for 35 ding outstan years!
Annual Report 2011
BC Council for Families
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Annual Report 2011 BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
Thank you for 35 outstanding years… … to our members, donors and funders for your support … to our partners, collaborators and clients for your commitment … to families in BC and everywhere for your love The Honourable Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development
This year, the BC Council for Families will celebrate 35 years of strengthening families in British Columbia. To all of our partners and supporters we’d like to say thank you for helping us make sure that families come first in BC.
“The BC Council for Families is a long-time community partner that has been assisting families and family-serving professionals
Since 1977 we’ve been working to ensure that families all across our province get the support they need, when they need it. Because support at the right time can mean that small challenges don’t grow into big problems, and that families are strong and healthy.
in BC for 35 years. This is a collaborative partnership to help support healthy, safe communities for children and youth of all
And from the beginning you’ve been working with us – our members, donors, funders, community and academic partners, volunteers, and supporters. Thank you for making these 35 years so successful. Thanks to your support, we’re prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
ages and cultures.” As we enter our 35th year, we’re proud of the progress we’ve accomplished in partnership with community agencies, stakeholders, governments, researchers, and families. Our record of success is a result of the power of those collaborations – a testament to how collective action fosters engagement, empowerment and results. Our focus will continue to be on generating collaborative work that families in BC need to grow and thrive.
BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
Annual Report 2011
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Executive Director’s Message As we get older, birthdays often become less about parties and gifts, and more about self-reflection. They can be opportunities to think about where we’ve been, and about where we’re going. So with the BC Council for Families turning 35 this year, it’s a good time to look back at our origins, to metaphorically turn the pages of our photo albums, and remember where we came from, why we’re here, and who we’re here for. That’s why in the pages of this annual report you’ll find the comments and thoughts of a number of Council supporters and family champions from government, academia, and the social services sector, reflecting on the contributions the Council has made to family life in BC, and on what still needs to happen for children and families in this province. In it’s 35 years, the Council has brought positive change to many thousands of families in BC and beyond, yet none of it could have happened without the support and active participation of our partners in communities, in governments at all levels, in research and educational institutions, and in families. Looking back at our history of accomplishment, I am tremendously grateful to all of our many partners over the years, and to their dedication to strengthening and supporting the children and families of BC. In the past year we have continued to build upon that history of collaboration and partnership, forging new links with family-serving organizations throughout BC and western Canada and strengthening long-standing partnerships. We are embarking on exciting new projects to bring information and skills to family-serving professionals in the area of separation and divorce, in financial literacy, and in youth mental health, while maintaining our many parenting education and support programs, professional networks and communities of practice, and resource development and dissemination. This year, as in the past several years, we saw budgets continue to shrink while community needs across the province grew. The challenge of doing more with less is one we’re determined to meet, by continuing to develop the strong partnerships and collaborations that will enable us to meet the changing needs of families. Relationships, after all, have been our raison d’etre for 35 years. To everyone who has been a part of the Council’s work over the past 35 years: thank you for helping us make a difference for families. And as the BC Council for Families blows out the candles on it’s 35th birthday cake, I invite you to join us in wishing (and working) for a strong, healthy future for families in British Columbia.
MARILEE PETERS Acting Executive Director, BC Council for Families
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Annual Report 2011 BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
The Year in Review Education and Information to Support Families The parenting education and support programs of the BC Council for Families bring the power of prevention to work for the families of British Columbia. Offered throughout BC by trained facilitators, these programs make a difference in the lives of families across our province.
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting
Clyde Hertzman, Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership
“BC families want to do what is best
This support and education program enables parents of young children to safely share their experiences, challenges and concerns and receive support from skilled and knowledgeable facilitators. In 2011 over 1300 parents in BC gained skills and confidence in their parenting abilities through a Nobody’s Perfect parenting group. The BC Council for Families delivers support, resources and professional development to 900 certified Nobody’s Perfect facilitators province-wide.
for their children, but they need help Parent-Child Mother Goose Program®
at all levels of society… Despite fiscal
resources and organizational effort to
By bringing parents and their young children together to discover the pleasure and power of rhymes, songs and stories, the program built crucial early literacy skills and strengthened parent-child relationships for over 2000 BC families in 2011. Through the BC Council for Families, the nearly 1100 Parent-Child Mother Goose teachers in BC received the ongoing training, support, information and resources they need in order to continue to respond to the ever-changing issues and challenges that families face.
solve these problems once and for all.
My Tween and Me
challenges, it is time for BC, and for Canada, to commit the necessary
Our families deserve no less.”
Designed to help parents build a strong relationship with their children, the My Tween and Me parenting program gives parents the confidence and skills to guide their children into – and through – the risky teen years. More than 105 parents across BC participated in this exciting new program in 2011.
Father Involvement Network of BC The network brings information, resources, professional development and guidance to the dedicated practitioners who work with fathers in communities all across BC. Supporting father involvement is key to building healthy families. Children with involved fathers do better academically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically.
BC Alliance for Young Parents The Alliance brings together professionals who serve teen families in BC’s school based child care facilities, ensuring they have the resources, training, professional development and support to continue to meet the daily challenges of working with vulnerable young families. The Alliance brings more than 350 of BC’s dedicated professionals in young parent programs the support they need.
BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
Annual Report 2011
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Dr. Carol Matusicky, Past Executive Director BC Council for Families (1984-2007)
“We still need to work on recognizing the increasing challenges facing families, especially young families, in our province – the cost of housing, the time crunch, the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities, the lack of affordable and accessible child care and, for far too many families in our province, the high rate of poverty. I would urge the Council to keep being a champion of progressive social policy that better supports our current and future generations of children and families.”
r…
This yea
160 75 participants attended the annual conference of the Alliance for Young Parents
1300
More than parents in BC joined a Nobody’s Perfect parenting group
105 parents in 15 communities attended My Tween and Me parent support groups
Our twitter feed, BC_Families has nearly
700 followers, and 2500 people access our Facebook page each month
new and experienced home visitors received Home Visitor Core Training
72 4000
new facilitators will deliver the Nobody’s Perfect parenting program in their communities
Our website and online resources received more than
70,000 visits in 2011/12.
The Council distributed over
30,000 family resources to families and professionals this year
readers throughout BC received the HealthyFamilies e-newsletter each week this year
2548 adults and 2937 children participated in Parent Child Mother Goose programs
150
Over teachers received training in the Parent-Child Mother Goose program®
BC Council for Families Annual Report 2009
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BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
Annual Report 2011
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Home Visitor Training Initiative For families in situations of risk, where there are concerns about child development, parenting skills, or child safety, the support and intervention of a trained home visitor can be critical to that family’s success. In 2011 the Home Visitor Training Initiative helped 75 BC home visitors gain the knowledge and skills they need to bring a high level of service to BC families in need.
New and Upcoming Projects MakingCent$: Talking with Families about Finances Development of this exciting new workshop and resource package for family practitioners began in 2011. With funding from TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund, the Council will bring specialized financial literacy resources to family practitioners in BC beginning in fall 2012.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, BC’s Representative for Children and Youth
Following the Journey
more generous and tolerant than it used
How can we help young people deal with loss and grief? This workshop, based on the Council’s acclaimed documentary Left 2 Live, brings family practitioners together to discuss the needs of young people and families in the wake of suicide, to examine their practices, and to learn and grow.
Kids: The Heart of Co-parenting Funded by Justice Canada’s Supporting Families program, these online resources and workshops help family service professionals build key strategies to support families through separation and divorce, and enhance children’s adjustment through the transitions of divorce.
Engaging and Advocating for Families The right information at the right time can make a big difference for families. The BC Council for Families has a commitment to research, education and advocacy to promote the healthy development of families. For 35 years we have developed, and distributed practical resources for families and professionals.
HealthyFamilies Our free weekly e-newsletter for family service professionals has a subscription base of over 4000 regular readers. Readers rely on HealthyFamilies to stay updated on trends impacting families, new legislation, news, events, research, opinions and more, as well as happenings at the BC Council for Families.
Family Connections The quarterly magazine for family-service professionals delivers a toolbox of informative articles, reviews, skill-building tips, and advice to enhance readers’ professional and personal lives. Now available online at www.bccf.ca. 4
“Our view of what constitutes a family is
to be, and families are more diverse. The acceptance of same sex marriage has created a more respectful environment for the rights of everyone, including children and youth. We now talk more openly about such issues as abuse and healthy child development, and feel a duty to support those who are vulnerable.”
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Annual Report 2011 BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
www.bccf.ca Our website was visited over 70,000 times through 2011/12. Our weekly online poll took the pulse of family service professionals and BC families on subjects as diverse as community cohesion, causes of marital stress, needs of newcomer families, and policies for family-friendly workplaces.
Voices of Family
Barbara L Graham, Past President BC Council for Families
“For 35 years, the BC Council for Families has diligently and effectively brought attention to strengthening the family foundation… helping to strengthen the future for our communities and our province. Congratulations for reminding us that family life builds the foundation for all of life.”
Diana Elliott, Provincial Advisor, Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of BC
“BC Council for Families is respectful of culture and very supportive of all
As part of our monthly professional development series of online audio interviews with experts in family services, we spoke this year with UBC’s Dr. Paul Kershaw, and with Janice MacAulay of Family Resource Programs Canada, among others.
Strengthening Partnerships and Collaborations Partnerships, co-operation and collaboration with other non-profit organizations, as well as with community agencies, academia, government and business, are key to making meaningful change happen for families in BC. At the BC Council for Families, we’re putting relationships with stakeholders and partners at the centre of our work, and focusing on building the networks that ensure that organizations across the province can work together, and work better, for families, children, youth and parents. Through deliberate and strategic coordination with others, and by helping our partner organizations to achieve their goals, we’re building a strong non-profit sector in BC.
The Council participates in the following provincial and national tables and committees: BC Healthy Child Development Alliance Early Childhood Development Evaluation Committee ECD Roundtable East Vancouver Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Consortium Family Literacy Network Father Involvement Research Alliance First Call Government Non Profit Initiative National Father Involvement Advisory Group Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program National/Provincial Revisions Committee Supporting All Children and Families Advisory Committee
families. Their training has enriched
In 2011/12 the Council was a member of the following provincial, national and international organizations:
our AIDP programs and services for
BC Association of Family Resource Programs Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs Canadian Council on Social Development
Aboriginal families.”
BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
Annual Report 2011
Family Support Institute Federation of Community Social Services of British Columbia National Council on Family Relations Vanier Institute for the Family
Linda Reid, MLA Richmond East, BC
Our Community Partners
“We can all be wonderful parents on
Community Health Associates of BC Kelly Aulneau Renewal Centre BC Association of Pregnancy Outreach Programs REACH Child and Youth Development Society Aboriginal Training and Consulting Services Aboriginal House of Friendship (Duncan BC) Vancouver Native Health Society Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society Healthy Families Yukon Tillicum Lelum Penticton Health Centre Success By 6, Prince George & North Central National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health UK Fatherhood Institute
the good days. On the other days the BC Council for Families has a critical role to play – providing information and mentorship to those who may not be looking for guidance. It’s a delicate dance and one the Council shoulders with aplomb.”
Our Research Partners BC Children’s Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program, Child and Family Research Institute Kootenay Boundary Community Services Cooperative, Nelson, BC
Connecting with Members Our members come from every region of the province, from diverse backgrounds and organizations. What they share is an abiding interest in and a heartfelt concern for the future of families in British Columbia. We thank our members for their confidence and support. Through active partnerships with all of our members, we can achieve our vision: Healthy Families in a Healthy Society. Further information about becoming a member of the BC Council for Families is available on our website at www.bccf.ca, or by calling our offices at 604-678-8884.
Financial Statements Complete audited financial statements are available upon request at: BC Council for Families, 208-1600 West 6th Ave, Vancouver BC, V6J 1R3 or by calling 604-678-8884.
John Hoffman, Columnist, Today’s Parent Magazine
“The Council makes sure that families and their needs are a constant part of public discussion in BC.”
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Annual Report 2011 BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
President of the Board’s Message It is with an “attitude of gratitude” that I offer up a few words for this, our 35th, annual report. I have many things to be grateful for and one of them is, without doubt, the opportunity it has been to have served in this capacity for another year. Many things have changed in the social service sector over this last year. People have come and gone, agencies have come and gone, and funding is more uncertain than ever before. Two things are constant: our belief in the value and importance of families and our vision of “Healthy Families in a Healthy Society”… Together, they have been the fundamental core of our organization for the last 35 years. That belief and vision is not only unchanged, it is unwavering. The way we serve families, however, is changing. As we move into the future, we will continue to support families in ways that are current, relevant and effectively meet their ever changing needs. To accomplish this, we will modify what we do accordingly. We will also focus on developing stronger and more meaningful partnerships with common cause organizations, government at every level, academia and private enterprise. Our incredible staff continue to successfully fulfill the mandate of our organization and make things happen, in spite of all the uncertainty and challenge we and many others face in the sector. I know I speak for all of us on the Board of Directors when I express gratitude for their unprecedented efforts, creativity, commitment and unshakeable enthusiasm. I’m grateful for the extraordinary efforts the members of our Board have put forward over the last year. The BC Council for Families has a Board that is one voice in the work we do to ensure that, in a fiscal environment that continues to challenge all of us in the sector, we are well positioned to continue to support the many children, youth, parents and other caregivers, who benefit from our programs, services and resources. I’m also very grateful for our funders and donors and for our former staff and Board members who have made it possible for us to be leaders and in the forefront of change, in service delivery to families. Together, we have accomplished much… what an incredible 35 years this has been for the Council and subsequently for BC. I invite you to join us in continuing to “build healthy families” in BC by supporting the efforts of the BC Council for Families.
SYLVIA TREMBLAY President of the Board, BC Council for Families
BC COUNCIL FOR FAMILIES
Annual Report 2011
Board, Staff and Supporters Board of Directors The BC Council for Families is fortunate to have a dedicated and diverse Board of Directors. Our Directors represent every region of BC, and all share a passion for supporting and strengthening families. Sylvia Tremblay President Fraser
Paula Cayley Vice President Vancouver Coastal Gail Brown Interior Connie Canam (ex-officio member) Vancouver Coastal Bella S. Cenezero Vancouver Coastal
Deb Day Vancouver Island Tim Fairgrieve Vancouver Coastal Kathy Kendall Interior Lynn Locher Northern
John Thornburn Fraser Katie Tichauer Vancouver Coastal Bev Wice (ex-officio member) Interior Victor Zhou Vancouver Coastal
Marilee Peters Acting Executive Director Lillian Qiao Finance Director Jennifer Dales Programs Director (on leave)
Tina Albrecht Acting Communications Manager Pilar Onatra Program Coordinator David Sheftel Program Coordinator
Ruby Banga Program Coordinator Beth Hutchinson Program Coordinator, Parent-Child Mother Goose Program in BC Cara Hykawy Communications & Programs Assistant
Staff Team BC Council for Families staff members bring a wide range of experience and diverse perspectives to the organization. Our staff members are passionately committed to our mission and values, and to achieving our vision of Healthy Families in a Healthy Society.
Volunteers We’re grateful to those who volunteered their time with the BC Council for Families in 2011/12. Karen Cheung Cameron Paul Paula Knowles BMO employees (United Way Day of Caring) Contributors Our thanks to those who contributed their time to writing the thoughtful, articulate stories featured in Family Connections, our quarterly magazine for family service professionals. Ruby Banga Mary Courchene
Karen Cheung Jennifer Dales Douglas Dunn Diane Ed Friesen Susan Gamache Linda Gray Glenn Hope Beth Hutchinson Dawn Issac Elaine Issac Yuanyuan Jiang Charlotte Johnson Kathy Kendall Carol Matusicky Jeff Mclean Natalie Miller Reesa Paterson Lynne Peters
Marilee Peters Nina Polkinghorne David Sheftel Louise Smith Shirley Sterlinger Sylvia Tremblay Ana Maria Tsougrianis Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond Benjamin Wong Interviewees A new initiative at the BC Council for Families is our monthly series of online interviews with experts, researchers and advocates in family issues. We’re grateful to all those who contributed their time and their words as interview subjects over the past year.
Jeff Mclean Louise Smith Ed Friesen Mary Dolan Kathy Payne Brian Russell Laura Calderon de la Barca Mimi Hudson Christine Colbert Janene Swalwell John Hoffman Paul Kershaw Janice MacAuley
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Thank you for 35 outstanding years… Supporters Our work is made possible through the generosity of the many partners and supporters who share the Council’s goals and our commitment to working on behalf of families. We are pleased to acknowledge their role in our successes throughout 2011/12. Public Funders and Foundations Bell Canada Let’s Talk Community Fund BC Ministry of Children and Family Development
BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General BC Provincial Health Services Authority Justice Canada Postmedia Raise-A-Reader Foundation Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI) -- TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund Telus Community Board Vancouver Foundation
Council for Families
Private Foundations Chris Spencer Foundation TD Canada Trust Charities and Non-Profits United Way of the Lower Mainland Independent Order of Oddfellows Private Donors Andrea Beckler & John Thornburn Fearon Blair Michael Carey Ernst & Young LLP
Marilyn Fane Lorelei Faulkner Gibson Barbara A Friesen John E. Hooper & Elaine L. Hooper Beth Hutchinson Marilee Peters RCMP ‘E’ Division RBC Dexia Investor Services Trust Shirley Sterlinger Gifts in Kind Z1 DesignStamp
BC Council for Families 208 – 1600 West 6th Ave Vancouver BC Canada V6J 1R3
T 604 678 8884 F 604 678 8886 E bccf@bccf.ca www.bccf.ca