CPS2013-0502 ATTACHMENT 3
Annual Report 2012
calgary.ca | contact 311
Onward/ By 2020, Calgary communities are resilient, complete and connected.
2012 highlights Equal access for all:
$31.4 million in support:
Through the Fair Calgary Policy, Council approved the expansion of low-income transit passes to everyone (adults, seniors and youth) whose income falls below the low-income cut-off rate. Council also approved an increase in the number of ways to prove eligibility, and the development of a “single-point-of-entry” system to all low-income City programs and services.
Strong neighbourhoods and vulnerable Calgarians received vital support through Family & Community Support Services’ (FCSS) grants.
More options for children and youth during critical hours: Calgary AfterSchool extended its collaborative network with external organizations to offer additional high-quality supervised programming for youth and children during the critical after-school hours of 3 to 6 p.m.
Options for vulnerable youth: The Youth Employment Centre secured funding from Service Canada to encourage local employers to hire vulnerable youth into existing vacancies by offering a two-month wage subsidy.
40 years strong: City Links and the Information Centre celebrated their 40th anniversaries of providing remarkable services to vulnerable Calgarians.
2012 highlights Healthy summertime fun for children: CNS’s summer community programming for children added 22 additional sites in 2012. Stay ‘n’ Play and Park ‘n’ Play are increasingly popular, free, daytime drop-in programs that engage children in fun activities and build their skills for healthy living.
Sustainable partner agreements: Council approved the new Lease/Licence of Occupation (LOC) Policy and standard form agreement for community associations and social recreation groups.
Investing in youth for brighter futures and a sustainable local workforce: The Youth Employment Centre invests in the futures of young people through a variety of ongoing programs and services such as career development for vulnerable youth, The City’s Annual Summer Hiring Fair and certified training in various sectors.
Contents Thriving new Canadians: Calgary Local Immigration Partnership was launched to provide a collaborative approach to the development of local solutions to effectively support and integrate immigrants in Calgary.
First-in-Canada: 2012 saw the launch of Canada’s first Functional Family Therapy (FFT) site. FFT is an intensive therapeutic intervention responding to criminal charges resulting from a youth assaulting a family member (i.e. parent or sibling).
More support for at-risk youth Multi-Agency School Support Team (MASST) expanded this year to 12 teams of social workers and police officers in schools across Calgary. This early-intervention initiative supports children aged five to 12, who exhibit behaviour that puts them at risk for criminal involvement or victimization. The expanded program allows for city-wide service to young Calgarians, their families and schools.
Message from the general manager Message from the Director Who we are What we Do WHY we Do It HOW we Do It What’s Next
2 3 4 6 20 22 24
Message from the general manager Dear Council, citizens and City colleagues, Ensuring Calgary is a socially inclusive, liveable and sustainable city is at the heart of all we do. We take great pride in serving Calgarians and we work hard to continually improve quality of life in our city in partnership with community agencies, community and social recreation associations, civic partners as well as a network of provincial and federal emergency management agencies. 2012 was a busy and exciting year for Community Services & Protective Services. We began the year with Recreation centennial celebrations. Dubbed Rec100, we celebrated each month with a theme and fun-filled activities. Another highlight was Calgary’s designation as Cultural Capital of Canada, affirming Calgary as a city enriched by diversity. The Multi-Agency School Support Team (MASST) expanded in 2012. This innovative partnership with Calgary Police Service, Community & Neighbourhood Services and school boards, provides early intervention services to elementaryage children exhibiting high-risk behaviour or victimization that may lead to criminal involvement. Additionally, we received a commitment from Council through Fair Calgary to initiate work on a single point of entry system for eligibility and access to all low-income programs and services offered by The City. More than 160,000 Calgarians attended Canada Day celebrations which included events connected along Olympic Plaza, Prince’s Island Park, RiverWalk, Riverfront Avenue to East Village and Fort Calgary. And 16,500 citizens voiced their opinions over a sixmonth period on what matters most to them about their library and what a 21st century library should be. This input is now being used to guide the next phase of work for the new Central Library.
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community & Neighbourhood Services | Annual Report 2012
Recognizing the need for capital projects to address city growth as well as lifecycle needs of existing facilities, we celebrated the grand opening of the Genesis Wellness Centre and the reopening of Calgary’s only indoor public park, Devonian Gardens, following an extensive renovation. Funding for four new recreation centres was secured and the Community Investment Fund supported numerous projects including Bowness Park, Shouldice Aquatic Centre, Optimist Park, tree planting and playground replacements. The Calgary Fire Department opened two fire stations, and the new Emergency Operations Centre also opened, housing the Calgary Emergency Management Agency and the Public Safety Communications (9-1-1) backup centre. All of this work supports what citizens believe to be important: a family-friendly city, quality service, help for those in need and investment in community infrastructure. These are things that contribute to bettering neighbourhoods and creating a city in which we all want to work, live and play. Calgary is a better place because employees and partners of the Community Services & Protective Services department care about citizens, our community and one another.
Erika Hargesheimer General Manager Community Services & Protective Services The City of Calgary
Message from the Director On behalf of Community & Neighbourhood Services (CNS), I am proud to share our important initiatives and accomplishments of the past year. This annual report outlines the work Council, and our dedicated staff, have undertaken to ensure Calgary remains a healthy, vibrant and sustainable city. In 2012 CNS continued its work with partners to provide critical elements needed for Calgarians to create a great life – for themselves, their communities, and their city. We’ve drawn upon our expertise and relationships to create a city where everyone, regardless of age, income or background can access quality programs and services, and have the opportunity to contribute to making their community a great place to be. 2012 was an extremely busy year and CNS was able to advance a number of exciting initiatives that help to make life great for the residents of Calgary. CNS’s relationships with our community partners continue to thrive. Our successes of the past year are a result of collaboration and commitment by our staff, advisory committees, community partners and Calgarians.
• We supported 11,719 Calgarians in navigating City services through the neighbourhood services offices. • We served 14,108 community residents through the Strong Neighbourhood Initiative. • We supported over 140 community associations and social recreation groups in the stewardship of capital assets and programs and services. CNS remains committed to supporting critical work that improves citizens’ lives. This work includes initiatives such as reducing poverty through the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, and improving fair and equitable access to City services through the Fair Calgary Policy. Moving forward in 2013, CNS will continue to evolve to find innovative ways of providing the highest level of service possible, sharpen our focus on citizen-centric services, engage our community and celebrate our joint achievements. We will build on the strengths of today to make Calgary even stronger for the generations of tomorrow. I look forward to CNS proudly serving Calgarians in 2013.
The numbers show we made a great impact in 2012: • We served 249,067 Calgarians through preventative social and recreation services. • We served 7,268 children during the critical hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. through the provision of positive social and recreational activities.
Karen Young Director, Community & Neighbourhood Services
Messages from the general manager and director
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WHo we are
4 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
Community & Neighbourhood Services (CNS) strengthens individuals and communities through a variety of diverse community programs, often working in partnership with community organizations. Whether it be facilitating access to basic needs, encouraging employment, enabling partners to provide services, or providing a hub where community members can connect, CNS strives to ensure social and recreational needs are met in our communities.
Community & Neighbourhood Services focuses on four areas:
Community Programs & Services CNS builds strong neighbourhoods by providing accessible community social/recreation programs and services. Continual review of our services and delivery models allows us to provide the right programs and services to meet changing citizen needs.
Community Social Development CNS develops community well-being by coordinating and providing focused services to vulnerable populations so they have the needed resources and capacity to thrive. By working with community residents, vulnerable populations, community organizations, local business and other levels of government, CNS fosters strong and vital neighbourhoods.
Community Partnerships CNS actively supports and champions the development of vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods by building community capacity through community recreation and community development. By supporting and strengthening our community partners, and connecting and co-ordinating resources within the community, partners such as community associations are able to implement community-driven solutions and flexible programming.
Strategy & Partnerships CNS informs and supports the strategic achievement of Council priorities by providing reliable research, strategy development and meaningful community engagement on social and recreation issues. Our investment in Family & Community Support Services agencies and civic partners helps ensure valuable programs are funded and Calgary is a community where everyone thrives.
14,108
community residents served through the Strong Neighbourhood Initiative
860
community volunteers
60+
community events
11,600 participants Who we are
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What we Do
6 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
A vast array of elements come together to make life “great.� CNS draws upon our expertise and relationships to ignite social change and create a city where everyone, regardless of age, income or background, can access quality programs and services. CNS creates a community where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to making their community a great place to live.
We help Calgarians make a great life by: Investing in communities. Our communities are the foundation to a great city. CNS works to support residents, community organizations and other groups to bring people together, address unique needs and manage local issues. We believe strong communities should be places where people can grow, thrive and feel connected. Getting and keeping children and youth active and involved in their communities. CNS believes the legacy of a great life is built through investing in children and youth. Through our recreation and social program offerings we build skills and leadership potential among today’s youth – for now and for the future. Working with partners to maximize our resources and share knowledge. CNS understands the value in building a collective vision. We know providing elements for a great life means being responsive, effective and relevant to Calgarians. We work alongside other City business units and external organizations to ensure citizens have easy and direct access to The City. Keeping Calgary safe through prevention and intervention measures. CNS works hard to provide supportive environments to nurture children, youth and families, and prevent problems before they occur. For those needing extra support, we also provide resources to help people make positive changes and contribute to their communities.
Conducting research and providing information resources necessary to make informed decisions on social impacts of City services. In order to make a concrete and meaningful difference in the lives of Calgarians, clear, reliable and current information is critical. By collecting and analyzing data on demographics, trends, perceptions, emerging issues and best practices, CNS has established a strong foundation for well-designed and effective programs, policies and initiatives. Creating a healthy workplace for our employees so they can provide the best service possible. CNS’s success begins and ends with its 450 (including seasonal) employees. Our staff is committed to making sure Calgarians have the elements they need to create a great life. By making sure staff members are safe, well trained, confident and engaged, we ensure they’re in a position to provide the best possible service. Ensuring we are fiscally responsible and making the best use of taxpayer dollars. CNS understands the need for every dollar to provide a clear return on investment for citizens. We leverage our investments and maximize resources to ensure taxpayer dollars are at work in the community.
Picnic in the park A group of families in Bridgeland Riverside meet in a local park every Tuesday night for a picnic. The mothers in the group approached CNS to see if there was some way to connect with some of the many seniors living in Bridgeland Riverside (there are about 700 seniors living in complexes congregated in the southeast part of the community). That’s how the Seniors and Picnic in the Park collaboration was born. The families moved their normal meeting place on a given Tuesday night to the seniors’ green spaces. CNS worked with Silvera for Seniors (an agency that supports senior housing), and promoted the event to their senior residents. The weather co-operated and we had a great multi-generational event that has sparked the interest for more collaborative work, including the possibility of an annual multi-generational picnic.
What We Do
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“
Our Community Recreation Co-ordinator is an invaluable resource who provides input and advice on many aspects of our work.
– Community association board member
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We are investing in communities. Our communities are the foundation to a great city. CNS works to support residents, community organizations and other groups to bring people together, address unique needs and manage local issues. What follows are just a few examples of how CNS has worked to support people to grow, thrive and feel connected within their communities.
• 270 street-connected youth attended Gear Up where young Calgarians have the opportunity to access health services, basic clothing and winter supplies. This event provides reprieve for youth to spend an afternoon off the streets. It’s an opportunity for them to connect with service providers in a welcoming setting. • Over 700 students spent time at City Hall School learning about civic responsibilities, discovering Calgary’s heritage and history, and meeting with members of Council and City employees. Participants gained a better understanding of the role played by local government. • The Advisory Committee on Accessibility recommended 27 new audible pedestrian signals throughout Calgary to assist in safe street crossings for Calgarians with vision loss. • The Genesis Centre of Community Wellness, six West LRT stations and the Peace Bridge all have universal design components that make for a more inclusive community, as a result of the 2010 Access Design Standards. • Seniors’ Week kicked off at Fort Calgary. Participants enjoyed free admission, interactive displays, interpretive tours of the facility, a seniors’ Tai Chi session, living books and musical entertainment.
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I could see my son started to feel that he is part of this community and the city by understanding how it’s kept.
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– Parent of a Grade 4 City Hall School student
8 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
The Strong Neighbourhood Initiative The Strong Neighbourhood Initiative (SNI) is a resident-led community development initiative aimed at building resident and community capacity in eight specifically targeted neighbourhoods over a 10-year period. The goal is to improve the lives of Calgarians by working with residents, community organizations, local businesses and governments to make neighbourhoods stronger and more vital places to live. The SNI neighbourhood grant program provided these neighbourhoods with a small pool of funds to help support grass-roots initiatives within their communities. The aim of the neighbourhood grant program is to support residents in transforming their ideas into actions that benefit their neighbourhoods, build leadership skills, encourage the involvement of other residents and enhance co-operation among different groups. 2012 neighbourhood grant projects included: 6 Community cleanups and community gardens. 20 Leadership/capacity building programs. 13 Youth and senior focused programs. 12 Multi-cultural and community events.
13 C ommunity improvements/school mural/art projects.
to enhance the ability of social agencies and partners in supporting resident leadership and a place-based approach.
37 Town hall/community planning events. United Way Partnership The United Way of Calgary and Area is partnering with The City on initiatives that help build strong neighbourhoods. This collaboration has already spawned several specific initiatives, including: • Community Development Learning Initiative: Building the capacity of neighbourhood residents to lead and learn from local action
• Project Engage: Enhancing the participation of members of ethno-cultural communities in neighbourhood revitalization. • Neighbourhood-based approaches to social change: Developing an understanding of how neighbourhoods contribute to addressing social issues such as homelessness, community economic development and family resiliency.
Total number of initiatives across each of the strong neighbourhoods: Community
Initiatives
Leaders /organizers
Volunteers
Volunteer hours
Acadia
7
47
33
112
Bridgeland/Riverside
10
16
8
55
Highland Park
11
46
105
245
Martindale
5
7
48
391
Penbrooke Meadows
6
40
48
437
Rosscarrock
14
20
224
1,373
Sunalta
18
94
111
1,092
Vista Heights
15
34
61
800
What We Do
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Celebrating our humanity Every year on Dec. 3, people around the world celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The celebration is meant to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, and to increase awareness of their many positive contributions to the community at large. This year, The City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility joined the community to participate in three flash mob performances representing diverse disabilities. MoMo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre, Inside Out Theatre, and Disability Action Hall presented scored improvisations as performers moved through the crowd accompanied by music.
Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative On Jan. 11, 2012, Mayor Nenshi and United Way of Calgary and Area announced the membership of the Stewardship Committee for the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative. This 18-member committee is creating an inclusive, multi-sector plan for poverty reduction in Calgary. The Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative is jointly funded by The City and United Way of Calgary and Area, with an investment of $200,000 each in support. This is a great example of multi-sector collaboration work. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to develop a 10-year plan to reduce poverty and streamline processes for non-profit and community partners. The strategy will be presented to the Priorities and Finance Committee in May 2013 for approval.
114,000
Calgarians live below the low-income cut-off rate
10 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
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We’re getting and keeping children and youth active and involved in their communities. CNS believes the legacy of a great life is built through investing in children and youth. By providing recreation and social programming, we build skills and leadership ability to help contribute to future generations. With the support of CNS, the Woodridge Youth Action Group presented a video to Council on the importance of affordable transit fees for youth. Council supported the aspirations of the group and launched a low-income transit pass for youth. The WAVE program (West Area Volunteer Experience) provides youth the opportunity to gain volunteer experience. Youth contributed 118 volunteer hours to local community associations and non-profit events.
Calgary AfterSchool Research shows involvement in high‐quality supervised programming from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. can help keep kids out of trouble and nurture their healthy physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Putting this evidence into action, Calgary AfterSchool engages young Calgarians aged 6–16 in constructive activities during the after‐school hours. Working closely with many community partners, Calgary AfterSchool programming provides a range of activities for all of Calgary’s children and youth. Calgary AfterSchool aims to prevent young people’s exposure to risk factors for a myriad of health and social problems and increase their exposure to protective factors that improve child and youth development.
CNS has brought in some after school programming for the first time to our community which so desperately needs it and for that we are very grateful. – Community association board member
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In 2012, Calgary AfterSchool: • Extended its collaborative network with external organizations to offer additional programming and thereby meet emerging needs in communities not previously served. • Initiated development of an online social and emotional learning tool to support both funded and non-funded programs for children and youth. • Provided programming through CNS, Recreation and Family & Community Support Service partners in schools, 19 non-profit agencies, public libraries, community association facilities, churches, Calgary Housing complexes, and City arenas and pools.
241
young leaders engaged in 14 community-based LEAD programs
Member of the Woodridge Youth Action Group celebrating after a successful presentation to council.
what We Do
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Summer programs for children CNS’s community summer programs for children – Park ’n’ Play (ages six and up), and Stay ’n’ Play (ages three to five) – continue to grow in popularity. These drop-in programs allow children to participate in fun, interactive activities that build their skills for healthy living. Youth Music Program An annual event, Toast ‘n’ Jam was a youth-focused battle of the bands style contest intended to develop and showcase the talent of young Calgary bands. The winner of Toast ‘n’ Jam 2012 was Samantha L. (middle of the front row in photo at left), a singer and acoustic guitar player using the band name “Calibur.”
CNS summer 2011–2012 leaders and volunteers: • 2 2 additional Park ’n’ Play/Stay ’n’ Play sites = 12.6% increase • R ecreation leader training: 7,880 hours (40 hours of training x 197 recreation leaders) • V olunteer training: 3,820 hours (20 hours of training x 191 volunteers) • V olunteer hours: 6,663.75 hours (equivalent to $66,637.50 leveraged in program services and development of leadership skills)
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Samantha remarks on the experience: “I felt really nervous and unprepared to enter the music world. By going through Toast ‘n’ Jam and getting the chance to perform live and learn techniques, I gained a great amount of confidence. After I won, the feeling was just surreal and it really reassured me in my talent and boosted my drive to further my music options. It made a great impact on me and my music life. It introduced me to amazing musicians and people and it helped me to grow as a person.”
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Additional park ‘n’ Play/ Stay ‘n’ Play Sites
12.6% increase
We are working with partners to maximize our resources and share knowledge. CNS understands the value in building a collective vision. We work alongside other City of Calgary business units and external organizations to support citizens in having easy and direct access to The City. Multi-Agency School Support Team expands After a successful three-year pilot phase funded by the Alberta Government’s Safe Communities Secretariat, The Calgary Police Service and CNS have committed to funding and expanding MultiAgency School Support Team (MASST) to 12 teams, each composed of one social worker and one police officer. The expanded program allows for city-wide service to young Calgarians, their families and schools. The other MASST partners are the Calgary Board of Education, the Calgary Catholic School District and Alberta Health Services. In 2012, CNS, the Calgary Police Service, the Calgary Board of Education, the Calgary Catholic School District and Alberta Health Services welcomed a new sponsor to MASST. Through a donation to the Calgary Police Foundation, Husky Energy has pledged $500,000 to the ongoing development of MASST. Husky’s contribution will allow MASST to offer early intervention services to more young Calgarians, their families and schools in 2013.
$2.27
the social return on every dollar invested
What We Do
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Partnering to help youth prepare for their future • CNS, along with justice, education and community agency partners, distributed $23,303 to support the employment and career development of 137 vulnerable youth by purchasing work boots and tools, and funding training courses. Funds were raised through employer registration fees at The Youth Employment Centre’s (YEC) annual hiring fairs, and through a grant from United Way of Calgary and Area. • In 2012, 81 employers connected with 3,500 youth attending the 14th Annual Summer Hiring Fair. Youth commented that they were “glad to see that youth are supported in Calgary.” YEC also hosted a virtual hiring fair where 188 job opportunities from 63 different companies were posted to the online fair venue. The site received 3,154 hits. • YEC provided certified training programs to 335 youth in the following sectors: restaurant and bar, construction safety, workplace safety and First Aid.
249,067
Calgarians Accessed CNS preventive social and recreational services
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Snow Angels grace our neighbourhoods Snow Angels builds neighbourhood connections by encouraging community residents to clear snow from the sidewalks of neighbours who may be unable to do so. Partnerships, and the use of a variety of marketing materials including television spots, items published and 150 signs strategically placed throughout Calgary, are critical to ensuring a successful campaign. Both the Calgary Sun and CTV continue to be ongoing media sponsors, with internal support for the program involving funding from Calgary Roads and Animal & Bylaw Services, as well as operational support from the City Links program. Partnering with youth justice • Children & Youth Services participated in two youth justice-related partnerships with community agencies, involving shared staff, locations and youth clientele. New Roads was an early intervention program aimed at high-risk youth (ages 7–12) and their families. The program worked with 203 children and their parents and siblings. • Calgary Community Conferencing organized a “restorative justice response” to high-impact criminal offences. Youth court judges and schools referred 53 youth through the initiative.
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“I actually saw the light bulb go on. It was a beautiful process. You can... feel the healing. It was powerful.
”
– Calgary Community Conferencing participant
What We Do
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We are keeping Calgary safe through prevention and intervention measures. CNS works hard to provide supportive environments to nurture children, youth and families, and prevent problems before they occur. For those needing extra support, we also provide resources to help people make positive changes and contribute to their communities.
380
seniors Moved ‘n’ Mingled at 17 locations city-wide
Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) funding to support Strong Neighbourhoods Initiative and vulnerable populations FCSS funds programs that focus on keeping Calgary safe by reducing risk and increasing protective factors.
Development of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Pilot Project – the first FFT site in Canada. Partnership between Children & Youth Services (Youth Probation), Office of the Crown Prosecutor, the Youth Criminal Defense Office, Calgary Family Services and Calgary Catholic Family Services, FFT is an intensive therapeutic intervention that responds to criminal charges resulting from violence within the family (i.e. a youth is charged with assaulting a parent or sibling). Initial pilot funding is provided by partners and the Alberta Government’s Safe Communities Secretariat.
100
$ millions
80 60 40 29,403,956
29,703,956
31,403,956
20 0
16 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
2010
2011
2012
112,022
Calgarians served through preventive social and recreational services
We are researching and providing the information resources necessary to make informed decisions on social impacts of City services. Research and policy development, done strategically, allows CNS to effectively make a difference to improve quality of life in our communities. In order to make a concrete and meaningful difference in the lives of Calgarians, clear, reliable and current information is critical. By collecting and analyzing data on demographics, trends, emerging issues and best practices, CNS has established a strong foundation for well designed and effective programs, policies and initiatives. This strategic array of work will ensure CNS makes significant strides towards the goals of the Council-directed Sustainability 2020. CNS provides leadership to high-profile projects such as the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, Accessibility Policy, and Age Friendly Strategy. Some of our other initiatives follow.
SHIFT (The Project to End Domestic Violence) FCSS and the United Way of Calgary and Area supported the SHIFT program. This program provided an analysis of the child- and youthfocused violence prevention programs in Calgary, identified best practices in the area of violence prevention for children and youth, and provided recommendations for programming. Calgary Local Immigration Partnership (CLIP) CNS is working with the United Way of Calgary and Area, and the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary, gathering influential partners around the table to positively change settlement and integration outcomes for newcomers to Canada. In 2012, CLIP interviewed newcomers to learn about experiences of integration, summarized over 150 research reports on the topic, and engaged with partners to determine ways to improve settlement and integration outcomes.
Aboriginal Intergenerational Trauma Pilot Project FCSS Calgary piloted (2012–2014) a preventive, family-based intergenerational trauma program within the Aboriginal sector. The United Way of Calgary and Area, and the University of Calgary have also pledged support to this project.
what We Do
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88%
of CNS employees say their working conditions are safe
We are creating a healthy workplace for our employees so they can provide the best service possible. Our employees are committed to serving Calgarians by empowering individuals and strengthening communities. In 2012, CNS continued to provide safe and healthy working conditions through the promotion of health, safety and wellness initiatives such as: • CNS’s review of its hazard assessment documentation across the entire business unit. • Safety inspection of CNS sites. • Development of translated safety manuals at City Links to improve the understanding of safety roles and responsibilities. CNS is committed to ensuring employee satisfaction levels remain high through positive, safe and innovative work place.
CNS is also committed to the safety of staff by adhering to the Working Alone Policy. Hazard assessments have been created for staff working alone, and CNS follows all accompanying mitigation strategies. Project Protégé Project Protégé is a mentorship program for post secondary students in the Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program at Rocky Mountain College, and the Bachelor of Social Work students from the University of Calgary. In the 2011/2012 school year, Project Protégé expanded to include students from the Physical Education & Recreation Studies department at Mount Royal University. Students involved in the project are connected with a mentor working in CNS to learn hands-on professional skills in their chosen area of study. Knowledge Exchange Experience (KEE) After piloting in Children & Youth Services, this internal job shadow program is now available to all CNS employees. KEE provides employees with hands-on experiences of the wide range of CNS programs as well as strengthening the connections between the services CNS provides to Calgarians. Learning @ Work Week Each year, CNS employees organize a learning and development opportunity called Learning @ Work Week. In 2012, professional and personal development sessions were offered to CNS staff.
85%
of CNS employees are satisfied with the quality of their work
18 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
4%
increase
We are fiscally responsible and making the best use of taxpayer dollars. CNS understands the need for every dollar to stretch further. We leverage our investments and maximize resources through our diverse funding sources and partnerships to ensure taxpayer dollars are at work in the community. • In 2012, CNS completed a core service review for its community social workers. This review ensures CNS is responsive to trends, needs and growing expectations of citizens, without increasing resources. • FCSS staff completed 46 multi-year reviews. This is a due diligence process that entails agency meetings with executive directors, program managers/staff, board members and financial resource staff to review the agency’s organizational health, fiscal strength, program merit and program outcomes.
• City Links partnered with Alberta Seniors Benefits, Special Needs resulting in a new revenue stream using a third-party payment service delivery model. The partnership simplifies the application process for seniors, and ensures eligible seniors served by City Links continue to receive home maintenance services vital to independence and well-being. City Links received $391,000 from Alberta Seniors Benefits to assist in funding the City Links program. • CNS completed efficiency exercises on a number of initiatives and generated savings of approximately $1.2 million. • Working with partners, CNS is able to leverage funds with various grants that require matching dollars.
FCSS fund leveragability 30% 13%
$22m
Province
$9.4m
City
27% 30%
Volunteer
$19.3m
Community
$19.0m
Total
$69.7 million
$1 FCSS leverages a further $1.22 $1 City contribution leverages a further $6.41
Prevention and intervention CNS leveraged 47 per cent of the Children & Youth Services funding through provincial and federal partners thereby increasing capacity to deliver a range of crime prevention and early intervention programs to young Calgarians and their families.
what We Do
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WHY we Do It
Making life great for Calgarians is our priority. There is no better way to know we are successful than to hear from citizens who have been positively impacted by our programs and services. Words of praise and stories of lives touched remind us of our value to Calgarians.
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Just wanted to thank you guys for all you have done for [our son] at the Jump$tart sessions. He has enjoyed them though initially he was hesitant to attend! We are sure that he has learned valuable tips and lessons through this course which will help him in his foray into the work force. We are so impressed with what you are doing there at the YEC and our best wishes go to you for your future endeavors.
– Parent of 16-year-old Jump$tart participant
20 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
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I’ve always been a really shy person and didn’t like talking in public or out loud in a group. I didn’t think people cared about what I had to say. In Antyx (CAS theatre program) I felt like people actually cared about what I had to say and feel like I am more confident now than I was before. I used to avoid places that I would have to talk out loud at and now I’m not scared. I joined three clubs at my school and one is a theatre club.
– Calgary AfterSchool participant
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I wanted to write and commend the staff that work at your Park ’n’ Play. My daughter attended the Park ’n’ Play in July 2012. I decided to stay and watch. Because I stayed for the whole day, I had an opportunity to observe several of the staff and volunteers interact with different children in different scenarios. Not only was I impressed, but I was shocked and blown away by the skill of these teenagers as they ran the camp and managed the children. Their aptitude in managing children is nothing less than astonishing! Since Park ’n’ Play is a drop-off camp, parents have no idea how fortunate they are. Parents are concerned about who cares for their children – they study the caliber of the school and teachers, the caliber of day cares, the credentials of those who run the day care/day home, etc. Could they ever guess that this free day camp would consist of some of the most skillful, conscientious, extraordinary caregivers/teachers/leaders that I have ever met? And they are half (or maybe even one-third) of my age!
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– Parent of Park ’n’ Play participant
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Through my time with CNS North, I’ve learnt valuable life lessons. I began my journey in 2005 as a volunteer for Park ’n’ Play. Fortunately, my leaders that year were very influential people. They slowly brought me out of my shell. By the end of that summer I found myself dreading my last day at Park ’n’ Play. Being a volunteer for another three years I was able to boost my confidence by leading many games and crafts without the responsibility (possibly hassle) of all the things I called “leader paper work.” After the four-year volunteer process I figured it was time to get paid to do what I loved. Working as a leader for two years taught me patience as a number one virtue. To say the least, working and volunteering for CNS has given me an amazing outlook on life and community. If every youth in Calgary was given my same opportunity and experience, this city would be like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. In 30 years I will be able to look back on my experience here and know that I will have gotten where I am because of working here.
– CNS Program Leader
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Why We Do it
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HOW we Do It
22 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
CNS believes in being accountable, transparent and effective stewards of taxpayer money. We leverage our investments and maximize resources through our diverse funding sources and partnerships to ensure taxpayer dollars are working as hard as possible to make a direct impact in the community.
Dollar diagram/distribution of tax dollars, 2012
The Alberta Government receives 44 cents from every dollar collected through City of Calgary residential property tax bills.* Of the 56 cents collected for the municipality, The City spends 12.6 cents on Community Services & Protective Services, as follows:
{
Municipal government property tax .56¢
Animal & Bylaw Services Public Safety Communications (9-1-1) Community & Neighbourhood Services Recreation Parks Calgary Fire Department
Provincial government property tax .44¢
0.4¢ 0.7¢ 1.0¢ 1.5¢ 2.7¢ 6.3¢
* Based on the combined current municipal and Provincial property tax rates as independently determined by each level of government.
CNS operating budget vs. actual expenditures ($ millions), 2009-2012 100
$ millions
80 60 40 24.7
24.3
26.0
25.7
27.0
27.0
28.8
28.7
20 0
2009 Operating budget
2010
2011
2012
Actual expenditures
How We Do it
23
What’s Next
24 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
CNS is committed to providing public value to Calgarians through service and programs delivered efficiently through a progressive, innovative culture that allows us to adapt quickly to changing needs and dynamics.
Fair Calgary Policy CNS will continue work to ensure low-income Calgarians have fair access to City services. Work will take place on standardizing subsidy programs across The City to allow a “one-windowin” system for people accessing fee subsidies. Also a low-income youth transit pass will be piloted for all qualifying youth, including those not in school. Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative The City, in partnership with United Way of Calgary and Area, is developing a community-based strategy to reduce poverty. The work involves a panel of leaders from the private and nonprofit sectors, representatives of provincial and federal government, academics, and individuals experiencing poverty. The extensive engagement process, which took place in 2012, resulted in 100 unique recommendations for reducing poverty. These will be refined into a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan. Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods The catalyst behind Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods is the desire to ensure that Community Services & Protective Services’ programs and services align closely with community needs and expectations. This project will be developed in 2013 as part of a broader business unit goal to strengthen neighbourhoods. Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods has identified 12 pilot neighbourhoods. Business units across the department work together to engage community members, increasing positive social ties within and beyond neighbourhoods, and assisting members to build skills, programs and services to resolve their priority issues.
What’s Next
25
Calgary Economic Development In 2013, CNS will work with Calgary Economic Development (CED) to refresh its 10-year strategy to support economic development in Calgary. CED’s 10-year plan was endorsed by Council in 2008, making 2013 the halfway mark. Council has approved one-time funding to support the refresh of the plan, including the incorporation of a broader range of social and community issues into the strategy, along with additional refinements to the existing measurement and reporting structure. Age Friendly Strategy CNS will develop a Seniors Age Friendly Strategy to address the unique implications of Calgary’s aging population. Community stakeholders will participate in the development of the strategy to help ensure Calgary is a place to age well.
26 Community & neighbourhood services | Annual Report 2012
New recreation facilities The New Recreation Facility Project joined CNS in late 2012 and will see four new recreation facilities built in Calgary’s most underserved areas – one in the far northwest, and three in the southeast. In 2013, The City will have detailed schematic designs for Quarry Park and Rocky Ridge and the operators for each facility secured. Construction of Quarry Park and Great Plains will be under way. Partnership teams In late 2012, we consolidated partnership support functions from across CNS and Recreation to CNS. The Civic Partnership team and partnership co-ordinators support the governance function for major civic partners, and provide internal policy support to managers and approximately 40 community recreation co-ordinators and liaisons in CNS, Parks and Recreation. Housing these teams within one business unit will serve to enhance these services in 2013 and beyond.
What’s Next
27
2013-0041