS HEALTHMy 18-year-old son’s lack of ambition, drug use and poor choice of friendswere the key stressors in our family. I was taking sleeping pills every nightand often found myself crying. I’d place the phone on the bed so I couldanswer it when or if he called when he was out all night.

Then, through an old friend, I learned about the Family Reconnect Programat Eva’s Place. On the phone Nancy asked intelligent questions about thesituation and gave me the hope I so desperately needed. Nancy expressed adesire to meet with us and was so sensitive to the delicate mindset I was in,she suggested she would come to our home to meet. I felt a huge weightlifted from my shoulders – having been able to connect with someone whonot only seemed to care but who could actually give us some guidance andmuch needed support.

Within a few days Nancy arrived at our home to have a family session. Myson slumped in the chair and ‘hid’ in his hoodie. Nancy elicited informationfrom him in a friendly and non-threatening manner. At the end of thesession, Nancy and I spoke alone and she was fairly certain his behaviourswere not about the drugs. Although she was not in a position to make adiagnosis, she felt very strongly that he may be suffering with a mentalhealth problem.

The next step was getting a psychological and psychiatric examination. Wemet with wonderful professionals who were extremely ‘kid-friendly’. Aquestionnaire was sent to me about Asperger’s Syndrome. I was stunnedthat I could answer YES to almost every question. We were presented witha comprehensive analysis of my son’s testing. Together, Nancy and Iattended a workshop at the Geneva Centre for Autism about Asperger’sSyndrome and, with my son, connected with the Hawkins Institute foremployment training.

The diagnosis of Asperger’s has shed a light on so many of my son’s pastand present behaviours and has given both of us a fresh start. He no longerfeels that he is “stupid” or “weird” but now realizes how AS affects him andwhat he needs from others and himself to make his life more productive andcomprehensible. As for me, there are no more sleeping pills or a phone onthe bed. Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome has given me patience andunderstanding and has enhanced communication with my son in ways thatmake his life … and mine … run more smoothly!

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIESAt Eva’s Phoenix, we understand youth require arange of supports and services to help them preparefor independent living. These include employmenttraining, housing and life-skills supports and uniqueopportunities and experiences that boost theirconfidence and self-esteem such as the WildernessCanoe trip some of our residents took in Temagami.

Phoenix is home to youth for one year. During thattime, we endeavour to create an environment theycan truly call home and which offers the opportunityto succeed in different aspects of their lives. Our staffwork individually and, as a team, to develop creativesolutions to many of the challenges experienced bythe youth and work with them to identify workablesolutions.

Food remains an issue for Phoenix youth. Withdwindling donated supplies and inadequate per diemfunding from the City, we continue to look forinnovative ways to ensure there is sufficient andhealthy food available. Once again this year,students from Victoria College at the Universityof Toronto convert their unused meal tickets intolunches for Phoenix residents. These are packagedand sent every week to our youth.

Other highlights over the past few months include theever-popular Staff vs Youth basketball game (theyouth won!) and our annual anniversary celebration.We celebrated our 6th year with a barbeque, visits byformer residents, games and salsa dancing. Communityand corporate groups continue to play an importantrole at Eva’s Phoenix. In September, volunteers fromDeloitte and Touche painted and re-decorated anumber of youth houses. In October, Direct Energyvolunteers prepared and served a fabulousThanksgiving Feast for more than 60 current and pastresidents. Also in October, the Muslim StudentsAssociation at the University of Toronto shared acultural meal with residents and provided informationon Islam and the significance of Ramadan.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMMentorship activities over the past few monthsincluded a Women’s Retreat. One young man alsoparticipated as a member of the Canadian Team forthe Homeless World Cup of Soccer which was held inCape Town, South Africa.

With a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,we were able earlier this year to hire a ProgrammingSupervisor who works with shelter staff and theMentorship Program to expand and co-ordinate thenumber and types of programs offered to our youth.

EVA’S PHOENIX WINS CONTRACTTO DELIVER EMPLOYMENTPROGRAMS FOR HOMELESSYOUTH IN TORONTO!!In June of this year, Service Canada released thelong-anticipated Request for Proposals for funding ofemployment programs for homeless and at-risk youthin Toronto. After all applications were reviewed, Eva’sPhoenix was selected as the primary agency to deliveremployment programs for homeless and at-risk youthin the city. Through this program, 60 young peopleannually will receive support in career identification,employment skills training, paid employmentplacements in their chosen career and on-the-jobsupport. In addition, through the ComputerApplications Training Program, 24 youth will gaininstruction on common software applications such asMS Word, Excel and Power Point, thanks to thegenerous support of Raising the Roof through itsnew Youthworks initiative.

We are also grateful for employers, such as Comp-u-Pro Solutions, World Financial Group, Winners,The Factory Theatre and many others, who providehands-on work experience opportunities to ouryoung people year after year to help them gainvaluable labour market connections.

“I began my work experience placement afterstruggling in the past with severe employmentbarriers. As a 24-year old man, I have been inthe shelter system since the age of 18. I hadbeen diagnosed with both manic depression andsplit personality disorder. In addition, althoughclean of substances for over a year, I havestruggled to overcome an addiction to alcohol.Since I joined the employment program, I have aclear vision on where I want to go. I want to gaina meaningful employment experience within afinancial institution and job shadow expertswithin that industry.

I created a 5-step action plan with myEmployment counsellor and not only achievedthese goals, I exceeded them. I am currentlyplaced at a financial institution and enrolled incourses to obtain my Financial Planning License.As a result of ongoing obstacles and frustrationsduring the past couple of months, I have to admitthere were times I felt like giving up. However,knowing that the staff continued to believe in meand hold me accountable to my action planhelped keep me going. My attitude andconfidence has improved significantly.” Paul

PHOENIX PRINT SHOPA social enterprise of Eva’s Initiatives, the PhoenixPrint Shop is a graphics training facility and not-for-profit commercial print shop. Earlier this year, thePrint Shop was proud to be named by the TorontoCommunity Foundation as a Vital Idea.

The Phoenix Print Shop Graduation Event took placeJune 29 with a wide range of supporters on hand. Wecelebrated the graduates of our revitalizedFoundations of Print training program. In addition,we recognized the youth recipients of Print ShopScholarship Awards.

Courtesy of Xerox Canada, a digital print system wasinstalled. Thanks to Heidelberg Canada, anadditional printing press arrived in August. The shopis now run by clean, renewable electricity provided byBullfrog Power. The shop is pleased to announce itdoubled its July business from one year ago, en routeto financial self-sufficiency by 2008!

…My name is Ali and I’m a recent graduate of theFoundations of Print program. I learned a lot, I hadthree job offers and I’ve just started my new job as afinisher at The Printing House. I plan on becoming agraphic communications professional.

Phoenix Print Shop contributes to a healthy and safecity. Your printing supports youth! To place anorder, contact: 416-364-4716 ext 256 oralexandra@evas.ca. To contribute to the ScholarshipFund, contact: 416-364-4716 ext 262 orandrewmac@evasphoenix.ca

“I learned that no matter what happens tome or who has tried to hurt me…I’m stillstrong and they can never break me if Idon’t let them…”

“...letting go of the past is a key tolooking forward…”

Young women who attended women’s retreat at Phoenix

EVA’S PHOENIX

“MY CORNER OF TORONTO”“I’ve never won anything before!” These were Ali Mohammed’s words after his art project entitled “Torontopia”was selected by the judges as winner of the “My Corner of Toronto” Challenge sponsored by Bombardier onAugust 29, at an Awards Ceremony held at Eva’s Phoenix.

Twenty young people from Eva’s Phoenix took part in the challenge. They were encouraged to prepare creativeprojects illustrating what they would do to improve their “corner” of the city. The projects included artwork andessays to demonstrate ways they would improve their residential, work, school or favourite Toronto neighbourhood.Media Profile co-ordinated the event which featured Jen Gerson (ID section writer-Toronto Star), Jason Richards(freelance hip-hop writer) and Cabral “Cabbie” Richards (Cabbie on the Street, The Score) as judges.

Lilia Shillingford, Programming Supervisor at Phoenix, noted that “the voices of homeless youth are often notheard. This project provided our youth an opportunity to express their feelings about a number of issues inthe city from homelessness to the environment.” The winner was awarded a plaque, $250 in cash and receiveda Metropass for one year. The three runners-up each received a 4-month Metropass.

News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Fall/Winter 2006 ~ 5

6 ~ News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Fall/Winter 2006

STAMPEDE BENEFITS EVA’SThe Bay Street Stampede named Eva’s Initiatives as one of only twobeneficiaries for the 2006 event which attracted festive cowhands fromall the major financial institutions in Toronto for a party big enough tobe endorsed by any Calgarian! Party with a purpose it truly was and,through sponsorships and event sales, raised $32,500 for Eva’sInitiatives! Yee haw!

FORE! Aon Reed Stenhouse held its annual charitable golf tournament this year to benefit Eva’s Place. Despite rainy skies, the dedicated golfers raised an incredible $30,500 for our Independent Living Program!

Through the ToskanFoundation Youth andPhilanthropy Initiative(YPI), Eva’s Initiatives wasgranted a $5,000 awardthis year on behalf ofhigh school students fromWest Hill CollegiateInstitute who participatedin the program.

JUST REWARDSFour of our dedicated volunteers at the 2006 Spring Fantasy Auction notonly donated their time this year – they pooled their resources andwere the winning bidders of the Ken Shaw prize in the Live Auction!Treated to a delicious lunch with Ken Shaw as their personal guest inthe Scotia Capital private executive dining rooms, they later toured thetrading floor. This was a lovely luncheon enjoyed by all! Eva’s Initiativeswould like to thank Ken Shaw for once again donating his time – andhimself – for an Auction prize.

Peggy Wilson, Margaret Sothern, Ken Shaw, Susan Kerr and Lorna Kingston

ANTI-OPPRESSION & DIVERSITY ADVANCEMENTSEva’s Initiatives is committed to ensuring diversity and anti-oppression areongoing themes in the work we do at our three shelters. A work plan wasdeveloped in 2004 which identifies targets and activities to ensure our prioritiesare achieved. The priorities are categorized under five headings – Leadership,Service Delivery, Human Resources/Building Capacity, Accountability andCommunity Engagement.

The Anti-Oppression and Diversity Committee has been one of the vehicles used toaccomplish many of the work plan goals. Over the past few months, a DiversityChecklist was implemented that all staff will use when they develop new programsor events. It will provide opportunities to ensure diversity and anti-oppression areconsidered in the planning and evaluation of activities at the sites.

Staff and residents took part in a number of activities through the spring andsummer months that highlight our commitment to anti-oppression and diversityincluding the Pride Parade, annual Afrofest event and AIDS conference. A FirstNations elder spoke to youth at one of the sites and treated them to a traditionalmeal. A presentation was made by staff from the 519 Community Centre to themanagement group about the “trans” community and offered them ideas on howto develop appropriate policies. Staff from the “Trans Cab” project were invitedto host a performance at the sites.

The Committee continues to seek ways to keep staff aware of its work. TheDiversity Mission Statement was posted at the sites to ensure all staff isreminded regularly of the agency’s commitment to anti-oppression and diversity.

LETTER FROM A YOUTH – ONE YEAR LATER

June 29, 2006

Dear Bonnie and Ted Lax,

It is me, Hamzat, the young African male who a year ago was acceptedinto Ryerson University where I am pursuing a degree in Chemistry witha minor in Applied Physics.

When I was accepted into university I was full of so much joy, but atsome level I was not surprised that I had been accepted. I have alwayshad the marks and drive to make it in school but what worried me atthat time in my life was how I would pay the tuition fee, books etc. Iwas a homeless youth with no chance of attending university.

Lucky for me I was fortunate to have met Nancy Abrams at Eva’s Placeand through her I was connected to a couple who believed in me. Thatcouple was Bonnie and Ted Lax and at that time in my life I did notbelieve that I was deserving of help. But when you two came into thepicture I knew then that I had a possible future.

You see, Bonnie and Ted, by your contribution to the Scholarship Fundyou helped me to have a brighter future. Now I am able to receive aneducation, something I felt was impossible. You may not realize thistoday but you both performed a very special act of kindness. You havegiven me the greatest gift in the world – an education and the chanceto make a good life for myself in the future.

This is why I will never forget you both and how you have impacted mylife for the better. Now I am in my second year and am pleased to reportthat I did excellent in my first year and that I am looking into medicalschool as well as business in the future.

Thank you,Hamzat

News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Fall/Winter 2006 ~ 7

A SPARKLING SUCCESS The 2nd Annual Taste Matters Fundraiserpresented by RBC Financial Group took placeon Wednesday, October 18, with nearly 200guests who sampled 30 vintage wines, tasteddecadent gourmet food creations andparticipated in spirited bidding on auctionitems. They also enjoyed a special guestappearance by Amanda Martinez, 2006 BestWorld Music Artist at Toronto's IndependentMusic Awards.

Youth from Eva's Initiatives spoke about theirexperiences on the streets and how Eva'sInitiatives has impacted their lives. Sincerethanks goes to our dedicated team of volunteers,sponsors and food and wine partners that made this an event to remember!

We extend a special thanks to the 2006 Taste Matters Sponsors!

Lead Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor

Travel Sponsors

HISTORIC VENUE FOR SPRING AUCTION

The 8th Annual Spring Fantasy Auction presented by Scotia Capitalwas held on Thursday, May 4, 2006 in a new location – the historicSt. Lawrence Hall in Toronto. Throughout the evening, spectaculartravel packages to Antigua, Vancouver and Quebec City, cottage gear,artwork, jewellery and gift baskets were auctioned off in both liveand silent auctions.

Patrons enjoyed a sumptuous dinner buffet, great entertainment andspirited competition for many of our outstanding items. The Auctionraised more than $40,000 with over 250 guests in attendance. Thistremendous success was made possible by the generosity of thecorporations, businesses and guests that supported the auction ANDthe incredible team of volunteers that made it all happen.

We extend a special thanks to our sponsors who made this eventpossible:

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Travel Sponsors

Dinner Sponsors

All Star Catering, Amazing Food Services, Art of Catering,Delta Toronto East, Maroli Restaurant & Caterers

Wine Stations20 Bees

Churchill Cellars Ltd.Colio Estate Wines

Reif EstateSelect Wine Agents

Vintages

Gourmet StationsBrick Street Bakery

Executive Chef RaymondPritlove, Scotia Capital private

dining roomsDairy Farmers of Canada

Pasquale Bros.

SCOTIABANK TORONTOWATERFRONT MARATHONOn September 24 Eva’s Running Team joined over 8,000 other runners in the ScotiabankToronto Waterfront Marathon. Eighteen members of the team raised over $2,700.Congratulations to all who participated!

Amanda Martinez entertains guests

CIRCLE OF SUPPORTWe extend our deepest thanks to the following donors

who have supported us between January 1 and July 30, 2006.

Eva’s Initiatives • 215 Spadina Ave. Suite 370Toronto, ON M5T 2C7 416-977-4497Charitable registration #: 132239013 RR0001

For more information or to make a donation,please contact us at donate@evas.ca,

416-977-4497 or www.evasinitiatives.com

LEADERSHIP($100,000+)Gerald SchwartzCanadian Tire

Foundation For Families

Canadian Tire Real Estate Limited

Shoppers Drug Mart

BENEFACTORS($50,000-$99,999)CIBCHamilton Community

FoundationRaising the RoofThe Counselling

Foundation of CanadaThe J. W. McConnell

Family Foundation

PARTNERS ($10,000-$49,999)Deutsche Bank of

CanadaRio Can Real Estate

Investment TrustSchachter Family Fund

at the Toronto Community Foundation

Scotia Capital Global Trading

ScotiabankTELUSUnited Way of Greater

Toronto

CHAMPIONS($1,000-$9,999)Aird & BerlisBank of MontrealBMO Capital MarketsCanadian Tire Real

Estate LimitedCAW CanadaCommunity Foundation

of OttawaCrescent SchoolCUPEDavid M. OdellDennis MaloneyEglinton St. George's

United ChurchEpic Capital Management

Inc.Emree SiaroffGeorges Vanier

Secondary SchoolIan KidsonJ.P. Bickell FoundationJoe SchorothKoskie Minsky LLPKrista WylieKPMG Canada LLPLinda CampbellLycklama Family Fund at

the Toronto Community Foundations

Michael CruickshankMVS SolutionsNorman BellParadigm CapitalPatrick MeneleyRBC FoundationRobert and Andrea

ChisholmRobert Tetley Fund at

the Toronto CommunityFoundation

Sinclair-CockburnFinancial Group

Sprott Securities Inc.TD Bank Financial GroupThe Daniels CorporationThe Harry E. Foster

FoundationThe Lloyd Carr-Harris

FoundationThe Molson Donations

FundThe Northpine

FoundationThe Toskan FoundationToronto French SchoolUrbanSpace Property

GroupW.C. Kitchen Family

FoundationWestwind Partners Inc.Xia GuoYoung Nak Korean

Presbyterian ChurchZurich Canada

SUPPORTERS($500-$999)Canadian Business for

Social ResponsibilityChaitons LLPChristine DreierCIBC Asset Management

Inc.Garry FredricksonGreen Shield CanadaGregory WoynarskiMatt GiffenMegan TelfordPilot Insurance CompanyPricewaterhouseCoopers

Canada FoundationSheila and Alan MostynTD Bank Financial Group,

Wealth Management Division

Ted and Bonnie LaxVandewater Charitable

Foundation at the Toronto Community Foundation

FRIENDS ($10-$499)Ada CaldwellAda LamswoodADPAdvent Lutheran ChurchAimé BwakiraAlex G.OttenAllan CrosbieAmanda AdamsAndrew GarrettAndrew MacdonaldAnonymous DonorsAnthony DissanaikeAudrey MarplesAustin CooperBarry DelmanBata Limited -

International DivisionBeaver Bible ClassBeth GebreabBetty FerreiraBlair BraceBMO Fountain of HopeBrian SmeenkCarol JamiesonCatherine AdamsCeri and Viola StephensCharles AllainChurch of Our SaviourClovis GrantCouncillor David Shiner

Cuppa CoffeeD. Bruce McChesneyDarren GopeesinghDave KappeleDavid FordDonna BrooksonDonna JenningsDoris LamDorothy HardmanElaine and Sigmund

MintzEmree SiaroffErin GordonEttie DawkinsEvan LavineFay ConvilleFay LeslieFern WeinperFrancis McFaddenFrank BarryGavin ClingbineGeorge LindsayGordon and Margaret

ChessGordon J. OdellGreg RoderickGwen MiguezHarbord Collegiate

InstituteHarlequin Enterprises

LimitedHarriette LaingHarry TonogaiHeather BrownHerbert BeilesIBM Employees'

Charitable FundImmanuel Seventh-Day

Adventist ChurchIvan MarkietJ. GaristoJ. MargolisJ. TedesJackie FernandesJane WitherspoonJason CoumansJean-Paul BrownJennifer MorrisJenny EstremadoyroJoanne BlakeJody ColquhounJoe FiederJohn SchumacherJohn SymonsJohn WylieJoseph and Violet ClowJoseph KiwanJosie KyriakakisJoyce LipworthJubilee United ChurchJulian ErnestJulie FotheringhamJust Old Friends Inc.Justin McCartneyKara RidoutKathy KawasakiKeith HallKen BraceKen RousselleKen SilverKenny StewartKimberley BarberKimberly ChanKimberly-Clark Inc.Kit n' Kaboodle Show &

SaleKiwanis Club of Don

MillsLarry VanierLaura AtchisonLoomis Art Store

Lorna HarrisonLou RishchynskiLouise CoumansLynn GordonMargaret ParkerMargaret PhillipsMaria CrawfordMarnie SilverMartin StormMary ChanMary GoodwinMary WentzMelissa GrayMichael CossarMichael CraneMichael GreenbergMichael O'RourkeMorag PerkinsMrs. W.S. MoirNada KuruzarNancy AbramsNancy ChisholmNathan VirtueNelson ReubenNicholas DoreaultNigel ShurlandNoGlobalBorders Inc.Noreen BennettNorthminster United

ChurchOriole York Mills United

Church WomenOscar GoodmanParkwoods United ChurchParkwoods United Church

WomenPat TraynorPatricia GloudonPaul LamswoodPaula SchnollPeter CoumansPhilip KingPhilomena MeffeRev. Dr. Charles A. SwanRich RichardsonRobert TetleyRolph Road SchoolRonald and Kathryn

ManzerRonald FotheringhamRosario Marchese MPPRuth VictorS GrantSamuel GoodmanSarah HeynamSarah SanduskyShane FerraoSheila SmolkinSomethin' 2 Talk AboutSt. John's United ChurchStephanie CharronStephen and Lorraine

RotzSuganthy BarnettSusan LindsaySusan MannThe Herbert Green Family

Charitable Foundation Inc.

There It Goes CourierTina SmithValerie MorrisonVeronica ShillingfordVincor International Inc.Warners Bros.Entertainment Canada

Inc.Yodit AssefaZahir Lalani

EVA’S INITIATIVES’ MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Eva’s Initiatives is to work collaboratively with homeless and at-risk youth to help them reach their

potential to lead productive, self-sufficient and healthy lives by providing safe shelter and a range of services. We createlong-term solutions for homeless youth by developing and implementing proactive and progressive services.

YOUTH FUTURES FUNDJust like the youth who come to Eva’s, we can’t do it alone! We invite youto join the Youth Futures Fund monthly giving program or donate throughyour company’s employee charitable program and designate it to Eva’sInitiatives – they may even match your contributions. Regular monthlydonations provide stability to Eva’s Initiatives, which in turn providesstability for your youth clients.

Another way to give is by donating publicly listed securities, mutual fundsor segregated funds. As of May 2nd, donors will not have to pay tax oncapital gains resulting from donation of these securities. Not only willyou be giving much needed donation relief but you will save the capitalgains tax on the sale of the items. Please consult your accountant for theexact benefits you can realize from this kind of donation.

Please give generously. Every dollar helps to improve the lives of homelessyouth in Toronto by providing shelter, a warm bed and a hot meal for thenight at Eva’s Place or Eva’s Satellite, or through job and life skills at Eva’sPhoenix. Thank you for your support.

HELP MAKE THIS HOLIDAYSEASON A LITTLE BRIGHTER

FOR A HOMELESS YOUTHThis Holiday Season 112 homeless youth will spend the holidays in one ofour shelters – alone, without family or loved ones. Please help make theirHoliday Season brighter by showing you care – you can make a financial

donation or donate a gift item(s).

We are looking for gift items for homeless youth aged 16-24 including: • Gift Certificates (Movies, Malls, stores) • Hoodies• Art Supplies • New bath & shower products• Cash Donations • iPod/MP3

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

For more information on how you can help, contact BethEva’s Initiatives | 215 Spadina Ave., Suite 370 | Toronto, ON M5T 2C7

416-977-4497 ext. 120 | beth@evas.ca | www.evasinitiatives.com