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On Thursday, June 13, HSH hosted its AGM and an Appreciation BBQ on the rooftop of its partner Kerr Street Mission. The gathering celebrated HSH’s 20th anniversary and 2023 - the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statement 2023 were released and a record of six HSH single parents graduating from their post-secondary programs at Sheridan College. While last year’s graduation class was sizable, it celebrated grads from across the COVID-19 years. This celebration was just for this year’s grads!
HSH supports its participants through the four-year Homeward Bound Halton program - stablization, two years of post-secondary education and up to a year of employment search support. Over this time, the program participants move from homelessness or precarious housing and poverty to stability - thanks to the wraparound support provided by HSH through the generosity of its supporters.
The celebration was also an opportunity to thank our donors, who support us unwaveringly across the years, like long-time donors Glen and Ann Herring who attended the gathering, and to express appreciation for those who assist us in our work: four volunteers received Appreciation plaques.
“With great appreciation, Home Suite Hope acknowledges the invaluable time and effort that the community selflessly dedicates to supporting us and the single parent families we serve. Twenty years of Home Suite Hope would not have been possible without your commitment,” said Fundraising & Events Coordinator Katelyn Zaoral.
“When times of hardship hit Home Suite Hope, the organization remains dedicated to pivot and adapt in order to continue providing support and assistance to single parent families in our programming,” said Executive Director Sara Cumming.
A shout-out goes to Familifood Club which donated meats for the barbecue.
We extend our deepest gratitude for all the unwavering support, kindness, and dedication to our cause. Together, we can continue to catalyze positive change and bring hope to those in need.
Record number of grads: Shannon named Valedictorian
Congratulations to Daliah, Angelika, Shannon, Yojhana, Syeda and Tayler.
Hats off to Shannon, who delivered a heartfelt Valedictory address at the celebration.
Appreciation of Donors & Volunteers
The celebration was an opportunity to recognize numerous outstanding volunteers with Appreciation plaques.
Industry Council representative Mark McLaughlin was on the grill for the barbecue and picked up an appreciation plaque and certificate as he is also active on the HSH Industry Council and is a Partner in Change.
Lindsay Anderson was celebrated for her work as a mentor and a workshop leader.
Outgoing HSH Board Chair France Fournier received a plaque in honour of her long-term commitment to serving on the HSH Board, her roles as vice-chair and chair, and her ongoing support. Audrey Bailey, an Industry Council representative who helps connect our graduates with networking and throughout their job search was also recognized.
Incoming HSH Board Chair & Vice Chair Named
Home Suite Hope’s Executive Director and Staff want to send our deepest gratitude to our outgoing Chair of the Board, France Fournier. France was the vice-chair through the difficulties of COVID-19 and took the helm as Chair as the organization continued to face incredible challenges due to inflation. We are grateful to France for her leadership and for her eagerness to mentor our incoming Chair Emma Jarratt. Likewise, we are grateful to our Vice-Chair Ted Ecclestone for his balanced and poised mentorship.
We are delighted to announce our incoming Chair and Vice Chair. Emma Jarratt has been on the Board for the past two years and has been serving as the Chair of the Fundraising Committee. Emma has been voted into the Board Chair role for a two-year term. Nazeera Khan started with Home Suite Hope on our Industry Council helping our participants enter into employment. She joined the Board of Directors last year and has been serving as the Chair of Governance Committee. Nazeera was voted on as Vice-Chair for one term (to start).
Valerie Del Hierro will assume chairmanship of the HSH Fundraising Committee while Rose Sharifi will step into the role of HSH Governance Committee Chair. We thank them both for stepping up. Nazeera and Emma will continue their involvement as members of their respective committees.
HSH Annual Report 2023 and Audited Financial Statement 2023 Released
The celebration coincided with the HSH AGM and release of the 2023 annual report and financial statement.
