Community Knowledge Centre - Toronto Community Foundation

About this organization

Mission

Seeds of Hope Foundation strives to build self-sustaining communities that enable individuals at a crossroads in their lives to develop their livelihood, their education and creative potential through engagement with others at resource centres that encourage learning, recovery, social enterprise and community endeavors.

History of Organization

Sister Susan Moran, founder of the vastly successful Out of the Cold program, and David Walsh, recipient of the Jane Jacobs Award for his accomplishments in sustainable urban development, share an understanding of how important community is in people’s lives, particularly when coping with addiction and livelihood challenges.

In 2002, the two purchased 6 St. Joseph House, and converted the former Bay & St. Joseph tavern into the Foundation’s first Community Home.

Over the next several years, the Seeds of Hope Foundation expanded to offer a wide variety of resources and supportive programs, including additional community homes, learning centers, post-rehab recovery homes, and a women’s abuse shelter.

Accolades and Accomplishments

• In 2009, the Seeds of Hope Foundation served approximately 15,000 individuals through community meals, transitional housing, and program participation.
• Sister Susan Moran was awarded the Order of Canada for her work with the homeless.
• David Walsh received the Jane Jacobs Award - an annual prize that celebrates individuals who contribute to the fabric of Toronto life in unique ways that exemplify the ideals of Jane Jacobs. The prize recipients reflect the diverse aspects of city life.

Programs

>Community Homes with Learning Centres - 6 St. Joseph House & The YDLC
> Transitional Homes for Women & Street Outreach - Lazarus House
>Transitional Addiction-Recovery Homes – “Our Homes”

The Seeds of Hope mission is manifested through the sustained operation and growth of three core programs:

1. A community home and learning centre, which serves as a hub that connects people from all walks of life and provides access to an array of resources (6 St. Joseph House)

2. Transitional homes for women (Lazarus House)

3. Transitional homes for men (Our Homes)    

Community Homes with Learning Centres - 6 St. Joseph House & The YDLC

Community meals are served during the week to all who gather, creating a community support network for those facing systemic challenges. Individuals who frequent the community home learn of housing availabilities, job opportunities, and coping skills.

While enjoying a healthy meal, new visitors may pick up a brochure listing the free classes offered upstairs at The Yellow Door Learning Centre (YDLC).

The YDLC offers a multi-disciplinary curriculum of Life Skills, Employment Training, Art, and Health & Wellness workshops: all oriented towards personal growth and self-improvement.

Funding and Program Partners

Counseling Foundation of Canada

Program Impact

6 St. Joseph House and the YDLC have fostered an environment of hope and transformation, where participants are able to find a sense of belonging, develop life skills, and redefine their capacity to contribute.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

“When there is a large gap between the rich and poor in our community, we are all affected. A large gap can lead to other social problems in our community, like health disparities and crime.” (Toronto Vital Signs®,  2009).

“The more we feel connected to others, the more vibrant and resilient we are, individually and collectively. Opportunities to contribute our unique talents, including becoming community leaders, are key to the vitality of our city.” (Toronto Vital Signs®,  2009).    

Participant Vignette

Petra Smith* knows what it’s like to live on the streets. After a tumultuous childhood, and almost textbook-terrible teenage years, she found herself homeless at a time when most of her peers were graduating from college or university.

Now 40, the petite woman with the big smile has put the painful experiences of the past behind her.

“It was very hard,” she says. “I was always hungry and always cold. I slept outside in the park every night.”

“People can be mean,” she says sadly, but without bitterness. “It’s as if you have no rights, so it’s embarrassing. And you’re labeled. When I met my boyfriend, everyone told him to stay away from me. He explained that I used to have a job, that I once owned a car, but they said I was lying. Because I had nothing, they treated me like I was nothing.”

With the help of 6 St. Joseph, Petra slowly but surely got back on her feet. Today, she studies part-time and is currently working towards earning all the credits required for entry into the social worker program at George Brown College.

And, of course, she still finds time to volunteer at 6 St Joseph House.

“I come here – to give back. This is a supportive environment -- no one judges or looks down on you. It feels good to be here. To be part of the community.”

Transitional Homes for Women & Street Outreach - Lazarus House

Founded by Sister Susan in 2001, Lazarus House is governed by the Seeds of Hope Foundation, and assists women who are recovering from poverty, isolation, addictions, and health setbacks, as well as providing a base for Sister Susan Moran to continue her outreach: helping people living on the streets in downtown Toronto.

Funding and Program Partners

Franciscan Fathers & Catholic Charities

Program Impact

Through simple acts of hospitality, occasions for shared meaning, and innovative approaches to community building, Lazarus House has created a place that helps women and their children struggling through poverty, isolation, inadequate housing and loneliness.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

“A sense of security and safety affects the quality of life in Toronto and our ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Personal safety determines how Torontonians socialize and participate in their neighbourhoods and city.” (Toronto Vital Signs®, 2009).

“The affordable options available to Toronto’s low-income renters are narrowing. And the lack of affordability and availability threatens to put more Toronto families on the street.” (Toronto Vital Signs®, 2009).

Participant Vignette

According to Sister Susan Moran, “Lazarus House is crisis housing for women & their children. It has become a place of refuge. Many women drop in for a meal or an overnight stay.”

Transitional Addiction-Recovery Homes – “Our Homes”

Our Homes is a collection of transitional homes for men on the path of recovery. The homes serve as both a meeting spot and springboard, welcoming men taking their first steps in recovery, as well as people who are further along the recovery path.

These homes provide a place where men can participate positively in learning classes and work projects. Men rehabilitate and help each other in accordance with 12-step principles and spiritual development.

Funding and Program Partners

Toronto Realtors Foundation

Program Impact

Seeds of Hope Foundation’s Our Homes program sports an astounding success rate of 85% among men who lived in our transitional addiction-recovery housing units.

Our Homes has grown to now operate three houses and provides a safe, positive environment in which recovering addicts and alcoholics may achieve freedom from substance abuse.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

“Good health eludes almost half of our city’s residents. Torontonians’ lifestyle choices are increasing the potential burden on our health system, while income inequalities are having a staggering negative effect on physical and mental health.” (Toronto Vital Signs®, 2009).

“The more we feel connected to others, the more vibrant and resilient we are, individually and collectively. Opportunities to contribute our unique talents, including becoming community leaders, are key to the vitality of our city.” (Toronto Vital Signs®, 2009).

“The affordable options available to Toronto’s low-income renters are narrowing. And the lack of affordability and availability threatens to put more Toronto families on the street.” (Toronto Vital Signs®, 2009).

Participant Vignette

Francis H. was once a drug addict who spent major time in prison. Now he is a leader in the AA movement, as well as president of Our Homes, which operates two supportive housing residences on Broadview Avenue under the Seeds of Hope Foundation. Part Native, Francis was born in Northern Ontario.

Francis reflects, “Community is the most important aspect of recovery. Community keeps us clean and sober. The Broadview Homes operated by Our Homes are designed for people who want to continue with their recovery. I am able to share what recovery means with the men there. I don’t preach about recovery. I just tell my story. I tell people what booze did to me.

“I have never been as happy as I am today. I have a whole different point of view. I have learned that people are healthy when they can share their feelings and their thoughts as they happen. Community is everything – it is an important healing part of life. We learn that we should strive for community with everybody.

“At Our Homes we build community through our weekly house meetings and our weekly Serenity Reflection meetings. Community keeps us clean and sober. Our housing model is designed for people who want to continue forward in their recovery."