Annual Community Report 2024-2025: Connecting vision to action
Land and Treaty Acknowledgement
Hamilton Child and Family Supports acknowledges our presence on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Confederacy land as determined by the Dish with One Spoon treaty. The intent of this wampum treaty is for all nations sharing this territory to do so responsibly, respectfully and sustainably in perpetuity. We respect the long-standing relationships with the local Indigenous communities, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River. On this land we are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile our history in child welfare and relations with Indigenous peoples. We are especially mindful of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action to redress the Legacy of Child Welfare on Indigenous families and communities. We acknowledge that today Hamilton is the home to many Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this community, on their territory.
Message from our Executive Director and Board President
We are very privileged to be part of Hamilton Child and Family Supports. Hamilton is a diverse and dynamic community, and we are committed to creating real systemic change, particularly for families who face barriers to accessing the resources they need.
While we are making gains towards achieving a balanced budget, HCFS continues to face financial challenges. The level of services available across the province continues to be lower than the level of need, a major barrier to providing the right services at the right time for children, youth and families. We continue to work in partnership with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, the government and partners in the Hamilton community to address these challenges.
Over the past year, it feels like things are coming together here in Hamilton to help support our community. Seeing the community respond positively to our new name and brand has reaffirmed that we are listening and evolving in ways that matter. We are building trust and people feel seen and heard, which is exactly what our services are meant to do.
We have been hearing from racialized and newcomer communities, not only from Hamilton, but from across the province, about the impact of the new name and how communities see that as a real change and a desire to be different. We want to commend the hard work and partnership of our staff colleagues, foster caregivers, volunteers, and community stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality.
Our work would not have been possible without the support and guidance of Hamilton Child and Family Supports Board of Directors. The board held a retreat day to further develop its workplan including the creation of a new Service Excellence and Equity Committee which will assist the board in fulfilling its oversight and monitoring responsibilities related to HCFS program and service excellence, service equity, and mandated performance indicators.
We hope you will take time to read highlights from our work over the past year which highlight our operational goals and moments of excellence.
Safety and Well-being – A team and family perspective on the importance of engaging with families.
Permanency and Potential – Centering Devon’s Principle and offering Indigenous youth the Right to Return to visit, explore, and put their feet on the land of their ancestors and hearing directly from our youth council.
Engaged and Inspired – Developing leaders across the organization with a new leadership framework.
Strategic Partnerships – Supporting families in the Muslim and Black communities alongside Mishka and Empowerment Squared along with working directly with foster caregivers to assist in recruiting additional foster caregivers to support children, youth and families.
Continuous Improvement – Partnering with Smilezone to develop a new Family Visit Centre and launching a new website.
Resources and Sustainability – Supporting families during times of celebration through the organization’s Grateful Hearts program.
Looking ahead
We recently launched our Strategic Plan which will guide us in our work over the next five years. Work on this plan began in 2021 when we first began our rebranding process. We heard directly from families, youth, staff, foster caregivers, community partners, donors, and board members and used this feedback to guide the organization’s strategic planning process.
This strategic plan clearly connects vision to action. Not only is it based on feedback from the very people we serve; it also outlines tangible goals around equity, community partnerships, and innovation. This plan lays the groundwork for deepening trust and strong outcomes. It centers on the well-being of children and families while also challenging us to develop a responsive, accountable organization. Most importantly, it reminds us that every child and family deserve to feel supported and valued.
By embedding a strong quality improvement lens into the strategic plan, we’re committing ourselves to being curious, reflective, and brave enough to adjust when something isn’t working. That’s how we ensure services are effective, inclusive, and based on best practices.
Looking ahead, we are committed to developing more amazing partnerships with community service providers, especially ethno-specific communities. We are looking at moving to be more of a multi-service agency which will provide families with the opportunity to receive a wide range of services beyond what child protection services can offer. By doing so, our hope is that we’ll be able to reduce the need for child protective services and keep children, youth and families together and safely in the community.
We are hopeful and optimistic about how the community will continue to respond over the next few years. We want people to feel more connected to Hamilton Child and Family Supports as partners, advocates, and as participants in shaping the future.
Message to families
This year our report to the community is focused on engagement and listening. We want to thank each of you who has taken the time to provide us with feedback – it is essential that we hear from you to understand your experiences with the organization and determine how we can best support you and your families. We encourage you to continue to connect with us to share what is working well and what areas we still need to focus on. A special thanks to those families and youth who provided valuable input into our rebranding process and helped shape our Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 and those who were willing to share their stories with us for this report.
Shaped by stories, strengthened by community
Safety and Well-being
A team and a family perspective on engaging with families
Highlighting great work is something HCFS values, as it reflects the daily commitment, passion, and dedication of staff to ensure that the families, children, and youth we serve receive excellent support.
Supervisor Sherri’s Assessment & Support team is a shining example of this dedication. When asked what energizes them and what work they are most proud of, the team shared that their focus on family engagement—especially taking the time early on to explore and include family connections in planning—has made a meaningful difference.
This approach not only leads to better outcomes but also empowers families by giving them a sense of control over their own path. It ensures they are included in shaping the plan and builds on the strengths and resources they already possess. The team also conducts ongoing assessments to identify community agencies that may benefit the family, helping to establish connections that provide tools, knowledge, and support—ideally reducing the need for future involvement with child welfare.
The team noted that families feel more engaged and often do not view HCFS involvement negatively. Instead, many express gratitude for the support. Families have shared that gaps in community services can leave them uncertain about where to turn, and that HCFS has been a crucial source of guidance.
One such family is Miranda’s*. A busy mother of three, Miranda described her recent experience with HCFS as “helpful” and “reassuring,” despite her initial anxiety upon finding a worker’s business card and note in her mailbox requesting a call.
Although Miranda knew she hadn’t done anything “wrong,” she initially felt uneasy and concerned about her privacy. Her comfort grew quickly when her worker, Stephanie, acknowledged Miranda’s specific concerns and agreed to meet her and her children at a nearby park instead of at her home. Through continued engagement, Stephanie supported Miranda in taking an active role in creating a safety plan for herself and her children.
Miranda described Stephanie as “open and forthright, relatable, compassionate, and very understanding.” She felt she could “just be herself” rather than needing to “prove herself.” She expressed deep gratitude for Stephanie—whom she affectionately calls “Steph”—for meeting her where she was, taking the time to talk things through, and providing the reassurance and resources needed to develop a solid, mutually agreed-upon plan. This ultimately led to the successful closure of her file.
Today, Miranda is confidently taking steps to keep herself and her children safe and free from harassment, knowing that genuine help and support are just a phone call away if ever needed.
*name has been changed.
Permanency and Potential
Devon’s Principle: A legacy of return, belonging, and hope
In the heart of our work at HCFS lies a solemn responsibility. A duty shaped not only by our mission, but also by the memory of a young man whose life reminds us of what is at stake.
Devon Freeman was a youth involved with HCFS. Bright, thoughtful, and full of quiet potential, Devon also carried the weight of deep disconnection. Though his First Nation was only a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, he had long lost his ties to the land and the community that should have been a source of strength, identity, and belonging for him.
Tragically, Devon died by suicide. In the wake of his passing, a coroner’s inquest into Devon’s death issued a powerful recommendation: that every First Nations, Inuit, and Métis child and youth in care be offered the opportunity to return to their home community or ancestral land. That recommendation is now known as Devon’s Principle.
Devon’s story is one we carry with us every day. His absence is a reminder of how vital cultural connection is to the well-being of Indigenous children and youth. We cannot undo what was lost, but we can change what comes next. Devon’s Principle has become a compass for HCFS, guiding how we support Indigenous children and youth on their path to healing, identity, and future.
Over the past year, every team across our organization, from frontline workers to foster caregivers, OPR caregivers, and our neighboring First Nations, including Mississaugas of the Credit and Six Nations, has taken part in information sessions about Devon’s Principle. These sessions are more than education; they are a call to action.
HCFS has established the Right to Return Working Group. This is a dedicated collective of frontline staff, supervisors, and senior leadership focused on turning Devon’s Principle into lasting practice. This group has collaborated to develop policy, design tracking tools, and create communication resources for the community as well as service recipients, all with one goal: to ensure every Indigenous child and youth in HCFS care has the opportunity to walk their ancestral land, reconnect with family, and reclaim their cultural identity.
This is not just a goal. It is a promise to adhere to a principle.
In February of this year, that promise became a reality for an extraordinary young woman.
At 22 years old, Callie* had already overcome more than many face in a lifetime. As a youth involved in the Ready, Set, Go program, Callie was juggling school and work when her and her worker, Vanessa first began to explore the possibility of reconnecting with her roots in Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, her home community in Manitoba.
This was a daunting endeavor. Callie had never been there and contact with her Band proved difficult to establish. Despite this, Callie and Vanessa moved forward with the plan for Callie to walk on the land her ancestors once called home and deepen her connection to her Indigenous heritage.
With Vanessa’s help, she planned the trip. She saved money. She paid for her own travel and expenses upfront. And when the time came, Callie bravely boarded a plane to Winnipeg. Alone. From there, she was met by cousins she had only just begun to know, who drove with her the final three and a half hours to Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, also known as Chanupa Wakpa or “Pipestone River.”
That land, which is home to just over 300 people, holds a rich legacy of Dakota culture and language. As Callie stepped onto that land for the first time, she stepped into a deeper sense of who she is and where she comes from.
Her worker, Vanessa, reflected on the experience with reverence: “It is so important to know who you are. The opportunity for youth in care to return to their land is not just meaningful, its life changing.”
This journey, which was years in the making, was not just a visit. It was a homecoming.
It was Devon’s Principle in action.
Carrying Devon’s legacy forward
Callie’s story is one of many. And while every child’s path will be different, the commitment of HCFS remains the same: to walk alongside Indigenous children and youth, not just as service providers, but as partners in healing, reconnection, and empowerment.
Devon’s Principle is no longer just a recommendation. It is a living legacy. It is policy. It is practice. And, most importantly, it is a promise that no Indigenous child or youth in the care of HCFS care will be denied the opportunity to know where they come from—to return to their roots, their culture, and their people.
We cannot change the past. But together, we are shaping a better future.
*name has been changed.
Cooking up connection and confidence: The YAC story
Since its launch in 2022, the HCFS Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has grown into much more than a bi-weekly meeting—it’s become a space where youth find their voice, build meaningful friendships, and develop skills that will serve them for life. Whether it’s sharing stories, celebrating wins, or exploring advocacy, the YAC continues to be a place where youth feel heard, empowered, and supported.
Last fall, when HCFS staff were invited to share practical skills with the group, Melissa, a long-time staff member and former professional caterer, eagerly stepped forward. Her passion for cooking and her lived experience of independent youth living brought a new and exciting opportunity to the group: hands-on cooking classes.
The youth embraced the idea immediately. Desmond, a YAC member with culinary experience, said, “I enjoy helping others and socializing. The cooking classes are a great opportunity to hang out and learn new skills.” Others agreed. Ash called cooking “a fundamental and needed skill,” while Kahler shared that “learning cooking assists with how to live independently.”
These classes have been more than just learning recipes. From making holiday cookies to show appreciation for HCFS Volunteer Drivers, to personalizing chicken parmesan into “chicken patty parm,” each session blended practical skills with creativity, teamwork, and community spirit.
Looking ahead, the group is preparing to celebrate National Indigenous History Month by making traditional Haudenosaunee dishes—Strawberry Drink and Three Sisters Soup for the HCFS Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. Alongside the meal, youth will learn the cultural stories behind these foods, deepening their understanding of the Haudenosaunee teachings and the importance of corn, beans, and squash as “sisters” in Indigenous traditions.
The YAC cooking classes are a powerful reminder that nourishment goes beyond food. It’s about connection, culture, confidence, and care. With each shared meal and story, the youth are building a stronger, more supportive community—one recipe at a time.
Strategic Partnerships
Hamilton Child and Family Supports and Empowerment Squared: Celebrating partnership and a collective vision to strengthening communities
“The close collaboration between the staff at Hamilton Child and Family Supports and Empowerment Squared has been very, very powerful and we ourselves have learned a lot and vice versa in in strengthening the programs and services that we provide.” – Leo Nupolo Johnson, Empowerment Squared
Five years ago, HCFS and Empowerment Squared (ES) began a partnership from a shared vision to work together to support racialized and newcomer families in the Hamilton community.
Over the past five years, with the support of a two-year, $160,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the organizations have worked together to provide critical community-based support and services to newcomer and racialized families by addressing systemic barriers to their achievement, equity, and well-being. The partnership also helps in providing culturally appropriate services to families and youth that work with HCFS.
ES services and programs are open to the Hamilton community and include school navigator assistance, wraparound homework circle, school readiness Camp Ubuntu, Ubuntu rites of passage, entrepreneurship development and recreational activities.
At the ES annual celebration dinner, the organization’s achievements in supporting youth, children and families from the Black and racialized Hamilton community were recognized, and youth were awarded scholarships to pursue their education. In addition, HCFS was honoured to receive an award for outstanding innovation in system leadership for its partnership with Empowerment Squared.
“We are truly honoured to receive this system leadership award that represents our commitment to providing culturally specific and ethnocultural programming to racialized and newcomer families,” said Bryan Shone, Executive Director of Hamilton Child and Family Supports. “We are also very grateful for the support ES have provided through our rebranding and community engagement process to ensure the voices of those we serve are truly reflected in the services we provide.”
“Our intentional partnership with Hamilton Child and Family Supports has been a crucial step in supporting newcomer and marginalized families in Hamilton”, said Leo Nupolu Johnson, CEO of Empowerment Squared. “Celebrating five years of collaboration, we are proud of the joint initiatives developed by our Systems Navigation team and the specialized Newcomer and Racialized Team.”
Strengthening cultural connections
“Our partnership is very meaningful because we’re able to come together and strengthen and build trust between families and Hamilton Child Family Supports as well as our organization. We’re able to help families get support from different perspectives and different lenses in the community such as legal, medical and other angles when we may not all have the answers.” – Omar Mahamed, Executive Director, Mishka Social Services
Since the conclusion of our pilot project with Mishka Social Services in October 2024, our partnership has continued to thrive—supporting newcomer and culturally diverse families through the guidance of cultural brokers. These trusted community members play a vital role in helping families navigate systems, build trust, and access culturally responsive support.
As we continue to refine our processes, we’ve identified opportunities to enhance our approach. For example, we’re working on improving the consistency of survey completion when cases are closed, which will help us better understand outcomes and inform future planning. Additionally, we’ve noticed that referrals from HCFS arrive through multiple channels—including secure email, phone calls, and the Sanad intake form. While this flexibility is helpful, it can occasionally lead to delays in matching families with cultural brokers.
To address this, our administrative team has begun reviewing Sanad submissions weekly, allowing us to more quickly identify HCFS referrals and ensure timely assignment. This small but important adjustment is already helping us respond more efficiently and maintain the high standard of service we aim to provide.
Our partnership with Mishka Social Services continues to be a foundation of our culturally responsive practice. Together, we are building stronger bridges between families and services—grounded in respect, understanding, and community connection.
Our fostering recruitment journey
This year, our fostering recruitment efforts have been guided by a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves a safe, supportive, and identity-affirming home. As part of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies’ (OACAS) “There to Care” campaign, we’ve continued to build awareness and seek out foster caregivers who reflect the diverse identities and lived experiences of the children and youth we serve.
Our recruitment team has been active and visible, attending community events across the region to connect with individuals and families who may not have previously considered fostering. These events have been more than just outreach—they’ve been opportunities to listen, to share stories, and to build trust. We’ve focused on finding caregivers who can meet the complex and unique needs of children and youth, including those who are part of sibling groups, identify as 2SLGBTQ+, are older youth, or have experienced trauma.
Despite our efforts, the need for foster caregivers remains urgent. Across Ontario, there is a shortage of homes that can provide culturally appropriate, trauma-informed care. This shortage is especially critical for children and youth with complex needs, and for those who require placements that support their identity and community connections.
Even in the face of these challenges, we’ve seen incredible resilience—from our staff, our community partners, and especially from the caregivers who have stepped forward. These individuals are not just providing temporary homes; they are offering stability, compassion, and a bridge back to family and community.
As we move forward, our commitment remains strong. We will continue to engage with diverse communities, challenge misconceptions about fostering, and support caregivers every step of the way. Because fostering is not just about providing a home—it’s about being there to care.
To bring these stories to life, we invite you to watch our three testimonial videos below in our playlist, where Sue, Rania and Dean share their powerful, personal experiences. Their voices remind us why this work matters—and why we must keep going.
Engaged and Inspired
Leadership Framework – “The Leadership Challenge”
Leadership is not about the positions we hold. A leader can be anyone who champions the work and who can inspire others to take action through a shared vision. There are leaders throughout our organization, in all roles, at every level. Leadership is a skill that can be developed through a lifetime of practice, and HCFS is committed to supporting all employees in the development of their leadership skills and competencies. Last year, a working group of staff from across the organization endorsed and recommended the implementation of a leadership framework based on the five leadership practices in the book “The Leadership Challenge.”
Staff shared the following related to their experience participating in the Leadership Framework Working Group:
“It was such a worthwhile journey reading the book and engaging with everyone on the principles of leadership.”
“I hope others will get the opportunity to self-discover through “The Leadership Challenge.”
“I’m looking forward to navigating…with some of the skills I’ve learned and challenging myself to continue growing and evolving as a leader.”
“I’m extremely grateful to have been part of this amazing group…I am excited to see what we build together as an agency on this awesome foundation.”
This framework is now being rolled out across the organization to all employees in the form of small discussion groups. In this format, employees can come together, review the leadership practices, exchange ideas, and contribute to their own leadership development, both personally and professionally.
Continuous Improvement
Smiles that build a community
Hamilton Child and Family Supports (HCFS) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of ten new Smilezones at their family centre. These vibrant and welcoming spaces have been created to enhance the experience of children, youth, and families who rely on the services of HCFS.
Generously donated by Smilezone Foundation and Clanachan Family Foundation with support from Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Forge FC, Toronto Rock and JR Digs Acoustic Christmas Concert Fundraiser, these Smilezone spaces feature fresh paint, colourful murals, sensory and interactive gaming elements, custom cabinetry, comfortable furniture, and more. The Smilezones were designed to create fun, therapeutic environments that make challenging days a little brighter for the children and families who visit HCFS.
‘We are incredibly proud to partner with Hamilton Child and Family Supports to bring these new Smilezones to life,’ said Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder, Scott Bachly. ‘Smilezone Foundation’s mission is to create spaces where children and families feel comforted, inspired, and supported during challenging times. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, these ten Smilezones will bring smiles to countless faces and help make a real difference in the community.’
The new Smilezone spaces, filled with vibrant murals and interactive elements, will bring an atmosphere of positivity and energy to the family centre at Hamilton Child and Family Supports. The colourful, playful designs are crafted to uplift the spirits of children and families, creating a welcoming environment where they can feel at ease. These thoughtfully designed rooms brighten the physical spaces and provide comfort, joy, and a sense of hope, making each visit a little easier for those facing difficult times.
‘We are truly humbled by this gift and would like to thank each and every donor for their generosity,’ said Bryan Shone, Executive Director, Hamilton Child and Family Supports. ‘It’s truly amazing to see what can be accomplished when organizations come together in partnership. The positive impact on the children, youth and families supported by HCFS will be felt for years to come.’
Each mural in the new Smilezone spaces is uniquely designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Hamilton, reflecting the city’s rich community, lifestyle, and sports culture. From scenes of the iconic Hamilton skyline to tributes to the local sports teams like the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Forge FC and Toronto Rock these murals capture the heart of the city. They offer families a sense of familiarity and pride, creating an environment where the community’s culture and values are showcased and celebrated in every room. These unique designs brighten the space and foster a deeper connection to Hamilton’s identity.
‘It’s an honour to support the creation of these Smilezones at Hamilton Child and Family Supports. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when the community comes together,’ said David Clanachan on behalf of the Clanachan Family Foundation. ‘We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Forge FC, Toronto Rock and JR Digs Acoustic Christmas Concert Fundraiser, whose generosity has made this possible. Together, we’re creating a lasting, positive impact for children and families in the Hamilton community.’
Designed for you: Our new website
In December 2024, we launched our new website that is designed and laid out to best support those that use it the most. The site provides updated information and accessible resources to a diverse audience with varying needs.
The template used for the update has been adopted by ten other CAS agencies across the province, which is an opportunity for Hamilton Child and Family Supports to demonstrate alignment in the sector, utilize a shared service and recognize cost savings.
Be sure to also follow HCFS on social media!
Resources and Sustainability
Empowering families through celebration and choice
At HCFS, we believe that every family deserves to celebrate their traditions with dignity, joy, and autonomy. That’s why we created the Grateful Hearts program—an initiative rooted in gratitude and designed to honor the diverse cultures and traditions of the children, youth, and families we serve.
In the 2024/2025 season, Grateful Hearts touched the lives of 452 families, distributing over $80,000 in Walmart gift cards thanks to the generosity of our donors. These gift cards were more than just financial support—they were a symbol of trust and empowerment, allowing families to choose what mattered most to them during their special celebrations.
Whether it was groceries for Iftar during Ramadan, gifts for children during Christmas or Diwali, or new clothes for Eid, families used their cards in ways that reflected their unique needs and traditions. This flexibility fosters not only autonomy but also a deep sense of inclusion and respect.
Your support makes this possible. Every donation to Grateful Hearts helps ensure that no family feels left out during moments of joy and reflection. Together, we can continue to build a community where every celebration is honored, and every heart is full.
Community kindness in action
Throughout the year, we are fortunate to receive a wide range of in-kind donations that directly support the families we serve. From backpacks and toys for children and youth to hygiene products and snowsuits, these contributions help meet essential needs and bring joy to families during special moments. Our in-kind donations are overseen by a diverse group of staff from within the organization, ensuring that every contribution has a meaningful impact.
In December 2024, Flynn hosted a festive pizza and coffee truck event, launching a large toy drive that resulted in hundreds of donations for children receiving services from HCFS. Samantha Acton, a long-time supporter, ran her third consecutive toy drive in support of our families. And Cassandra Calzonetti, along with her colleagues at Anderson Therapy Services, organized a workplace toy drive and personally delivered the generous donations to our office.
These acts of kindness truly brighten the season for so many families, and we are deeply grateful for the strong relationships we’ve built with our donors. Your continued support makes a lasting difference.
Children, youth and families need opportunities to thrive
HCFS is a non-profit organization committed to the protection and well-being of children, youth, and families. While government funding supports our mandated services, it’s your generosity that fuels the programs that go beyond the basics – programs that open doors, remove barriers, and create real opportunities for growth and success.
Your donation helps break down the educational, financial, and physical obstacles that too many families face. With your support, we can continue to offer initiatives like the Bursary Program, Back-to-School Program, Summer Camp Program, and Grateful Hearts Program – each one designed to uplift, empower, and inspire.
Together, we can build a future where every child and youth have the chance to reach their full potential.
2024-2025 Stats at a Glance
Financials
Hamilton Child and Family Supports had a deficit for the fiscal year. Although the number of youth in care has decreased, boarding costs have continued to rise due to increased boarding rates. The deficit is less than the prior year as the organization continues to work achieve a balanced budget.
This is a summary of details in the 2024-2025 audited financial statements prepared under Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and audited by KPMG LLP. A full audited financial statement is available on our website here.
Registered Charitable Number: 118852136 RR 0001
