Toronto Hostels Training Centre THTC Toronto Hostels

Toronto Hostels Training Centre (THTC)

Toronto Hostels Training Centre Mission Statement n To enhance the performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations working with vulnerable communities through practical and progressive training initiatives Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Reasons THTC Established n Result of three deaths (Eugene Upper, Irwin Anderson and Mirdalah-Aldin Koopani) within the shelter sector and subsequent inquest Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Reasons THTC Established (Cont’d) n n n Desire to create a mandatory training program which establishes a standard, commonly held knowledge base and skill set for shelter workers across the sector To provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and best practices among shelter staff Improve staff interaction with service users Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Toronto Hostels Training Centre n THTC established in September 1997 as a partnership between the City of Toronto Hostel Services Division and the Ontario Association of Hostels – Toronto Chapter n Federally Incorporated in November 27, 2000 n Registered Charity January 1, 2001 Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Staffing n Executive Director n Office Administrator n Office Assistant n Part-time Cleaner Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Governance n Board of Directors n Challenges Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Funding n Annual Funding from City of Toronto - $198, 000. 00 n n n Staff salaries and overhead expenses Subject to annual review by the City Training Revenues from participant fees - yearly average range $193, 000. 00 to $210, 000. 00 n Facilitator/trainer costs, handouts, catering (when possible) Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Revenue Breakdown n Total Revenue for 2008 - $405, 096. 00 n n n City Funding - $198, 000. 00 Training Fees - $192, 701. 00 Special Project Funding (HPI) - $2359. 00 Memberships - $7425. 00 Interest - $4611. 00 Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Expenses Breakdown n Total Expenses for 2008 - $438, 221. 94 n n n n Materials and Service - $183, 587. 10 Transportation and Communication - $14, 144. 51 Other Expenses - $8236. 09 Building and Maintenance Services/Utilities - $3887. 78 Mortgage and Related - $67, 865. 09 Salary Expenses - $146, 896. 46 Catering - $10, 739. 66 Special Projects (HPI) - $2865. 25 Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Training Fees n n n Member and Non-Member training rates The member rate is $10 less than the nonmember rate For example, a full-day session, on average costs either $57/$67, two-day training - $75/$85, halfday $42/$52 on average Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Client Breakdown n Training priority given to City of Toronto shelter staff as dictated by THTC funding agreement n 65% City Funded Shelters n 35% Other Organizations and/or individuals Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Training Content n n First Priority: to implement training requirements outlined in the Shelter Standards Also provide additional training beyond Shelter Standards requirements n Helps to increase THTC’s client base, service broader social service sectors Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Training Development n Course Committee n Curriculum Committee n Role THTC Board of Directors Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Training Programs n Training Calendar n Benefit to Shelter staff n Certificate Programs Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Trainers n New instructor application process n Hiring of instructors process n Instructor experience and curriculum Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Partnerships n On-site training partnerships n n n n Toronto Public Health Canadian Training Institute Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) Canadian Association of Mental Health (CAMH) Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Hincks/Delcrest ADET Inc. Hy’N’Hancement Consulting Inc. Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Partnerships Cont’d n Off-site training partnerships/equivalencies n n n University of Toronto, St. Michael’s College Volunteer Lawyers Service The Chang School – Ryerson University Toronto Public Health Resources Exist for Networking and Training (RENT) Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Participation Policies n Arrival/Attendance n Participation/Evaluation n Certification Standards Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Hostels Training Centre Certificate n Mandatory n n n Standard First Aid and CPR Crisis Prevention Training Documentation Skills Workplace Hazards Information System (WHMIS) Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Transgender/Transsexual Training Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Hostels Training Centre Certificate Cont’d n Electives n n n n n Case Management Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills Cultural Diversity Exploring Urban Aboriginal Issues Mental Health An Overview Motivational Counselling Substance Use Hidden Disabilities Ontario HIV/Substance Use (two day) Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Thoughts on Entry Level Training n n n n Crisis Prevention (each agency deliver specific program) Standard First Aid and CPR WHMIS Documentation Case Management Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Substance Use/Mental Health Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Thoughts on Executive and Management Training n n n n n Know basics as per entry level training Conflict Resolution/Mediation/Verbal de-escalation training Industry Standards Training (comparable to Ontario Occupational Health and Safety – Competent Supervisor Training) Supervision Training/Supervision specific unionized settings Diversity Training Management Perspective Policy Development Financial Training Proposal Writing (if applicable) Program Evaluation Team Development Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Thoughts on Non-Profit Board Training n Board Governance Training n Role and purpose, financial, legal obligations, ED board relationship, risk management, orientation agency/sector etc. n Policy Development n Proposal Writing n Diversity Training Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Lessons Learned/Helpful Hints n n n n n Stable Government funding and popular core training programs vital to financial feasibility Encourage sector develop standard training and certificate program Engage sector to assist in setting standard training and curriculum development Offer training off-site at central venue Training interactive, limit 20 participants Use peer speakers within sessions/standardized patients Train-the-trainer vs. non train-the-trainer Clear/written registration/cancellation policies Partnerships Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Success n n n Quality of training provide at economical cost Support of funder through Quality Assurance and Shelter Standards requirements Key positioning of THTC take on new projects as assigned, assists financial viability n Strong staff – helpful and efficient n Welcoming, pleasant training environment Toronto Hostels Training Centre