New faces, new board, new executive and, as always, new challenges.
Algoma Family Services announced the appointment of five new board directors, who were confirmed at the 22nd annual general meeting on Oct. 4. Joining the board are David Petersson, Jane Omollo, James Agnew, Rick Hamilton, and Wes Lavergne. Elected in a special board meeting were new executive committee members, William Johnson, president, Patricia Lofstrom, vice-president, and Dania Kuzbari, secretary.
In the presentation of the annual report, the board was advised of the economic and environmental headwinds facing AFS such as the health human resources crisis and the impact on the organization to keep up with the demand for services.
Yet, despite all of this, fiscal 2022-23 was a year of growth with the announcements of the new Live-in Treatment Program and the Youth Wellness Hub, in addition to new funding for an Ontario Autism Program to be delivered in collaboration with Garden River First Nation, the release said.
“We experienced an 11.64 per cent growth in child and youth mental health referrals, 10 per cent growth in revenue, and an 8% increase in staffing, said CEO Ali Juma.
In her message, outgoing board president Jana Tetreault said: “This past year has been one of change and gratitude for Algoma Family Services. As a board, we have been so impressed with how the AFS Team is able to adapt to the changing needs of our clients and the organization as a whole. Following our annual meeting last year, after much deliberation, the board decided to discontinue further exploration of a possible amalgamation with the Children’s Aid Society. We would like to express our gratitude for the tremendous effort of the staff from both organizations and everyone who was involved in the feasibility study process.”
Outgoing board directors are Jana Tetreault, John Paul Paciocco, Pam Ficociello, Lil Silvano, and Julie Gardiner.
“The fact that Jana, Pam, and JP each filled three terms for a total of nine years on the AFS board, speaks to the outstanding dedication and commitment to AFS and our community”, said Johnson. “With the headwinds AFS is facing, it is an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure we have the right people at the right time, providing the right service in the right place. Our new and current board members have a big mandate to help us secure the resources we need."
Algoma Family Services is a provider of specialized services for infants, children, youth, adults, and families. The services are evidence-based, client-centered, family-focused, and delivered by a team of skilled professionals. For more information please go to www.algomafamilyservices.ca or Facebook.