CHAIR | Kamaljit Lehal The 2019/2020 AGM was held in a larger venue to accommodate Options members and its many supporters. It was quite an
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Christine Mohr While 2018/19 was a year of solidifying some of our newer programs, 2019/20 has been about strengthening our internal capacity and preparing for what is to come. We achieved our 5th COA accreditation with accolades. The quality of our services, governance, and the commitment, passion and skill of our staff shone through, making our peer review a true pleasure.
Executive BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kamaljit Lehal Chair Louella Mathias Co-Vice Chair Shyanne Boudreau
impressive turn out for me to witness in my new role as Chair of Options. The 2020/2021 AGM will definitely be one we will all remember, one with the hallmarks of social distancing. In the fall of 2019 and into the new year the Board had the opportunity to work collaboratively with the CEO and E-Team in creating a new Strategic Plan for Options. The Board was happy to endorse the final product and is excited to learn that active steps have been undertaken to implement it. In March 2020, with the pandemic sweeping the world, a new way of life unfolded, one in which we were required to practice safe social distancing, wear masks, limit our “bubble” and only leave home for essential needs. These were circumstances that no one had anticipated, and the Board had to learn to adapt and did its bit by holding virtual Board meetings. I appreciate the flexibility and commitment that each Board member showed at both Board and Committee meetings. However, what the E-team and Options staff did during this time has been outstanding, they lived true to Options core values of ‘Building Community. Inspiring Hope.” Programs continued to be offered, some in a virtual capacity and others in person as part of essential services. The resilience of Options clearly shone through and the Board was proud of everyone’s part in this. The leadership and guidance of CEO, Christine Mohr, has been instrumental in navigating Options through these unprecedented times. Christine is known for her hard work and commitment to Options, but this past year revealed her tenacity in leading through the most extreme conditions. As the first female Chair on the Board I was beyond inspired by our CEO as was the Board. Thank you to all the volunteers and community donors who make the great work of Options possible.
The work continues on our OptionsHUB@81st development, which will include 100 units of affordable, safe, and inspiring housing as well as much- needed space for services. We anticipate shovels in the ground this fall. The expected completion date for our Mental Health Assisted Living residence is August 2020. This residential resource will provide homes and support for 48 individuals and is made possible through our partnership with BC Housing and the Fraser Health Authority. We proudly celebrated our first year of operations with a new WorkBC Employment Services model, operating three employment centres along with partners: Pacific Community Resources Society, Phoenix Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society, Open Door Group, Sources Community Resources Society, Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society and the YMCA. This model is new to the Province, bringing its own challenges. In recognition of our continued growth, we added two new key senior positions to support services and staff. We welcomed Khim Tan to the position of Deputy Executive Director, Employment and Immigrant Services and Dee Sharma to the position of Deputy Executive Director, People & Culture. In the fall of 2019, we began the work of developing a new vision, mission and strategic plan through a highly collaborative process that included board, management, staff, as well as input from community stakeholders. That plan is available on our website. The COVID-19 pandemic struck at the end of our fiscal year. Options moved quickly to find means of safely providing essential services. We appreciate the efforts of all staff and of specific note, staff working in our shelters, transition houses, other residential settings, and the Fraser Health Crisis Line, so that the most vulnerable in our community were safe. We are blessed with a wise and committed Board of Directors and I extend a big thank you to them. I want to acknowledge Kamaljit Lehal especially, in her new role as Board Chair. Kamaljit is uniquely qualified for this role given her 24 years of service on the Board. I have truly appreciated the CEO/Board Chair relationship that we have forged. Thank you to our amazing staff, volunteers, community partners, donors and other supporters for your ongoing commitment to community and support for Options.
Co-Vice Chair Kevin Kilgour Treasurer Doug Neale Secretary
Directors
Amanda Bratch Anoop Khosla Craig East Karanvir Singh Thiara Ken Holmberg Kirsty Davis Michael Kendler Tim Beachy
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