2022 AGM Reporting on 2021 Fiscal Year

Letter from the Executive Director and Board of Directors Chair

The year 2021 is best described as being deep in the trenches of the pandemic but seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. We started out the year with substantial help and support from the Federal Government and with some help from the other various levels of government. We ended the year knowing we had made it through, but the next few years would be all about recovery.

The pandemic has elevated children and families’ need for sustainability, for stability and the very basic human right of equality. Too many were impacted or left behind by the pandemic and MCRC will continue to recover, continue to meet our communities needs and continue to make a difference.

Although this AGM reflects the year 2021, it is being penned in 2022 and at the end of this year, I will be leaving my position as ED of this amazing organization.

I have had a long and rewarding career in Early Learning and Child Care spanning 37 years, and I can easily say, the highlight has been the last 15 years at MCRC. I have been surrounded by the most dedicated and talented staff who have supported me in my role of leadership. I truly believe that a leader can only be as strong and visionary as the rest of the team. It was particularly exciting to have been awarded Milton Chamber of Commerce Not for Profit of the year 2022. Without our outstanding staff team, their dedication, commitment and exceptional skills, MCRC would not be what it is today.

The position of Executive Director has been awarded to Becky Andrade, Associate Executive Director. She is a very talented and dedicated member of the MCRC team who has provided incredible vision, growth and development to our important role as a large employer within Milton. It has been through her sage stewardship of employee development, health and wellness that MCRC has received Great Place to Work CertificationTM this year which is a globally recognized and researched backed verification of employee experience. Also, with direct attribution to Becky’s work, MCRC has been awarded the Charity Village, 2022 Best Nonprofit Employer- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (20+ staff). This award recognizes nonprofit organizations that are committed to socially responsible hiring and onboarding practices and are actively incorporating policies that encourage diversity, equity, inclusion, community outreach, and/or accessibility within their workplace.

We are excited for the future of MCRC. The Board of Directors along with staff have laid a strong foundation for which this organization can grow and flourish. We have worked hard to create a culture where everyone belongs and feels valued. We are well into our journey of diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of the organization and will continue to learn, develop and grow in this very important organizational commitment.

Becky, along with staff, the Board of Directors and all of you will continue to provide a strong and responsive organization and we expect will take MCRC to new heights of success and innovation.

Sincerely,

MCRC's 2023 Slate of Board Directors

Chairperson: Tiffany Stewart

Vice Chairperson: Vanessa Di Pietro

Treasurer: Naresh Bansal

Secretary: Stephenie Gillingham

Director: Clarence Chong

Director: Khadijah Taseen

Director: Lexi Hambides

Director: Carlene Lou Hing

Director: Laura Muraca

Director: Marina Grassi

Director: Dana Inchasi

Director: Leslie-Ann Stewart

MCRC is a large employer within the Milton community and believes this holds tremendous responsibility in the fair and equal treatment of staff and the support of a work and family balance. MCRC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist helps to ensure an inclusive environment for our staff and community. To this end, we are working to authentically foster equitable practices within our organization and through our programs and services.

Watch the video below to meet our 2021 DEI Specialist, Bibi Mohammed.

MCRC staff completed a survey in 2021 for their feedback and experience with DEI in our organization.

Some of the results are summarized below.

Volunteers

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCRC had a limited amount of volunteer opportunities available in 2021.

Student Placements

MCRC was proud to be able to continue offering Student Placement Opportunities in 2021, when COVID-19 resulted in many organizations declining to take on placement students. MCRC welcomed many students throughout the year, from a variety of local learning institutions.

Fundraising

In 2021, MCRC fundraising efforts were focused on our Empowerment Programs. MCRC's Empowerment Programs are free, accessible programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of girls and women in our community. Empowerment Programs include the Infant Food Bank, Period Poverty Initiative and She Can!

In 2021, we held our second annual All 4 Her 5k! The event was a huge success, with 220 participants from all over Ontario, Canada and the world. With the support of our participants, sponsors and donors, we raised over $20,000 in support of Empowerment Programs!

Learn more at:

mcrc.on.ca