Executive Report - Fiscal Year 2014-2015

On September 15, 2015 New Leaf held it's Annual General Meeting. Here is the executive report, covering the fiscal year of 2014-2015.

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It has been a challenging and exciting year for New Leaf.  As always the staff have continued to provide a quality service to men, women, and children in the community as well as Antigonish/Guysborough Counties on a shoe string budget.  It has been a year of change and a year of advancement all wrapped into one. 

The past fiscal year New Leaf had:

·  28 client interviews
· Provided 86 group sessions   
· Attended many Case Conferences regarding clients
· Provided 9 Women’s information sessions
· Given 4 plus presentations to various audiences including the Coady Institute
· Provided one on one sessions with numerous adolescents at local schools
· Liaised with many Community Partners including Tearman Society, Naomi Society, The InterAgency on Domestic Violence, the United Way, Department of Community Services and more.

Early in the year I agreed to a Co-chair position and found myself quickly the sole chair as sadly Fred, after many years of service was forced to retire due to health concerns. Our thoughts, prayers and thanks go out to Fred and his partner as he continues to recover. The Service Fred has provided over the years has been invaluable and we thank him.

Sadly enough this was not our only loss. As you all know one of the original faces of New Leaf retired this year. The send-off itself was a remarkable heartfelt thank you to the true spirit of a remarkable man. Reportedly, Bob is happily driving a bus and carrying out his duties as Santa Claus.

On the happier side, Bob’s retirement allowed us to gain more of Cathy Grant’s time by increasing her hours.  This year in particular, Cathy is becoming well known for her advocacy works and writing abilities on social justice.  She continues to be a positive influence for men in our community.

Additionally we gained a new staff member as Don, who has volunteered at New Leaf for some time, agreed to take a part time position.  Thanks Don for your commitment to the program and all your efforts this year.

Not only have the people felt the change this year but the building has too.  Considerable renovations and cleaning projects have made the work space more comfortable and professional looking.  Thanks to everyone who assisted in those endeavors.  Ironically the building was sold this year as well, which recently turned into a rent increase.  We will be exploring funding solutions for this in the coming year.

In keeping with the theme of change, New Leaf continues to push forward with advances in our website, use of media and programming in our attempt to assist more men in need of service.  We thank Christian for his work on the website this year.

Invaluably Ron has lead the charge to create, develop and fund our new “Changing Male Conversations” Program, designed to engage male teens in creating positive attitudes towards women.  United Way has agreed to fund the program over the next two years and we are quite excited about its potential.   Particular thanks again to Ron in this endeavour.

Financially, it has been a slightly better year than the previous year with no losses in funding.  We are currently on budget for the year as I'm sure Nathan will explain this evening and we again are grateful and thank Nathan for his countless hours of work keeping us financially sound.

As in other years, New Leaf has taken on a Student Program.  Mary was a great fit to the organization, so much so that we’d like to welcome her as our newest board member.  Mary was a great help this year and we all say “Thank you very much”!

In closing, we look forward to the rest of this year with excitement and confidence.  New faces, New Services guided by years of experience makes New Leaf one of the most valuable services to men of all ages in Pictou County, one that I am proud to be a part of. I personally would like to thank all the staff and board members for their contributions to the continued success of New Leaf.

Thank You.

-New Leaf Bored