BRANCHING OUT
SPRING | 2024
FROM ROOTS TO ROOFS
Building Community in Bowness
ENDING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
A Day in the Life of a Youth Diversion Worker
A NEW CHAPTER
Fostering Hope by Opening Your Home
Colouring Pages Inside!
Alberta
Stoney Nakoda Nation
Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney
��oh’kinstsis (Calgary)
Tsuut’ina Nation
Iyãhé Nakoda
Gahnha
Piikani Nation
Siksika Nation
Kainai Nation
Treaty 7
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our commitment to reconciliation starts by acknowledging that Trellis Society is honoured to serve in the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, home to the Siksika, the North and South Piikani, and the Kainai Nations. We also acknowledge the Tsuut’ina, Ĩyãħé Nakoda (the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation (District 4, 5 and 6). Finally, we acknowledge all nations, genders and spirits who live, work and play in Treaty 7 territory. We are all Treaty People and being here comes with the responsibility to care for this land out of respect for each other and hope for the future generations to come.
HI, WE’RE TRELLIS.
OUR VISION IS A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE CAN FLOURISH.
The stories in this issue of Branching Out represent the thousands of people each year who find support, healing and growth at Trellis.
Powered by the generosity of our community, the Trellis team is honoured to walk side by side with the people we serve and stand by them through challenging times. Together, we are leaving a lasting impact for generations to come and growing a future where everyone can flourish.
These are stories of hope, strength and connection.
Thank you for being part of the Trellis community!
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 1
Learn more about Trellis Society. Names indicated with a * have been changed to protect privacy. One organization. Countless ways to help.
04 DEVELOPING DEEPER CONNECTIONS TO THE LAND Beyond Just Words, Land Acknowledgements are Meaningful Gestures of Appreciation and Understanding 08 FROM ROOTS TO ROOFS Building Community in Bowness 10 GROW YOUR OWN WAY Finding Home at Iris Place 12 OPENING DOORS TO HOPE Celebrating the Launch of Orion 14 COLOR ME IN! Treehouse Colouring Page 15 LEGENDARY LANDLORDS How Partnering with Trellis Transforms Lives 16 ENDING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS A Day in the Life of a Youth Diversion Worker 20 A NEW CHAPTER Fostering Hope by Opening Your Home 22 THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY Repairing Relationships so Youth and Their Families can Thrive 24 BE A TRELLIS IN YOUR COMMUNITY The Heartbeat of Your Neighbourhood 26 COLOR ME IN! Colouring Connections 28 THE DIFFERENCE ONE PERSON CAN MAKE The Smallest Acts Leave a Lasting Impact 30 GROWING CONNECTIONS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT The Future of Collaborative Impact 33 YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS Make a Difference with Your Monthly Donation TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 3
DEVELOPING DEEPER CONNECTIONS TO THE LAND
BEYOND JUST WORDS, LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ARE MEANINGFUL GESTURES OF APPRECIATION AND UNDERSTANDING
Chances are that the last time you went to a big public event it started off with a Land Acknowledgment. These days, they’re becoming more common and are an important way to set good intentions at a gathering. These acknowledgements mean a lot to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, serving as a tangible action in our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
I remember when I first heard a land acknowledgement...
I thought ‘well, that's pretty cool, they're acknowledging our people, the first people of Turtle Island, and that we were here and that this land is a part of us’. I thought that was so great. But over time, it just became repetitive, it became empty in the way that words can after a while. Once you hear it over, and over, and over again, and it's exactly the same thing that they're just reading off, it loses its power.”
- Elder Darryl Brass
Despite good intentions, words spoken without genuine consideration or reflection can quickly become hollow. However, when we personalize land acknowledgments and really think about what the land means to us individually, we can develop a deeper connection to the land and the Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with it for generations. It becomes more than just a formality, it becomes a meaningful gesture of appreciation and understanding.
Honouring the Land Through Art
At our Trellis Iitoh’kanop (ee-doh-gun-nope) location, Indigenous friends and teammates beautifully depicted their interpretations of land acknowledgments, serving as powerful reminders of the importance of honoring the traditional territories upon which we tread. Through these artworks, we are invited to reflect on the past, present, and future of our relationship with the land and its original people, fostering a deeper understanding and reverence for our shared home.
Did you know:
‘Iitoh’kanop’ means ‘where people gather’ in Blackfoot!
I love this picture because it talks about past, present and future and the land of our sacred ��other Earth...
Our ancestors walked this sacred earth and they loved, laughed, prayed, and worked. So that’s what I see in this. They made decisions for future generations, so that their legacy is how we walk this earth today. This is our opportunity to walk in our journeys, in our own way, and make the best decisions we can for ourselves, our families, and those around us, and what contributions we can make in life. The sun reminds us that the sun comes up every day. Every day we have an opportunity to live the best way that we can - notice I didn’t say perfectly because none of us are perfect. But we make an impact on how we walk in our journey, and how we’re going to walk into the future together.”
- Elder Charlotte Yellowhorn McLeod
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 5
Artwork by a Trellis youth participant.
We’ve been here for a very long time, or as some people say, ‘since time immemorial’...
That’s how long we’ve been here. The Creator put us here. So since then, a lot of our ancestors have gone to the spirit world, or as we say in Blackfoot, the Sandhills. Our spirit goes to the Sandhills, our earth body goes back to the land. Our DNA is absorbed by the animals, by the birds and the trees because they consume us when our life cycle is done. So that’s what these trees did, they reminded me of that. The different colors remind me of the four corners of Mother Earth. This [picture] says we are the land. Our DNA is in the trees. When the birds eat us, their waste fertilizes the earth. So our people that passed on, we’re kind of like fertilizer for the earth. This person is right, we are the land.”
- Elder John Chief Moon Junior
Artwork by a Trellis youth participant.
Cultivating Belonging Together
Over the last year Trellis’ Pineridge location has been transformed into a hub that supports Iiyika’kimaat (ee-ga-key-maat), our Indigenous youth program. Iiyika’kimaat recognizes the pivotal role of cultural connection in empowering Indigenous youth and fosters a supportive environment to enhance their sense of belonging, purpose and social inclusion. By offering a range of cultural, leadership, recreational and mentorship activities rooted in Indigenous worldviews, program participants are supported and celebrated. Iiyika’kimaat offers Indigenous youth the opportunity to embrace their heritage, build a positive sense of self, and navigate their journey with strength and resilience.
Did you know: ‘Iiyika’kimaat’ means ‘try hard’ in Blackfoot!
Community support comes in many forms. When TD Bank Group invited Trellis to become part of its Ready Commitment effort, we knew there was a strong fit. Focused on “Connected Communities”, TD chose to support Trellis’ Indigenous Initiatives and the work of our Circle Keeper Team. Through their funding, Trellis is increasing people’s access to Indigenous culture and healing, and celebrating the richness of Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
In keeping with ReconciliAction, TD staff were hosted for a traditional meal before participating in an Elder-led and Circle Keeper-supported Kairos Blanket Exercise with the
Having a dedicated safe, cultural space was identified as an important need, and a naming ceremony was a vital step for both staff and the youth who participate in the program.
Through Indigenous protocols, Blackfoot Elder John Chief Moon Junior was offered tobacco to honour the space with a name. Guided by tradition and a personal connection to Trellis, Elder Chief Moon gifted our Pineridge location the name of Iitoh’kanop (ee-doh-gunnope) which translates to “where people gather”. This name signifies the importance of this place to both the youth and the community – creating a welcoming space where all people can come to learn and grow together.
Trellis team. This interactive historical journey delved into the Nation-to-Nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, fostering truth and understanding.
Last October, TD opened their first branch on Indigenous land in Alberta at Tsuut’ina Nation, where they are committed to 100% Indigenous staffing. With these actions, Trellis hopes to continue working with TD and other like-minded people-centered companies, where we stay focused on futures that embrace inclusion and celebrate diversity.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 7
Trellis CEO, Jeff Dyer and Manager, Erin Henriksen-Ireland who both live and work in Bowness.
FROM ROOTS TO ROOFS
BUILDING COMMUNITY IN BOWNESS
Nestled along the picturesque Bow River, Bowness stands as a testament to Calgary’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. Once an independent town, Bowness now represents a diverse tapestry of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. As part of our deep-rooted presence in, and commitment to, this neighbourhood, Trellis is embarking on a transformative journey to address the pressing need for affordable family housing in this community.
Trellis’ connection to Bowness traces back nearly half a century, originating in 1976 when we first moved into the neighbourhood and opened a home for youth. Our community involvement grew in 2003, when we opened our Bowness Club. We have watched it evolve into a vibrant community hub, offering child development and family support services. We actively participated in events like the Bowness Stampede Parade and Neighbour Day and came together with neighbours to support each other during the 2013 flood. When we grew into Trellis Society in 2020, it was with the desire to deepen our work in the community and ensure that anyone who came through our doors had access to the support they needed to flourish.
Like many other communities in Calgary, Bowness is not immune to challenges, most notably the current affordable housing crisis. Over the past three years, home prices citywide have surged by 37%, coinciding with a steep rise in the demand for accessible housing options.
As part of a community wide effort, we are planning to expand our services for families to help alleviate housing insecurity in Bowness.
A Lifeline for Families Facing Housing Instability
In 2023, the City of Calgary announced its intention to partner with housing providers through selling city-owned land at below market rates for the development of affordable housing. At the same time, we heard from families in Bowness about the increased housing challenges they were facing. With the City’s announcement, we saw an opportunity to contribute to the community that we are so deeply invested in.
The vision for Trellis’ Bowness family housing represents a lifeline for families facing housing instability. This 50unit building will not only provide a safe place for parents and their children to call home but will also be ideally situated in proximity to important amenities, including schools and transit. Additionally, it will be within walking distance to our Trellis Bowness Hub, ensuring easy access to a comprehensive suite of wrap-around services. From childcare and parenting support, to cultural enrichment and therapy, Trellis’ holistic approach extends far beyond the walls of a single building. Families residing in these units will benefit from a positive environment that fosters growth, stability and community connection.
In the face of daunting challenges, the Bowness community has proven time and time again that it stands together, lifting people up during difficult times. By investing in families, Trellis confirms its dedication to Bowness by both building and supporting the community’s growth into a vibrant and thriving place for everyone. Our collaboration with the city to address the housing crisis is a reminder that when we come together with purpose and determination, we can create lasting change that transcends generations.
Coming Soon
When this article is published, we’ll be nearly ready to kick off community engagement and consultation for our Bowness family housing, aiming to start construction in spring 2025.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 9
GROW YOUR OWN WAY
FINDING HOME AT IRIS PLACE
In a world where safety and acceptance can feel like rare commodities, Iris Place offers hope for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth facing homelessness and housing insecurity in Calgary. As part of Trellis’ Aura program, Iris Place is more than just a living space; it’s a sanctuary where young individuals can thrive, grow, and reclaim their sense of belonging.
The statistics surrounding homelessness among queer youth are staggering. Faced with higher rates of violence and discrimination, many find themselves without a place to call home, navigating a world that often fails to recognize their unique struggles. As one of the first queer housing programs in Canada, Aura provides a lifeline to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, extending this to Iris Place and offering a safe refuge where their identities are celebrated. From the moment they walk through the doors, youth are welcomed with warmth, understanding, and a genuine commitment to their well-being.
The home’s focus extends beyond four walls and a roof. Iris Place is about fostering long-term independence and self-sufficiency. From life skills workshops to community-building activities, the home is designed to empower residents and help them reach their full potential. Whether they arrive with a clear vision for the future or if they are uncertain about their road that lies ahead, everyone is met with compassion, respect, and unwavering support.
The Trellis team strives to empower residents, helping them set and achieve their goals, finding stable housing, securing employment, or accessing vital resources. Through one-on-one support and tailored programming, youth are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of adulthood. Understanding the challenges firsthand, the team goes beyond providing housing by offering guidance, mentorship, and a sense of camaraderie that is invaluable on their journey to independence.
One youth, Jane*, embarked on an inspiring journey of growth since her first connection with Trellis through the Aura program and move to Iris Place. Navigating homelessness while facing mental health challenges, Jane has shown the power of believing in yourself and what happens when there are people in your life who care about you. Over the past year, she has taken on new challenges while also being a great support to her housemates at Iris Place.
Now, Jane is ready to move out and take the next step on her journey to independence. Over her time at Iris, Jane has grown her life skills, increased access to important resources, and built the connections needed to succeed in her own housing. The Aura team is excited to watch Jane continue to flourish and her time at Iris demonstrates the transformative impact when someone has the support to embrace their authentic self, free from judgment and empowered to thrive.
As Iris Place continues to make a difference in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, its impact reverberates throughout the community. By raising awareness and advocating for queer-friendly spaces, Trellis strives to create a world where every individual feels safe, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Together, we can build a future where homelessness among queer youth is a thing of the past — a future where every young person has a place to call home.
2.85% of all Trellis participants
identified as gender-diverse, including Trans and non-binary individuals (only 0.39% of Calgarians over age 15 identify as gender-diverse as per Statistics Canada)
1 out of every 3
young people experiencing homelessness in Canada identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+
19% of youth
who come to Avenue 15 (Trellis’ Youth Emergency Shelter) identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 11
OPENING DOORS TO HOPE
CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF ORION
In the heart of Calgary’s bustling Beltline district, a beacon of hope stands tall for youth facing the darkest of circumstances.
In Calgary, the number of youth facing unprecedented challenges is rising. With the growing amount of young people facing homelessness, the urgency for housing solutions and supports is critical and is a crisis that will take collaborative efforts to address. The opening of the Orion building marks a significant milestone in this effort.
Through affordable housing and wrap-around supports, 46 youth who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness are finding stability and hope for their future. Operated by Trellis in collaboration with HomeSpace Society, Orion addresses the challenges these youth are facing head-on, providing a safe home and specialized services so that residents not only have what they need to survive, but to thrive.
Inside their new homes at Orion, youth find more than just a roof over their heads. With round-the-clock access
to on-site support workers, mental health services, employment assistance, and life skills coaching, they are welcomed into a community where their voices are heard, their dreams are nurtured, and their futures are shaped with care and intention.
The Orion’s origin traces back to Trellis’ successful one-year pilot program, which provided housing for 12 youth with complex public systems involvement who were exiting homelessness. The positive outcomes observed in that program paved the way for this expansion, aimed at offering more comprehensive support to a larger number of youth.
Addressing the significant issue of youth homelessness requires a collective effort from multiple partners. This was demonstrated by the Ministry of Children and Family Services, and the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services coming together to support the project. Thanks to them, the program has expanded out of its pilot phase and now ensures that support can continue to be provided for the youth who call Orion home.
From left to right: Bernadette Majdell, CEO of HomeSpace; Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services; Jeff Dyer, CEO of Trellis Society; Angela Clarke, CSO of Trellis Society; Darryl Brass, Elder and Trellis Society Circle Keeper.
Celebrating With the Community
We officially opened the building on March 4th, 2024 to celebrate the success of the program with the people who made it possible and the youth residing at The Orion. Throughout the day, stories were shared that highlighted resilience and determination, a testament to the strong spirits of the youth it now serves.
As the celebration came to a close, a small group of staff gathered with residents on the third floor. The third floor is home to youth connected to Trellis’ Home Fire program, which supports Indigenous youth to exit homelessness while building connection to culture and strengthening their own identities. We were greatly honoured as Elder and Trellis Circle Keeper, Darryl Brass, led the group in a naming ceremony for the floor, gifting the name of Ogichidaa Gabeshiwin (oh-gih-chi-dah gah-beh-sheewin), which translates from Ojibwe as “Warrior Camp”. The essence of the warrior embodies peace, serving as an encouragement for these youth to pursue peace and confront life’s challenges with bravery.
Looking to the Future
With the opening of Orion, Calgary takes a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing housing crisis, focusing on youth homelessness and providing essential services to those in need. But the true magic of Orion isn’t found in the bricks and mortar, it lies in the spirit of collaboration and compassion that brought it to life.
From the collaboration of two government ministries to the tireless dedication of Trellis staff, every hand that has played a part in Orion’s creation did so with a singular goal in mind: to offer hope where it had been in short supply and to light the way towards a brighter tomorrow.
We try to follow the lead of the young people that are living here so that they can signal to us what their goals are, what’s the help that they need most … so it looks like an apartment, but there’s a lot of secret sauce happening here as well.”
- Jeff Dyer, CEO of Trellis Society
We are grateful to be a trusted strategic partner of The Home Depot Canada Foundation. Together we are taking our shared vision, to invest in pathways away from homelessness for youth, and helping with family reunification and natural supports, and community connections.
From funding to food drives, painting, making birdhouses and more, The Home Depot Canada is an important Trellis champion. Much gratitude to the Store Associates and the Foundation.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 13
Visitors to the Orion Open House paint encouraging words on tiles that will form an inspirational mural for youth residents.
Grab your markers, crayons, or coloured pencils and let your imagination run wild with this colouring page. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, entertaining the kiddos, or simply letting your creativity flow, colouring is the perfect way to relax and have some fun.
Once you’ve added your personal touch, snap a pic of your masterpiece and tag us on Instagram (@trellisyyc) to share your skills with the world! We can’t wait to see what you create.
COLOUR ME IN! Happy colouring!
Raj and his family having fun after repairing their lawnmower.
LEGENDARY LANDLORDS
HOW PARTNERING WITH TRELLIS TRANSFORMS LIVES
including in our neighbourhood landlords.
For over three years, Raj Razi has done more than just provide housing to Trellis clients; he’s been their lifeline. Through his rental units, Raj offers a safe place for those moving out of homelessness, helping them take steps toward stability and a better future.
Raj’s story is all about compassion and dedication. He doesn’t just rent properties — he opens his doors wide, offering not just shelter but also understanding and support to those facing tough times. His care for both real estate and people makes him a symbol of hope in a world often filled with struggles.
Some property owners have this concept in their head that unless you are doing your best, I’m not going to bother renting to you. I realized over the years there are a lot of people who are sometimes down on their luck, but they’re good people.”
- Raj Razi
Ty Conlin, Manager of the Sustainable Families program at Trellis, recalls a time when a young person struggled to pay rent due to mental health issues. Instead of evicting him, Raj personally visited the young man, took him to the bank, helped him sort out his finances, and set up automatic rent payments for him.
He does what a landlord doesn’t have to do. He has value for each of his tenants beyond just them being his tenant. He sees everybody as people.”
-
Ty Conlin
Becoming a Trellis partner landlord means more than just renting out a property. It means joining a community dedicated to making a real difference. Trellis offers support to at-risk families and young people, including long-term case management and access to various community resources. Financial help is also available to ensure affordability and stability for both tenants and landlords.
In the face of a growing housing crisis, we’re committed to finding safe and affordable housing for the youth and families we serve. When you partner with Trellis as a landlord, you can truly transform lives and communities by providing safe housing, empowering people to overcome life’s challenges and thrive.
Are You a Landlord?
Partner with Trellis today and make a real impact in your community! Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for a brighter future for everyone.
To learn more contact us at 403-219-3477 or housing@growwithtrellis.ca
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 15
ENDING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A YOUTH DIVERSION WORKER
Ever wonder what a Youth Diversion Worker does? We got up close and personal with Nicole Netzband to get a glimpse into her day-to-day life working with some of our city’s most vulnerable youth.
What does a Youth Diversion Worker do
A Youth Diversion Worker supports youth to either avoid or rapidly exit homelessness. This may look like helping them to reunite with family at home or finding temporary accommodations as they strive towards securing permanent housing. To fully meet youth where they’re at, Diversion Workers have to respond quickly when youth are in crisis and about to be living on the street or they could risk losing contact with that youth for weeks at a time.
Whether you’re physically helping them move, helping them to interpret a form they need, applying for government benefits, or just being that person to talk to when they are making big or small decisions about their life, I can say the most important thing I have learned is to just show up and be there for them as yourself. To be someone walking with them so they feel supported, and that they matter.
Who are the youth that you work with
Nicole works with young people aged 16 to 25, who access Trellis through various channels such as the Calgary Drop-In Centre, the Mustard Seed, other partner agencies or who independently reach out to Trellis for help themselves. Depending on the situation, workers can spend anywhere from 3 to 6 months working with a specific youth to reconnect them to the community and ensure they are set up to avoid homelessness in the future.
If asked to describe what a “typical” youth looks like, most people might be surprised to find that they don’t fit into stereotypes. Initially, it may not be obvious that they have experienced intense trauma or are facing significant barriers that led them to seek assistance from social services. These youth come from diverse backgrounds, education levels, cultures, and life experiences. Although youth from some demographics do access Trellis’ services more frequently than others because of systemic barriers such as institutional racism, ableism, and discrimination.
These are the young adults who have maybe just spent their first night in a shelter or are couch surfing and have no idea where to start to become self-sufficient. Or maybe they’ve aged out of the Child Welfare system but still require support to take those next steps into independent adulthood. A lot of the youth don’t have a typical support network like family, and that can make the process of becoming independent and finding stability even more of a challenge. I think a lot of us take for granted the privileges we grew up with that these youth don’t have, and the difference those privileges can make throughout your path in life.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 17
What does a day in the life of a Youth Diversion Worker look like
As a Youth Diversion Worker, Nicole is always on the go. Some days begin with meeting a youth at a shelter and beginning the work to help them to find stable housing. Then it can transition to reaching out to engage the youth’s family and facilitating the repair of fractured relationships or family breakdown that contributed to their homelessness. Sometimes days are full of phone calls and paperwork, while other days are spent driving around the city meeting youth at different locations that are convenient for them.
Every day presents new challenges and working with each youth is unique. Diversion Workers need to be agile as they navigate the dynamic nature of the role, supporting each youth to find stability in housing and reignite dreams for their future.
How did you get into this work
Youth Diversion Workers come from a variety of backgrounds with different education and experience. Some have degrees in social work or psychology, some have worked with children in recreational settings, while others helped youth in educational environments. Regardless of what they bring to the role, all share a deep passion for supporting youth to navigate life’s challenges and to reach their full potential.
When I think about my what my average day looks like in this sector, it’s really a matter of being accessible for my clients and doing whatever I can to help my colleagues.
When I first started with Trellis, I worked at Avenue 15 – our youth homeless shelter – before eventually moving to my role with Youth Diversion. I came into it with no expectations and discovered a passion for the work that you can only find when you’re doing it on the ground level, and I was able to follow this career path and grow with Trellis’ support.
How do you stay motivated during the challenging days
Working to end youth homelessness is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling job as it revolves around forming meaningful connections and making a real difference in the lives of youth. However, it also takes a large emotional investment and can become overwhelming without adequate personal support and boundaries. While people who get into this type of work inherently want to help others, it’s crucial to prioritize personal well-being with a healthy work-life balance.
For me, it comes down to being patient, slowing down and setting expectations so my clients know how they can reach me and when I’ll be able to meet with them next. And on the harder days what keeps me going is the hope and optimism that our communities are going to keep getting stronger, and we’ll get to see more folks living out the lives they truly want. Even getting the small wins like a past client reaching out to share their gratitude or seeing a client signing their first rental agreement with a landlord can make it all worth it.
How can people support ending youth homelessness
Aside from volunteering and donating to organizations that are working to end homelessness, taking time to learn more about the realities for young people in our city is important. Addressing misconceptions about youth in homelessness is a first steps in changing how we collectively address the issues they face. Going a step further would be advocating with elected representatives for continued funding for measures that prevent youth homelessness, such as family reunification support, after-school programming and accessible recreation opportunities. Additionally, being a champion for inclusive communities, and increasing investments in affordable housing and rental infrastructure are other ways for people to get involved in ending homelessness for future generations.
I think people talk a lot about what they feel is best for other people’s lives, but we’re not talking about theoretical concepts here – we are talking about real people, right here in Calgary and surrounding areas that need support - sometimes even with basic needs like food and transit. It’s the idea of changing the narrative that this struggle is something they deserve or caused to happen, to recognizing that a lot of these barriers are beyond folks’ control, and they are genuinely doing their best with the experiences they have had.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 19
A NEW CHAPTER
FOSTERING HOPE BY OPENING YOUR HOME
Kelli Stevens was well into her career when she found herself at a crossroads. She now humorously calls this time an “early midlife crisis” as she found herself shifting her career path towards social work. She landed a role with the Suncor Energy Foundation, where today she champions philanthropic causes across Canada. Kelli felt settled and content as a single independent person but knew she had even more room in her life to give. During the impact of the pandemic and its induced solitude, Kelli stumbled upon a virtual information session hosted by Trellis, igniting a long-held desire to become a foster parent.
I have thought about being a foster parent for a long time. The first time I remember truly considering that it might be my path, I was 11, so around grade 6, and thought maybe one day… I would be a foster parent.”
Kelli felt an undeniable pull to explore this deeply rooted desire. With a home of her own and a career offering flexibility, she contemplated the possibility of foster care with newfound clarity. Little did she know, this would lead her on a profound journey of self-discovery and compassion, with Trellis guiding her every step of the way.
With all the paperwork and safety checks required, becoming a foster parent usually takes around six months. But Kelli intentionally took her time, ensuring that each decision was carefully considered and that every step was right for her. Kelli worked alongside the Trellis foster care team to address questions and concerns, and was reaffirmed in her belief that sometimes, the most meaningful changes unfold gradually, with patience and perseverance.
Fourteen months later, Kelli stood ready to embark on a new chapter filled with the promise of making a difference in the lives of children during a difficult time in their life.
Kelli’s first foster child was Sarah*, a six-year-old who was wonderful and easy to care for. However, as prepared as Kelli felt to become a foster parent, it definitely required an adjustment period to go from a single independent lifestyle to parenting a little person around the clock. Kelli emphasizes the support she received from the Trellis foster care team at that time, who provided her with both emotional reassurance and practical solutions, helping to navigate the unique challenges when you foster on your own.
I felt really supported by Maria and her team, they let me know it was OK to be feeling that way and they were fantastic with different solutions and supports.”
During the short time Sarah was in her care, Kelli had the opportunity to observe the little girl reaching important educational and social milestones, a joy she imagines people also experience with their own children.
It was really, really hard to have her go. Even with all of this ongoing connection, it’s just like, I was finally adjusting to that big change I talked about… then I was adjusting to losing her.”
While staying with Kelli, relatives of Sarah came forward who were eager to care for her. Recognizing the importance of this moment for Sarah, Kelli worked with the family to support a smooth transition. Everyone’s goal was to limit the stress for Sarah and ensure she felt safe during what could be another confusing time in her young life.
In the beginning she would take Sarah for sleepovers at the new house, giving her the chance to get to know her relatives without disrupting the routines she was used to. Then on moving day, Kelli was there for the celebration, complete with Timbits and frozen lemonade.
Many people are often wary of fostering as they worry about becoming too attached, or that the process of watching a child transition out of their home will be too difficult. And, of course it is hard!
But despite the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye, Kelli knows that their time together left a lasting impact on both their lives. Recently, Kelli was delighted to receive an update from the family, sharing a video of an excited Sarah during her very first trip in an airplane! These small moments, thoughtfully shared by Sarah’s family, remind Kelli that she played a pivotal role in reuniting a family and in the story that they will create together, a story filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities.
Since then, Kelli has continued to open her heart and home to other children who need a safe place to find hope.
Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 21
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY
REPAIRING RELATIONSHIPS SO YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN THRIVE
Last year, a youth named Anna* came to Trellis during a particularly difficult time in her young life. At home, the arguments were increasing between her and her mom and she began avoiding being in the house. She met some new people, and they offered her ways to cope that, although took her mind off things, weren’t healthy. She began to experiment with substances and other unsafe behaviours – all of which furthered the decline of her mental health. At first, she just didn’t feel seen or heard at home but now she felt out of place most of the time.
Initially, she was hesitant to connect with the Trellis team, but decided to give it a try when she recognized the importance of repairing the relationships with her family and with herself.
A Trellis caseworker supported Anna as she worked on self-care practices and getting out to explore safe places in the community. Recognizing that a lot of negative behaviours were connected to her mental health, Anna also began working with a member of the Trellis Therapy Team. She attended regular appointments to share things she was struggling with to gain the skills needed to face these challenges.
Equally important when working with young people is discovering who ‘their people’ are – or their natural supports. Often this may be the young person’s immediate family, but it could also be a caring neighbour, coach, or friend who they identify as playing an important role in their life. These individuals can be essential to someone’s healing journey and for Anna, this person was her mom.
During Anna’s time in our program, her mom participated in Circle of Security, a workshop which helps enhance the relationship between parents and their children. Through this training, Anna’s mom learned skills that brought her and daughter closer together. She gained new ways of addressing challenges in the future and a fresh perspective on how to help Anna navigate her own struggles.
Trellis allowed me and my daughter a new opportunity to build on our relationship and work together to find ways to move forward. The relationship between my daughter and I has improved and knowing she has a safe person to trust outside of our home has put a lot of ease in my heart.”
- Anna’s Mom
Since her time with Trellis, Anna has prioritized her wellbeing by developing routines to strengthen her mental health and has said goodbye to her involvement with unsafe people. Anna has shown tremendous growth and courage as she and her family deepen their relationship and continue moving forward together.
Thank You to Gibson Energy...
... for being a dedicated supporter of Trellis for decades. Specifically for investing $1 million as our Mental Health Champion over the last five years, providing therapeutic crisis interventions, growing resilience, and building community connections for youth and families who have experienced significant trauma.
Gibson Energy staff have also engaged in a variety of ways, including creating a beautiful memorial garden at our Renfrew Hub sourcing gently used graduation clothes and many more impactful engagement opportunities.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 23
Thank You to ENMAX...
... for being a trusted and valued community partner for over 20 years. Your commitment, dedication and ongoing investment into improving the lives of Calgarians is greatly appreciated.
ENMAX has supported Trellis Society through energy saving workshops, volunteering at community events and working together towards energy affordability for all. As an energy affordability partner, ENMAX has championed our Winter Breather and Home Stay Family Prevention and Diversion programs, focusing on assisting with direct utility subsidy and groceries for families in our community to help them to overcome challenges of everyday life and meet their basic needs.
BE A TRELLIS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
THE HEARTBEAT OF YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Supporting community events is choosing to participate in the heartbeat of your neighborhood. These events bring people together, build connections and grow a sense of belonging. By being a Trellis Community Champion, you're not just supporting a fun day out, you're investing in the life of our city and making an impact in the lives of people. By stepping in with a sponsorship, volunteering, or donating much needed supplies, every bit of your generosity makes our community a brighter, more vibrant place. Whether it’s at a Trellis Neighbour Day celebration, a back-to-school barbeque that provides the necessary school supplies at the right time, or a holiday celebration that brings families together, you are making a real difference where it matters most— right in your own backyard!
To learn more and get involved connect with us at volunteer@growwithtrellis.ca
Many of our Trellis teammates are master face painters which comes in very handy during Neighbour Day celebrations across the city.
Thanks to the generosity of many, Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day were honoured through a Round Dance attended by staff, their families, program participants and members of the community.
Groups like Kingston Midstream and many others made last year’s Back to School BBQ an amazing success.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 25
Let your mind drift as you doodle away with this colouring page. Looking to de-stress, spend some time with the little ones, or simply let your artistic flair shine? Colouring is the perfect way to relax and have some fun.
Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, snap a pic and tag us on Instagram (@trellisyyc) so we can admire your handiwork! We can’t wait to see the colorful creations you come up with.
COLOUR ME IN! Happy colouring!
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 27
THE DIFFERENCE ONE PERSON CAN MAKE
THE SMALLEST ACTS LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT
When people come to Trellis, the first person they’ll get to meet is Lisa. She’ll greet them with a huge, bright smile and welcome them as if they are the most important person in the world! Lisa is so much more than an administrative worker – she offers support and hope to the many people who come to us in crisis. No matter who they are or what they’re going through, Lisa always has a positive, upbeat attitude and listens with kindness and care, making sure to connect them with the help they need.
Lisa’s welcoming attitude and sense of safety made all the difference for a mother named Beth*.
Beth, a single mom, was having a tough time making ends meet. After tackling her high utility bills, she worried about affording her next rent payment.
So, she reached out to Trellis for help.
“We spoke on the phone for quite a long time.” Lisa recalls. “She told me more about her life, what she’d been through and how hard she’d worked to change her life. She told me how her whole world was about keeping custody of her son.”
Lisa got to work right away, making a plan with Beth and linking Beth up with Trellis’s Home Stay team for housing support. Last year alone, Home Stay helped 417 families, including Beth’s, who were facing homelessness. Knowing Beth needed immediate help, Lisa also connected her with resources for essentials like food and other basic needs to ease some stress about not having enough to eat.
With Calgary’s rising living costs and scarce affordable housing, Lisa’s no stranger to stepping up to help.
“I get calls like this all the time,” says Lisa. “Especially lately, with people having to choose between rent or bills or groceries or clothes.”
As they were about to hang up, Beth said, “I just want to make sure you know this conversation has been such a relief for me.”
The most important thing to me is whoever dials that phone number or walks in that door, they feel wholeheartedly welcomed and accepted for exactly who they are, and safe and cared for.”
For Lisa, it was a powerful reminder of the impact a single conversation can have. “It reminded me of the difference that one person can make.”
Lisa’s caring and supportive approach to her work has directly impacted the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Each interaction is a chance to make a difference and brighten someone’s day. She proves without a doubt, that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on someone’s life.
Leaving a Legacy of Impact
When you include a charitable gift to Trellis Society in your will, you can reflect your values and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Whether you decide to help youth stay in school, end homelessness for youth or families, guide people towards their first job, or support safe and connected communities, being a Trellis legacy donor lets you create a world where everyone can flourish.
To talk about how you would like to support and shape the future for generations ahead, call Michele at 403-700-5117 or email her at mchiasson-suart@growwithtrellis.ca
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 29
GROWING CONNECTIONS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
A Hidden Web of Support
Hiding quietly underneath every garden, forest, highway, and city is an intricate web of growth and change. Scientists call it the “mycorrhizal network.” German forester Peter Wohlleben dubbed it the “woodwide web.” It’s a complex network of fungi that connects each tree to share water, carbon, and other minerals with one another. This hidden network of support is essential for a forest to thrive.
Trellis Society has a similar, often hidden network that allows us to support people and communities to flourish. Our ‘woodwide web’ is an ever-growing and evolving network of partnerships, one of which is with Accenture.
A New Model for Non-Profit Partnership
In 2018, Trellis wanted to dream bigger on how we could serve people in more meaningful ways, not only to expand our impact, but to deepen it within our communities. We connected with Accenture’s Calgary office and quickly bonded over our shared values to create social impact, equip individuals with skills to succeed, and the importance of equality and inclusion. In the six years since, the partnership between Trellis and Accenture has blossomed, stepping beyond traditional ways for-profit businesses support the non-profit sector.
The innovative, collaborative projects we’ve done together have helped Trellis grow and, more importantly, enhanced our ability to ensure everyone we serve can flourish.
Community Consulting Project
Accenture’s Community Consulting Project (CCP) is a pro-bono initiative where Accenture employees coach post-secondary students who are paired with a nonprofit organization to help solve a current challenge. This program equips non-profit organizations with research, potential growth paths and new strategies, while providing post-secondary students with realworld consulting experience.
Through our engagement in a variety of CCP semesters with Accenture, we’ve had the opportunity to:
• Evaluate our 2020 Trellis merger to capture learnings and build ongoing opportunities for improvement.
• Establish an organizational risk management matrix with strategies to help us better identify and manage risks that impact our ability to operate.
• Determine how we might expand and adapt our therapy and clinical services to better serve an evolving client demographic.
With the hard work of these bright post-secondary students, alongside dedicated support from their Accenture advisors, we gained valuable insights and capacity to deliver on these exciting projects.
Day of Giving
Accenture’s Day of Giving has been a recurring opportunity for us to focus on important initiatives within a very short timeframe. Through these oneday volunteering events, Accenture professionals have
helped build momentum behind strategic projects and supported our leadership teams to make informed decisions in fast and effective ways.
Most recently in June of 2023, we partnered with Accenture to conduct a half-day workshop focused on reimagining how our clients experience services through our community well-being programs. Using humancentric methods of empathy mapping, user journeys, and service design, we explored barriers that clients face in accessing our services. Accenture helped us identify key areas of improvement and the next steps in creating a stronger, more trauma-informed, seamless experience for people who come into our services.
Pro-Bono Consulting
Accenture’s partnership has provided Trellis with new ways of thinking about big ideas that support our strategic growth. Our first pro-bono engagement explored ways in which Trellis could navigate the everpresent funding pressures in the non-profit sector,
while also leveraging our scope and size to empower other organizations in their work. This project readied us to respond quickly when future opportunities emerge in the sector and to see each challenge as a chance to adapt and grow.
The Future of Collaborative Impact
Since the beginning of our journey, Accenture has helped us simplify the way people access our services and expand how we think about impact. Our relationship with Accenture highlights how non-profits and businesses can work together for social impact, going beyond traditional funding approaches.
Looking forward, we know that this web of support will only grow. Thanks to companies like Accenture (who often choose to remain behind the scenes) Trellis is better equipped to make a positive impact that will grow for generations and people in our communities have improved access to the services that they need to flourish.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 31
The Trellis and Accenture teams posing with Andy (Accenture’s office robot) on Pink Shirt Day after wrapping up a workshop focused on big ideas to grow Trellis’ impact.
Having Accenture as a partner has propelled Trellis to new heights and helped us to ask big questions on how Trellis can better deliver services in the community. I’m excited for how our collaboration will continue to grow and anticipate some really innovative solutions coming out of our upcoming projects.”
- Angela Clarke, Trellis Chief Strategy Officer
It has been a privilege collaborating with Trellis on their most critical and pioneering projects. Our partnership has flourished and I am consistently impressed by the impactful contributions Trellis makes to our community.”
- Elizabeth Boright & Juliane Farrell, Executive Sponsors & Leaders of Accenture’s Calgary Corporate Citizenship Program
Accenture is a Leading Global...
... professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. Accenture takes pride in helping for-profit & non-profit clients reinvent their business in the wake of rapid change, level up the talent and capabilities of their employees, build unique & memorable customer experiences, and create positive change for the environment.
To learn more about Accenture, visit:
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR MONTHLY DONATION!
Join us in making a difference in the lives of youth, families, and communities. Your monthly gift could be the key to helping a youth transition to adulthood, empowering a community to unite around shared interests, or supporting a family in their journey out of homelessness.
It’s easy to underestimate the power of small contributions, but every little bit truly counts. Your donation will create lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.
Take the first step toward making a meaningful impact today. Call us at 403-520-1547 or email donations@growwithtrellis.ca to become a monthly donor and start changing lives.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
TRELLIS SOCIETY | BRANCHING OUT 2024 | 33
Charitable #: 106804669 RR0001 You’re invited to Calgary’s best party with a purpose! OCTOBER 19 th 2024 GROWWITHTRELLIS.CA/SOIREE