To our community of supporters:

As the pandemic continued into 2021, we saw Eva’s staff continue to rise up and support young people when they needed it most. At the Board level, we continued focusing on our equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) goals and led the appointment of Eva’s Executive Director.

Equity at the Board level

In June 2019, we began to diversify the Board of Directors gradually and intentionally, with the recruitment of new Board members. These recruitment efforts continued into 2020-21.

In February 2021, we developed a Board Equity Committee to centre equity in the governance, operations, and strategic priorities at Eva’s. This work continues at the Board level, and we look forward to providing additional updates on the momentum we’re building in next year’s annual impact report.

Board governance

Our equity, diversity, and inclusion work will be complemented by a governance review, led by a consultant with expertise in anti-Black racism and anti-oppression. It will be completed in the 2021-22 fiscal year. We look forward to aligning and adjusting our governance practices to support Eva’s legacy and equity work.

Strategic planning

Our work in support of our EDI goals and governance review process will both help set the stage for Eva’s next strategic planning exercise, which will begin in the 2021-22 fiscal year. We will continue to centre the legacy of our founder, Eva Smith, and our core organizational principles in our work as we strive to help young people build brighter futures free of homelessness.

A message of gratitude

On behalf of the Board, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the many people who give of themselves to make Eva’s the community pillar it is today: the Smith Family, Eva’s staff, our donors, and our supporters. Thank you also to the incredible youth who continue to show such strength and resilience during these challenging times.

Aisha Francis and Graeme Young

Co-Chairs of the Eva’s Board of Directors

2020-21 Fiscal Year