Branching Out - Spring 2023

BRANCHING OUT

Spring 2023

Finding a Path to Wellness

Trellis expands access to mental health support through new affordable therapy services

Connecting Culture Across Generations

Iiyika’kimaat program invests in Indigenous youth today to strengthen Indigenous communities tomorrow

Remixing the Creative Space

Avenue 15’s new music room provides positive outlet for youth experiencing homelessness

Trellis Society’s commitment to reconciliation starts with taking this opportunity to acknowledge our honour and privilege to live and work within the Treaty 7 territory.

We acknowledge the traditional and ancestral territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes the Siksika Nation, the North

Goodstoney (Blackfoot word for Calgary)

and South Piikani Nations and the Kainai Nation.

We also acknowledge the other members of Treaty 7 First Nations, the Tsuut’ina and Ĩyãħé Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) which include Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations. In addition, the City of Calgary is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Region 3).

Finally, we acknowledge all nations, genders and spirits who live, work and play in Moh’kinstsis, the Blackfoot name for Calgary, and Treaty 7 Region of Southern Alberta who help us steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.

Take a moment to acknowledge the land with Trellis Knowledge Keeper, Charlotte YellowHorn McLeod.

Hi, We’re Trellis!

One organization. Countless ways to help.

Our vision is a community where everyone can flourish. Through strengthening economic stability, wellbeing, mental health and belonging, thousands of people each year are supported to exit

poverty, navigate out of crisis and move from isolation into community.

Because of your generosity, we’re able to work across all cultures, languages and diversity spectrums to end homelessness, increase employment and high school

graduation rates and equip families to be safe and well.

Together, we’re making a positive impact for generations to come by empowering people to grow beyond life’s challenges and reach their dreams.

Nurturing Dreams

A message from Jeff

We know that for a seed to grow, it must be planted within the dark of the soil. The gardener then trusts that the transformation happening beyond their sight will develop into what was hoped for.

Such has been the story of Trellis. We were planted in dark soil, during a pandemic and at a time of great uncertainty. Many of you invested in our dream with the shared belief that when we grew it would make an impact.

And we have! Something beautiful has emerged beyond what any of us could have imagined. Through the right resources, plenty of nutrients and ideal soil conditions for growth, Trellis is flourishing.

We have the resources to plant big dreams, thanks to the unwavering generosity of our donors and the belief of our funders who entrusted us to deliver even more services in the community.

Combined, this has increased our revenue by almost 10% each year since 2020, allowing us to strengthen and deepen the supports offered to those we serve.

We have the nutrients to nourish those dreams, specifically from our 452 teammates at Trellis. In their words, 92% feel the quality of our programs were maintained or improved since 2020, 91% feel engaged meaningfully in our work and 93% would recommend Trellis as a great place to serve.

And, we have the leadership to navigate the ever-changing conditions in real time, all working together toward our shared dream of a community where everyone flourishes.

We invite you to nurture this dream with us. Please continue to give generously and support our work. Please continue to share our hopeful story and to expect big, beautiful things from us.

We could not do this work without you, and we are grateful for you.

Thank you for growing with us!

Jeff Dyer he/him

Board of Directors

2023–2024

Karleen Batty, she/her, Chair

Anil Nayak, he/him, Vice Chair

Alisa Sorochan, she/her, Treasurer

Christy Elliott, she/her, Secretary

Angel Yon, she/her, Director

Chris Simard, he/him, Director

Cristi Adams, she/her, Director

Christine Neff, she/her, Director

Erin Ludwig, she/her, Director

Gabriel Chen, he/him, Director

Rachel Chong, she/her, Director

Steve Spaulding, he/him, Director

Teri Buckley, she/her, Director

CEO, Trellis Society

Connecting Culture Across Generations

The Iiyika’kimaat program invests in Indigenous youth today to strengthen Indigenous communities tomorrow

Iiyika’kimaat (pronounced ee-gah-gi-mat) means “to try hard” in Blackfoot. This name was gifted to Trellis from Treaty 7 Elders.

The Iiyika’kimaat youth program is a culturally-based program that supports the wellbeing of Indigenous youth and their families. Iiyika’kimaat uses an approach based on the principles of kinship, where the emphasis is on the interconnection between family, community and extended relationships with all people and the environment. We provide a variety of activities and resources that focus on strengthening family relationships and promoting a positive sense of cultural identity. Iiyika’kimaat facilitates opportunities

for youth to connect with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and the Indigenous culture to help strengthen the bonds within their communities. It also ensures youth will continue to have a network of support.

“By creating these connections, communities can laugh, heal and share food and stories together in a beautiful way surrounded by culture,” says Tandi Purch, Iiyika’kimaat program manager.

A variety of cultural events provide opportunities for youth to engage with Indigenous traditions and values across generations. These events include the Okotoks Indigenous River Camp (Culture Camp), pow wows, drumming circles, musical teachings, storytelling sessions and arts and

crafts workshops for youth to explore and showcase their interests. Youth are also able to build their capacity for independence and compassion by learning about environmental protection, social justice and cultural preservation.

Investing in our youth today means investing in generations to come. By supporting youth on their path to becoming leaders, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for Indigenous communities within Moh’kinstsis (the Blackfoot name for Calgary) and wherever our youth choose to go.

Learn about the Okotoks Indigenous River Camp (“Culture Camp”) facilitated by Trellis Society and partners.

The Iiyika’kimaat youth program gathers with community members to receive the gift of knowledge about hide-tanning. Below, Elders Reg and Rose Crowshoe share traditional teachings with Trellis. photos: Blake McLeod

My hope is that by planting the seeds, we are creating generational change for our current and future generations.

— Tandi Purych, Iiyika’kimaat Program Manager

Having an outlet is good because whenever you’re not sure what you should be doing, you have something that you can do.

— Max Kumagai

photos: Blake McLeod

Remixing the Creative Space

Avenue 15’s new music room provides positive outlet for youth experiencing homelessness

When we hear music, it can instantly change the way we feel. But when we make music, we open ourselves up to even more possibilities. Playing music is a powerful tool for regulating our emotions, building confidence, self-expression and connecting with others. For youth who stay at Trellis’ emergency shelter, having a space to create music offers a positive outlet away from the streets.

Youth at Avenue 15 have been tapping into their creative sides ever since one room received a major makeover. Several youth expressed interest in music and often brought up the idea for a space where they could play and record songs. The opportunity arrived at their doorsteps when high school student Max Kumagai volunteered to turn that dream into a reality.

Max previously connected with Avenue 15 when he used a community volunteer grant to provide brand new clothing for the youth. After securing a second grant,

he asked staff about what else they needed. The idea for a music room came up, and Max got to work on transforming an old supply room into a cozy recording studio. The space was small and cluttered, but Max saw the potential to make something great.

“I wanted to create an outlet where they could collaborate and create,” Max says.

“I think having an outlet is good because whenever you’re not sure what you should be doing, you have something that you can do.”

The youth were full of excitement and anticipation. Max took the lead to purchase instruments, recording equipment and furniture. He also brought in graffiti artwork from a local artist to add extra creative inspiration to the space.

Max and his friends worked hard all day, painting walls and setting up equipment to get the room completed.

When Trellis Program Manager Melissa Morrison saw the transformation of the space, she was completely blown away. “I wanted to cry. This room looks more amazing than anyone could have imagined.”

The music room is now easily the most popular space in the house. Melissa says the room is always full and youth take turns playing and recording.

“For youth, having something positive to do is the most important thing,” Melissa says.

“They now have a musical outlet and a way to get out all their hurts and thoughts, while teaching them a positive way to do so.”

Trellis operates Calgary’s only youth emergency shelter. Learn more about Avenue 15.

In Conversation: Circle Keeper Virginia Red Crow &A

Last year, Trellis served 681 Indigenous individuals, almost half of which were children and youth.

We’re honoured to have five Circle Keepers who ensure Indigenous ways of knowing and being are embedded into our work and our spaces. A Circle Keeper is someone who has gone through the steps and learning necessary to acquire Indigenous protocols and share the teachings they have been given from Elders. Trellis Circle Keepers provide support across a broad range of our programs

including preschool, afterschool, housing and outreach, group homes and our Family Resource Networks.

One of the Circle Keepers we’re fortunate to work with in our afterschool and preschool programs is Virginia Red Crow. Virginia is a familiar face at Trellis, having previously worked in our housing and outreach programs. In this Q&A with Virginia, we learn about the experiences that have shaped her and what being a Circle Keeper means to her.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I am from the Kainai (Blood) Tribe. I am blessed to know my direct lineage going back to my very great grandfather Chief Red Crow and very great grandfather Interpreter David Mills. I am a part of the Many Tumors Clan, reclaiming and learning the Blackfoot ways of knowing and being.

It has been a great privilege working in the social sector for over six years—working with children, youth and families, group care, outreach and now as a Circle Keeper, all while pursuing my education.

How have traditional teachings been passed on to you?

My parents were in residential schools, so I wasn’t taught a lot when I was younger. They also lost their parents very early on, so I never grew up with grandparents. But I lived on the reserve until I was nine, and every summer I would go back home, I was always surrounded by family and heard stories of my grandparents in the olden days.

My Elder is my uncle. When I graduated high school, he gifted me my first pair of moccasins. That made me want to learn more about my culture, so I started to spend more time with him. My uncle is very traditional and well-respected in the community. He speaks the Blackfoot language fluently, was involved in sun dances and the Blackfoot Horn Society, and he has a lot of knowledge on spirituality. My uncle is who I get all my teachings from.

How did you start working with young people and families?

When I was a leader for an Indigenous day camp, I met children who came from a variety of family backgrounds. Many of them were going through difficult challenges, and I realized that kindness goes a long way in these situations. That sparked a desire in me to help children and families find their voice and feel like they have someone that cares.

After serving in different roles at Trellis, what led to your decision to become a Circle Keeper?

I believe the voices of the people we work with are very important. Our organization works within systems, and I wanted to use my voice as an Indigenous person as well as a frontline staff to hold Trellis to their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. When we

start to bring Indigenous programming into non-Indigenous agencies, we need to start with truth to fully understand how we can reconcile.

Western thinking influences our picture of the “perfect” family, but Indigenous people and minorities often don’t fit that mold. I spent most of my childhood trying to figure out why my family wasn’t perfect, and then I came to the realization that my family is and always has been beautiful. Each family is as unique as our fingerprints. That’s why I believe there needs to be Indigenous voices in these conversations about Indigenous families.

How do you carry that vision forward in your role?

What I am hoping is that we start Truth and Reconciliation a lot earlier. Teaching children through storytelling and making crafts like dreamcatchers, talking sticks and medicine bags gets children curious about Indigenous culture. We always say children are the future. Hopefully by me showing up and engaging with the children, they will grow up with a better understanding of Indigenous people. That’s what I think we can do with the new generation—create belonging in the differences that we have.

How do Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being influence how you work with participants in our programs?

I always go with humility and connection first. Through connection, change will happen organically. If I went in with power and authority first, I would be forcing the changes I want for them and not listening to the changes that they want for themselves.

Humility plays into reflecting, opening ourselves to hear others’ perspectives and listening to people as if they are wise. This is a lifelong process, and hopefully that will help with challenging systematic oppression.

What are some of your favourite moments as a Circle Keeper?

I really love when the kids come up to me and say, “What are we going to learn today?” Those are the moments I appreciate most.

I always say I have no expectations for the children except for them to be children. Children feel so much. It’s our job to change how we work with them when they are going through hard times. If we give understanding to our children—listening to them and letting them feel seen—when they grow up, they will give understanding. They will let others feel seen, and they will let others feel heard.

What is something new you’re learning?

There’s this beautiful word in Blackfoot that my uncle shared with me. When we see a rainbow, we use the word “iiksski,” which means “the sun has rosy cheeks.” It reminds me that though we experience stress and difficulty now, beautiful things can come out of hard times.

Anything else you’d like to share?

My great aunt was one of the first Indigenous people in Alberta to get her Social Work degree. People often told her that it was a burden to advocate for Indigenous people. I say, “No. This is a blessing.”

I think that’s something that speaks true to who I am. It is a blessing that I’m able to honour and respect my people, hopefully in a way that helps systems change for them. I don’t think my people need to continue to change for systems. Systems need to change for them and for the people that we serve.

“ If we give understanding to our children — listening to them and letting them feel seen — when they grow up, they will give understanding.”

— Virginia

Circle Keeper Viginia Red Crow teaches children in Trellis’ Ready Set Go! Preschool about how buffalo hides are traditionally used. photos: Blake McLeod

Finding a Path to Wellness

Trellis expands access to mental health support through new affordable therapy services

We know hardship, loss, conflict and trauma are unavoidable in life, and we are here to help during those difficult times.

As people continue to navigate complex challenges and growing mental health needs since the pandemic, Trellis has responded by expanding our therapy services not only to those in our programs but also to the greater Calgary community.

This led to growing our clinical team from five to 16 therapists over three years.

Our diverse team of counsellors and specialized therapists support individuals accessing a range of Trellis services, including:

• Preschool and afterschool care

• Housing for youth, adults and families

• Foster care and group care

• Family Resource Networks

Our clinical team supports Trellis with program consultations, in-crisis support, staff reflection and healing circles, training and coaching to enhance services for program participants.

Getting Support While Giving Back

Therapy at Trellis is based on a sliding fee scale model, so people of all ages and stages can access affordable therapy.

Revenue generated from sessions is invested back into providing low-cost or free therapy for those in our community facing financial barriers.

therapy sessions provided last year

Learn more about therapy at Trellis:

Kat’s Story

When Kat was eight years old, she and her family moved from Ukraine to Canada. Navigating a new country with a different culture was a challenging time for Kat. She began to use substances at age 13 and spent much of her adolescence in and out of rehab, jail and living on the streets.

“When you’re in a completely new place, that’s pretty scary and isolating,” Kat says. “And when people see you in a different way and already pass judgment on you, it just piles on to that even more.”

Kat entered treatment three years ago and she started looking for resources that would help her move forward. Her roommate spoke highly of a therapist she was seeing at Trellis. Kat had never done therapy outside of treatment, but she decided to give it a try.

After connecting with a Trellis therapist who was a good fit for her, Kat began the process of healing. Therapy gave Kat the space and tools to cope with her experiences of trauma and anxiety, which in turn opened the door for her recovery.

“Every time I tried to get sober in the past, I had never done therapy or gotten help through a resource. Having a professional to talk to has really helped me bring things to the surface, recognize my old patterns and learn how to grow from that,” Kat says. “I felt like this was the missing piece.”

In addition to therapy, Kat found significant support through Trellis’ housing programs. Kat says that

while she was trying to get sober, the environment at home often contributed to her cycle of addiction and relapse. She worked with our housing team to find a stable place to live and also received support for subsidizing her rent.

Now 25 years old, Kat is excelling as a full-time student studying social work and addiction studies. Looking toward the future, her dream is to become a counsellor and help people who are in the place she was at three years ago.

“I’m just excited to really live my life and build a home for myself,” Kat says. “I’m able to do so many things that I could never do before, and that makes recovery worth it.”

I’m able to do so many things that I could never do before, and that makes recovery worth it. — Kat

Giving monthly means there’s no guesswork, just impact.

A Safe Home Makes Everything Easier to Tackle

Opening doors for families when and where they need it most

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the program participant

When *Allison was uprooted from her life, she found herself in need of a home and a fresh start for her and her children. Through Trellis’ support and partnerships in the community, Allison was connected to a compassionate landlord who gave her a chance to rebuild her life.

Allison had lived with an abusive partner during what she describes as “the worst years of my life.” Her situation came to a head when her partner moved out and stopped helping with their house payments. Although Allison had a stable fulltime job, she struggled to keep up with the bills. The overwhelming debt left her with no other options. She filed for bankruptcy, and her house was put into foreclosure.

Allison struggled to cope with losing her home on top of ending her marriage and caring for her children. When she accessed Trellis’ Sustainable Families program, their first priority was to find a safe place for Allison and her children to live.

Looking for a place to call home

Trellis would support Allison with the damage deposit and first month’s rent, but they needed to find the right landlord. Allison recalls “looking at so many rental properties and talking to so many landlords” who turned her down when they found out she had rental assistance.

The search for a home continued for several months until they came across a posting that looked perfect. It was an affordable house in a good neighbourhood, and it had lots of space for the whole family. They set up a viewing, but when Allison saw the place, she felt unsure about submitting yet another application.

“There were multiple people looking at the property. I thought, ‘there’s no way I’m going to get this beautiful house,’” Allison says.

The landlord was very receptive when Trellis staff explained the supports available for Allison and how they would be working together. She and her husband had been landlords for only a few years, but they had built

good relationships with their tenants. During the pandemic lockdown when a few tenants lost their jobs, they “made every effort to work with them in terms of their life circumstances.”

When the landlord met Allison in person, she empathized with her situation and decided to take her on as a tenant.

“I was happy to give her that chance,” Allison’s landlord says. “When I was going through a difficult time, a lot of people gave me a chance, and my life is completely different now than it was 12 years ago. I suspect that will be the case for her too.”

Allison was completely stunned when she learned she had been accepted.

“I went from shock to happiness,” Allison says. “I was just so grateful.”

A new beginning

Since settling into her new home, Allison has been able to focus on other important areas in her life. She takes better care of herself, and through family counselling with

Trellis, Allison has been able to bring her family closer together.

“With everything that was going on, I didn’t feel like I was necessarily there for my children mentally. Counselling has helped repair a lot of things between the kids.”

Allison has continued to connect with Trellis supports, such as weekly meetings with a Sustainable Families support worker, assistance with her taxes and hiring a tutor for her kids, which she says has led to “huge improvements.”

“Everybody who works at Trellis has been so amazing. It’s a team effort.”

Allison is especially thankful for the consistent care from her landlord, who is always quick to respond whenever Allison needs help around her home.

“Life is looking beautiful,” Allison says. “There are still many hurdles, but the fact that I feel safe in my home has made it so much easier to tackle everything.”

Are you a landlord in Calgary? Learn how you can partner with Trellis to help young people and families on their journey to flourishing!

There are still many hurdles, but the fact that I feel safe in my home has made it so much easier to tackle everything.

— Allison

“

SET to Grow

Community Changemakers

Many hands make light work for our future

Creating lasting change in our communities is no easy feat. It takes collective generosity, engagement and harnessing the power of individuals to transform the world we live in.

Because of our strong network of advocates and changemakers, Trellis reaches thousands of people each year through housing, employment, mental health and community supports.

Third-party fundraising events like auctions, runs and walks or workplace challenges are a great way to rally your community to support safety, growth and resilience for the young people and families Trellis Society serves.

Encouraging your network to join the cause creates a ripple effect that reaches corners we may never have reached on our own.

Here are some examples of our creative changemaker community in action:

Running for a Cause

Trellis participates annually in the Servus Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge, uniting the spirit of dedicated runners and walkers made up of Trellis staff, board members, clients, corporate teams, friends and family fundraising for Team Trellis. In 2023, Bluevale Capital Group partnered with us by pledging $25,000 to match donations made to Team Trellis, allowing us to surpass the $50,000 fundraising goal. Working together with partners allows us to widen our impact, support more people and bring about meaningful generational change. Join our fundraising efforts in 2024!

Active Challenges are purpose-driven events that inspire participants to conquer physical challenges while peer-to-peer fundraising for a meaningful cause.

Networking with a Purpose

For the last 10 years, DHL Global has brought together their vibrant community of corporate leaders, supporters, partners and philanthropists for their St. Patrick’s Day Blarney Bash fundraiser. Their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in Calgary inspired DHL Global’s network to raise $23,800 for Trellis in 2023 – helping us provide the resources young people and families need to grow and flourish.

Corporate Fundraisers align your business goals with our shared vision of a community where everyone can flourish. You can incorporate ticket fees, sales, silent and live auction opportunities to transform your event into a feel-good fundraiser.

Teeing off for Youth

Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink is a program under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. This annual program raises new funds for local charities, engages the community in the tournament, and provides matching funds for each charity involved. Trellis Society participates annually, with 100% of proceeds going directly to our youth programming.

Sporting Tournaments bring together competitive and philanthropic spirits along with sports enthusiasts, businesses and sponsors to raise funds for a cause while enjoying the game.

Third-party fundraising ensures we can continue to serve young people and families facing hardship. Learn more about fundraising with Trellis.

2023 Servus Calgary Marathon

Shaw Birdies for Kids

Hockey Helps the Homeless

Gibson Garden at Renfrew Hub