UNITY Charity
Annual Report
September 1st 2014 to August 31st, 2015
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UNITY Culture
UNITY Programs
Performance Highlights
Partners & Donors
Financial Highlights
UNITY Team Model
Dear UNITY
Family & Supporters,
On behalf of the entire UNITY staff, artists and board of directors,
I am so excited to share with you all that we have accomplished last year
in our goal to empower youth with the skills needed to succeed in
today’s world.
After 8 years of programming in priority schools and communities
across Canada there are lots of stories to share. UNITY alumni are doing
incredible things with their skills and passions. That is why this year
we are focusing our annual report on UNITY alumni. This report is
a glimpse into UNITY’s programs, impact and overall organization
from September 1st, 2014 to August 31st, 2015.
A lot has changed in the past year with UNITY! Last year we
revamped program metrics, process and evaluation to better achieve
our mission. We also restructured the UNITY board of directors
and board committee structure.
Only three to six years from the time these young people first met UNITY
program coordinators and artist educators they are already achieving
incredible personal heights in their education and career development.
Thank you for supporting positive youth mental health!
Peace, love and UNITY,
Sincerely,
Michael Prosserman aka Bboy Piecez
UNITY Founder & Executive Director
UNITY
CULTURE
UNITY would not exist without the people that contribute
their passion and dedication to the cause. UNITY’s culture
is to embrace and highlight the strengths of everyone that is
involved. This year UNITY would like to reflect on the past
few years and share with you all UNITY’s Alumni. These
individuals have contributed their time, passion and dedication
to take UNITY to the level it is today. We would like to thank
each of them for being part of the UNITY Family!
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UNITY & THE ARTS
Express your
stress & develop
skills for success
Values
Respect
Integrity
Passion
Community
Youth
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Mission
UNITY uses arts to empower
youth with the confidence and
skills for success
Vision
UNITY creates more
productive citizens, safer schools
and healthier communities.
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UNITY
ALUMNI
Peter Downes AKA Downrock
program participant & dancer
“Unity has impacted my life in a very positive way by allowing me to express
myself in my craft on a much bigger scale and to improve it as well through
many opportunities such as teaching, doing performances, and having space
to practice and learn from others. Unity helped me meet a lot of knowledgable
people that gave me support and valuable advice that would boost not only
my life but things I enjoyed the most. Dance.”
Malik Musleh
staff
Malik is studying at Osgood Hall law school Faculty of Law.
“I saw UNITY grow from a small local not-for-profit to a national charity, and I
grew with it. Working for Unity changed my life, and I will always be thankful.”
Kareen Wong AKA Karebear
program participant & Dancer
Kareen studied at University of Waterloo Entry to Practice Doctor of Pharmacy and
is currently a co-op pharmacy student at Humber River Hospital. “I can never be
more grateful for what Unity has done for me. I used to be a very shy kid... until I
stumbled into the program. It drew out the outgoing, confident, and passionate side
of me that I had never felt before. Being involved for over six years now, it is safe
to say that most of my successes involving school, dance and work have branched
from what I learned throughout the years with Unity.”
Lauren Pink
Volunteer
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Lauren is studying at University of Toronto in Psychology.
“UNITY is a cycle of good, fun karma that I am glad to continue to be a part of :D”
Weiming Yuan
program participant & Dancer
Weiming studied at Ryerson and founded a successful clothing and accessory
company called “August Brand”. “ UNITY was an essential factor in my personal
and professional growth. They showed me how to apply myself to do more and
make more out of passions. They were the launchpad to lift me up into achieving
more out of my passions.”
Jessey Pacho AKA Phade
Staff & Graffiti artist
“Unity has shown me that when you pursue a goal long enough and want it
for the right reasons, sooner or later you’ll attain success, and reach amazing
heights. I’ve been able to create for myself, literally with my two hands, a career
path from an art form I started in the streets, an art form widely considered
to be illegal.”
Stanley Wong
volunteer
“Literally the biggest change of my life, UNITY has introduced me to
an awesome commUNITY that I am glad to have become a part of.”
Ray Abergas
program participant & Spokenword Poet
Ray is working and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. “In high school, UNITY
Charity helped me identify who I was and what kind of person I wanted to be.
Now, as an entrepreneur, I highly endorse UNITY charity’s mission statement to
help better myself and the people around me. Without UNITY, I don’t think I
would be in the position that I’m in right now.”
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Jane Souralaysack AKA Psyreine
program participant & Beatboxer
Jane is studying at the University of Toronto for a Bachelors in Arts and Science
with a Cognitive Science major, Linguistics major and a French minor. “UNITY
taught me to redirect negative energy into my expression in art forms. Beatboxing
has really helped me relieve myself from my family issues, school stress, and
insecurities. The feeling I get from performing or jamming in cyphers is incredible
because of all of the positivity and sense of belonging. I am encouraged to be
myself and to show others my story through music.”
Marcus Thompson
volunteer
Marcus is studying at Albert Campbell Collegiate.
“Unity has introduced me to a lot of people that share the same interests.”
Ghazal Farkhari
program participant & Spokenword poet
Ghazal is studying at the University of Toronto, and in a co-op psycholinguistics
program. “Unity is not just a charity. It is a community of amazing people who do
incredible things that change people’s lives. Unity has helped me develop an identity
for myself, has helped me sum up to courage to finally be able to call myself a poet.
This program helped me enhance skills I never realized I had and has taught me so
much including the thirst to always learn more, and explore new things. It’s given
me the opportunity to meet amazing people who have become my family and I feel
so engraved in a beautiful society full of love, art and beauty. Thank you Unity.”
Daryl Robinson AKA Thunderclaw
program participant & spokenword poet
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Thunderclaw plans to go into a Massage Therapy Program. Currently, he teaches
Spoken Word Poetry workshops and classes at Westview Highschool cose by Jane
and Finch. “Being in UNITY has allowed me to meet amazing artists in Toronto
and has allowed me to spend more time with some of the artists I already knew.
Being in uniffect was especially helpful to my writing skills as I got to practice often
and have amazing cyphers with even more amazing poets, rappers and writers.
On top of that I was given first hand experience in running workshops and an
opportunity to perform for my school and inspire many young new artist.”
Emma Smith
volunteer
Emma is studying at Ontario College of Art and Design University Program:
Drawing and Painting. “UNITY changed the way I saw the world, and the way I
saw myself, it gave me a place I wanted to be.”
Dequan Clarke
program participant & Dancer
Dequan is attending Centennial College for the Dance Performance program.
“Unity has done so much for me over the years, in giving me a platform to create,
explore and grow. Not only as an artist but as a person.”
Ryan Buckspan AKA Beatspawn
program participant & Beatboxer
Ryan graduated from George Brown College for Construction and Renovations and
is currently working at Northwest Auto Parts. “Unity has given me and allowed me
to make my dreams a reality. I have been given a outlet to not only have a safe space
to practice my art, but I also have the chance to show my art to others and to teach
them and to perform. I will always be grateful for the good Unity has done for me and
helping make my dreams a reality, but also allowing me to help others achieve their
own dreams and to help build new ones.”
Usman Dauda
program participant
Usman currently studying at Western university for Engineering. “Unity has
impacted my life by showing me the effect of hard work. Spending quality time on
a skill or task will mean you improve at it, even if it is a little bit, which is to me all
that matters.”
Andel James AKA Handlez
staff & Dancer
Andel is studying at Ryerson University for Criminology. “Unity allowed me the
opportunity to connect with the youth and stay relevant in the hip-hop community.”
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Marcelino DaCosta AKA Frost
staff & dancer
“Unity charity has given me the means to advance the reach of my community
development work and granted me the opportunity to continue building sustainable
opportunities for those impacted and inspired by our urban art forms.”
Roda Medhat
program participant & Videographer/Dancer
Roda is at OCADU studying integrated media. He will be studying at FAMU in Prague
for 1 semester of cinematography. Currently, he works as UNITY’s videographer
and with the city of Markham as program instructor. “Unity has provided me the
opportunity to pursue what I love, connect me with like minded individuals, and
helped me realize that there is a purpose to pursuing artistic outlets.”
Marcus Wells AKA Ribdominals (Ribs)
program participant & dancer
Marcus is working in schools with a local dance organizations to teach dance in
schools across Nova Scotia. “I first got involved with UNITY through our local UNITY
drop in session. Time went on and UNITY asked me to do shows and such, and after
a short time I had been asked to hold our local UNITY festival which really helped
me take off in helping out more in my community. Today because of UNITY and the
many other groups I’ve worked with I’m now very prominent in my community and
well on my way to being seen across Canada! I want to give a huge thank you to
UNITY and hope to stay involved through my travels across Canada.”
James Luong
volunteer & Breakdancer
James is applying to Centennial College for their Dance Program. “UNITY gave
me the strength, courage and positive environment that greatly contributed to my
development and growth as a person and a dancer. Being with UNITY allowed me to
connect with inspirational youth across the city that pushed and encouraged me to
do what I love. Without their love and support I wouldn’t be where I am today. Lots
of love!”
Erin Zimerman AKA Rock
artist educator & graffiti artist
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“Unity has given me opportunities to share my expertise with youth all around the
country, and to teach how to use the underlying skills in everyday life and as coping
mechanisms. Graffiti is often considered to be a negative impact, but by promoting
the positive aspects, we are also changing its role in our world.”
Stephen Leafloor AKA Buddha
dancer
Stephen is a mentor to many UNITY artists and staff as the founder and executive
director of Blueprint For Life. www.blueprintforlife.ca
Erine Thai
program participant & Spokenword Poet
Erine is studying at the University of Calgary in the program of English and planning
to do the 2 year education degree after. She is also working as an artistic instructor
with globalfest, and also as a waitress on the weekends. “UNITY has taught me
many things, but most importantly that sometimes you’ve got to step out of your
comfort zone in order to grow. After being exposed to UNITY back in high school,
I developed the courage to push my artistic potential to its fullest, as well as the
skills to help youth find and embrace their artistic talents too! By carrying UNITY’s
values with me throughout everyday life, such as respect, integrity and passion,
I have transformed from a shy, self-conscious individual to a confident spoken word
artist and instructor. To this day I continue to strive for growth as an artist and an
individual, and I’ve even recently begun to work on my freestyle rap skills.”
Wei Dong Yuan
program participant & dancer
Wei Dong is currently working on entrepreneurial projects. “All it takes to change
someone’s life is one positive experience. From there, anything can happen.
I never imagined dancing could ever take me so far, and it’s only because of my
involvement with Unity Charity that I’ve been given the opportunities, values,
and lessons that I’ve received. It’s changed my life for the better.”
Kyrabelle Kapulong AKA Kyrabeyvs
program participant
Kyrabeyvs is studying at Seneca College for Accounting and Finance Program.
Kyra was also a summer camp counselor for unity’s summer camp programs.
“Unity helped me build up my confidence when dancing in front of a huge crowd.
Thanks Unity!”
Marcus Lomboy
youth participant, Unity board of directors & Spokenword Poet
“UNITY has given me a purpose; for why I write and why I try to teach and connect
with others. I understand the gravity of my poems and my words, but also my story
and how I can use it to help change the lives of anyone the universe crosses my
path with.”
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Tafiya Itiaba-Bayah AKA Anansi
program participant, UNITY staff & dancer
Tafiya graduated from OCAD in the Integrated Media program. “UNITY has impacted
my life in many ways. I could write a thesis paper about all the different ways.
However, the most important way that it has impacted me, out of all of them, is
that UNITY helped show me that all my interactions with people are very important,
regardless of how small the act. I realized through being a part of and running
community programs, that although I may not be around to see the effects of the
things I have done, every small action I do, can have a profound effect on the
environment around me. What I say and I do matters. UNITY helped me realize, that
I matter, even in the largest of cities where I am nothing but one out of a million.”
Karen Au
staff
“My work with UNITY reminds me of all the goodness that is possible in people.
This gentle yet necessary reminder is a light that can brighten even the darkest
days. I am so grateful to be part of this community that has been a support for
so many, and I am so thankful for the youth that I have had the privilege of
connecting with over the years. Blessings!”
Grace Premachandran
volunteer
Grace has an Honours BA Political Science from York University and is currently
working at Bank of Montreal and applying to enter law school in September 2016.
She was also past presidnet of UNITY chapter at York University. “UNITY has helped
me grow and develop into a community-minded leader by constantly providing me
with invaluable experiences over the years. I am continuously being drawn in and
inspired by the youth initiated activism and the passion everyone holds for the arts.
UNITY has shown me purpose, and for that I will always be grateful.”
Vivek Parikh AKA NoodleZ
program participant & Dancer
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Vivek is studying at University of Toronto Scarborough Program in International
Business and Management Co-op and currently works at RBC. He was the former
president of the UNITY chapter at University of Toronto Scaroborough. “UNITY has
shown me how to go beyond boundaries and push myself to discover more hidden
talents within myself. They have showed to me that everyone has a passion for
something but sometimes we need to push ourselves to discover what exactly it
takes to make that passion into a talent.”
Adrian Bernard AKA Switch
artist educator & dancer
Adrian is currently studying social work. He has been a core UNITY artist for
many years.“Lessons return, until they are learned”
Bidhan Berma AKA Berma
program participant & Spokenword Poet
Bidhan is studying at York University for Urban Studies. “UNITY has completely
changed who I am. It helped me realize that I can not only do what I love but I can
have a huge positive impact in my community while I do it.”
Matthew Jones AKA Testament
staff & MC/Spokenword Poet
Matthew aka Testament has contributed to almost every facet of UNITY’s programs
since he met us in 2007. He has helped build many of our core programs from the
bottom up.“Unity has helped me take my artistry to new levels and provided me
with a platform to inspire and connect with youth.”
Wendy Tu
Dancer
Wendy is studying at University of Toronto doing a double major in Neuroscience
and Psychology and currently the Co-President of UNITY at University of Toronto
university chapter. “I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities that UNITY’s
community of talented and supportive people has provided me for personal growth.”
Jay Harvey
program participant & Dancer
Jay is studying at University of Toronto for Computer Science and is the current
Vice President of UNITY Chapter at University of Toronto. “Growing up, I fought with
issues of self-confidence that lead me to be a very shy person. Through getting
involved with Unity, I was able to meet new people, and hear some amazing and
inspirational stories of how the hip-hop culture can have such a positive influence
on youth. Unity not only helped me to see my potential as a dancer, but also as a
leader in my community.”
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Alannah Belanger
volunteer
Alannah is studying at McGill University for International Development and currently
working as a Promotions Team Member for the McGill Athletics and Recreation.
“UNITY has provided me the opportunity to teach youth to be themselves, while
at the same time teaching me that valuable lesson. Even though I am not an
artist, UNITY has embraced me with open arms, teaching me the importance of
perseverance, of integrity, and of having an incredible support system. Every year,
I come back to this amazingly passionate and compassionate family, and I get to
see how the youth have grown, not just in their art form but in their self-confidence,
dedication and sense of community. That’s something I’ve never experienced
anywhere but with UNITY.”
Abigail Demonteverde (Abi)
Volunteer
Abigail is studying at George Brown College for Graphic Design. “UNITY has
impacted and influenced my life throughout my high school years. They have taught
me how to become a leader in my own way and that being yourself is a part of being
you. Beforehand I wasn’t the best fish in the sea but when they came to my high
school back in 2010, I was intrigued of who these people were to make a difference
through hip hop. I was able to touch on Graffiti and the dance scene through the
art educators the charity provides. Throughout the 5 years I have been around
with UNITY Charity has been amazing. They have helped me find who I was and is
continually inspiring me and the people around me, who have experienced UNITY
Charity’s festivals on a yearly basis.”
Nathaniel Brown
program participant
Nathaniel is attending Centennial College for its Music Industry Arts and
Performance program. “I loved every moment all the network opportunities
and smiling faces.”
Jerry Zhao
volunteer
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Jerry is studying at Ryerson University for Graphics Communications Management.
“UNITY has really helped me develop a sense of community. UNITY allowed me to
be able to interact and socialize with people from all over Canada and, after being
active within UNITY’s programs, I’ve really begun to feel comfortable both in the
community and within myself.”
Brian Millado
artist educator & Spokenword Poet
Brian graduated from Ryerson University with a BA in English and a History minor.
Currently, he works at the University of Waterloo as a Community Coordinator in
the Housing Department. “My life would had gone a significantly different direction
without the guidance of UNITY. I am a better person to have worked with Mikey and
this organization.”
TAEYEON TK KIM AKA POPPIN TK
artist educator & dancer
TK was one of the first ever artists on the UNITY roster. He is currently sharing his
passion out in Brazil. “UNITY Started off as a talent show for me to perform at. Now
it’s a stage for me to not only dance, but to share my life’s story... To connect with
people, and try to be a genuine role model. UNITY taught me HEART, that I’m truly
alive when I express my heart through whatever.”
Josh Singer
board of directors
Josh was formerly the Chair of UNITY’s Board. “UNITY has showed me that every
individual has a special talent hidden inside them. Many times, people don’t realize
that they have a special talent, and they need someone or something to help them
find their talents & believe in their self. This is what I believe UNITY does for youth…
it gives them the courage to believe in their self, where they can find their talent
and work to realize their potential.”
Scott Jackson AKA Jack in the box
artist educator & Beatboxer
Scott is the Canadian Beatbox Champion and has travelled all across Canada running
programs with UNITY.“Everywhere Unity Charity has gone there has been a positive
ripple effect of learning, sense of community and a new generation of inspired youth.
First hand watching the growth of this organization to a national charity that has had
such a positive impact in so many lives is a continuous inspiration to me to strive to be
my best. There are no words to describe having the kid that nobody “gets” sending a
message to me years later about how Unity Charity changed their lives and set them
on a path they never thought possible. If the entire world would take note of the
core values Unity Charity holds, it would undoubtedly be a better one to live in and
I am happy to see it happening one person at a time.”
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PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Empathy
Stress Management
Leadership
Positive Goal Setting
Artistic Development
Employability
UNITY
PROGRAMS
Empowering AND engaging
youth through the arts
UNITY offers free programming to youth in priority neighbourhoods
in communities across Canada. These programs are offered in community
spaces and in-schools. Community and School Programs are
facilitated by UNITY Artist Educators.
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Community
Programs
Weekly Drop-In’s, Hub, Leadership Groups,
Annual Festival & Artist Training.
UNITY’s community programs are accessible, inclusive, and free
for community members. It brings together differences including art
forms and skill levels/ experience, creating a safe space for expression.
Most of the Community Programs are done in collaboration with city,
community centers and/or other arts organizations.
School
Programs
UNITY Day & After School Crew Program
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UNITY’s school programs consist of assemblies, in-class workshops,
hallway performances and after school clubs. The program engages
and empowers students with leadership and/or artistic potential. This art
based training vehicle builds student skills and teaches outlets that allow
students to positively express their stress. UNITY partners with principals,
teachers and local school boards.
PROGRAM
ATTENDANCE
Reaching One Youth at a Time
The following stats are from the last fiscal year (2014-2015)
and are gathered from programs that UNITY runs across Canada
including Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Alberta.
51,976
Youth Reached
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weekly programs
executed
15
avg. youth attending
a Community Based Program
11
avg. youth attending
an After School Program
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PROGRAM
evaluation
Build for
the Future
The following information was gathered from
studies conducted in the last year from researchers,
social workers, and Ph.D. students.
Exercise &
Mental Health
The following results were completed by University of Toronto Students,
Martin Koo and Sasha Allen.
• Breakdancing is a healthy
and creative way for dancers
to express themselves
• Breakdancing is challenging,
enough to noticeably
improve fitness and cognition
throughout life
• Dancing helps young people keep
their emotions under control
• Dancing makes people more
resilient to stressors (both
physical and psychological)
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• Hip-hop culture in general is
awesomely inclusive, and
provides a great environment
for young people to learn the
social and emotional skills
they need to succeed
• Through exercise and dance,
UNITY helps students who
need it regain their confidence
and regulate their emotions, and
helps people less vulnerable to
negative psychological events
in the future.
“Dancing just helped me so much to
forget about my problems and carry on
with my life.”
– Program Participant
UNITY’S
Community Program
As part of the JW Mcconnell foundation Innoweave fund, Cameron
Hauseman PhD completed the following study. From this 2-year
developmental evaluation UNITY was able to revise program lesson
plans and structures to better fit the participant needs.
• The Community Hubs seem to
be successful in developing stress
management skills, leadership
qualities and empathy in participating youth It has a positive
impact on participating youth.
• It attracts artists at different
stages of their careers. Promoting
informal peer learning and
mentoring.
• Dancers who came at the
beginning of the program and
stayed until the end were more
comfortable and confident in their
art form. They all look up to (the
program coordinator) as well, so
when they do realize that (they)
are open and down to earth and
encouraging, that helps their
confidence.
• Participation in the Hubs has
had a positive impact on their
artistic growth and development.
“I’m one of the youngest here.
I haven’t been going to UNITY that
long, but I came here last year as a
bboy, and now I’m a spoken word
artist, so you evolve in what you are
in the hip-hop community as a person,
which I find really cool, which I find
isn’t as available at open mics or
out in poetry groups in school”
– Program Participant
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PROGRAM Outcomes
& Survey
After-school program outcomes
The following results were an analysis of pre– and post socio-emotional
outcomes from the UNITY after-school program.
Pre-program questionnaires
Em
pa
th
ad
er
sh
ip*
c
go larit
al y
s of
3.5
le
4.0
S
ma tres
na s
ge
me
nt
4.5
y*
Post-program questionnaires
Ratings
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
soci0-emotional outcomes
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* Statistically significant increase in leadership and empathy ratings
was observed in pre/post comparison (sample size = 50)
UNITY Day Program
The following results were taken from youth that participated in the
UNITY Day workshops facilitated by UNITY’s Artist Educators.
Teacher Survey
Youth Survey
100%
said that UNITY staff used
positive behavior management
techniques
74%
have more ways to
express their stress
100%
said that UNITY staff
provided guidance for positive
peer interactions
70%
have more respect for
their classmates
94%
said that UNITY staff
challenged students in the
workshop to move beyond
their level of competency
70%
learned something new
about a classmate they
don’t know well
96%
said that UNITY workshop
activities challenged students
intellectually, creatively,
developmentally, and/or
physically
65%
are more confident
91%
said that students in the
UNITY workshop contributed
opinions, ideas, and concerns
to discussions
60%
are better at
communicating an idea
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performance
Highlights
community
3
hubs
2
leadership groups
NEW HUB
4
drop-ins
program run by Marcelino DaCosta (aka Frost) in Mississauga
in partnership with Nexus and the City of Mississauga
funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation
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evaluation
Completed a 2 year developmental evaluation
on our after school program with PhD Cameron
Hauseman showing ideas for improving and
scaling the hub program.
funding
Received Toronto Arts Council Open Door funding
to develop a strengths based artist training program.
mural project
Implemented a mural project on UNITY’s National Hub program with full time
program coordinator Jessey Pacho’s support (a graffiti artist).
sustainability
manual
Wrote a sustainability manual for UNITY crew programs
in schools which will be tested as a low cost option
to our current after school program model. Program is
being piloted by new unity staff member Tafiya Bayah.
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UNITY DAY PROGRAM
The UNITY Day program is a one-day school engagement program
with powerful and inspiring assembly and afternoon workshops facilitated
by UNITY Artist Educators.
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Schools in Alberta
31
Schools in ontario
7
Schools in Nova Scotia
92
non-school bookings
(conferences, shows, workshops)
Festival 27,000 attendees
UNITY IN
the MEDIA
PR Featured in over 45 media
outlets across the country in 2015,
plus partnerships with Clear Channel,
FLOW 93.5 and MUCH.
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8,415
TWITTER followers
530 new followers.
An average of 30,000+ impressions
per month, with increases
around events.
8,847
FACEBOOK followers
1270 new followers.
An average of 500 views per post.
3,312
instagram followers
National Program
National UNITY Day
Events held in: Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary & Vancouver
10 UNITY Days in Calgary, 5 in Fort McMurray and 6 in Halifax
visit to
Fort Chipewyan
Visited the fly in only community of Fort Chipewyan for 4 days, the first time in
UNITY’s history. This was a partnership with Lake Athabaska Youth Council.
National & Provincial
Artist training
Hosted the first ever National UNITY artist training in Toronto with 5 representatives
flown in from across Canada (Halifax, Winnipeg, Calgary, Fort Mcmurray and Vancouver)
~ and ~
Ran Calgary artist training and national artist training in Toronto funded by CIBC
WORKSHOPS
Ran professional development workshops funded by RBC
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Organization
Board retreat
Board retreat facilitated by Social Venture Partners Toronto helped revise composition and
structure of the board to fit UNITY’s growth plans
Outreach
Outreach visit conducted in Vancouver confirming great interest for future UNITY programs
from the artistic community, school boards, funders and community agencies
Patrons
The Governor General of Canada, His Excellency David Johnston and his spouse,
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston became official patrons of UNITY
Summer camp
Added a second location to UNITY summer camps in Dufferin Peel Board, continued
TDSB summer camps and other Dufferin Peel Camp (employed over 20 youth through
this program all summer giving 100s of youth free summer camp programming)
Fundraising
2nd annual VIP fundraising event raised over $60,000 in Fall 2015
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Mental health
innovation
UNITY was selected to be part of the Mental Health Innovation Network, a global body
for innovative mental health practice in which UNITY was 1 of 5 North American organizations.
The recommendation was from the Governor General of Canada
Strategy
Executive Director Michael Prosserman received scholarship from Harvard Business
School Toronto Chapter for the Strategic Non-Profit Management program providing invaluable
learnings and networks for UNITY’s future growth
Surveys
Completed an analysis of pre and post after school program surveys showing statistical
significance in a positive direction in youth empathy and leadership skills
Training grant
Staff and artists were trained in Mental Health First Aid, Negotiations and Presentation
skills funded by the Ontario Job Training grant
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PARTNERS
National Partners
Community Hub
ONTARIO
After School Program
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Artist Training
Community Hub
Drop-Ins
Summer Camp
Operations
Leadership Programs
Evaluation
Artist Training
In-Kind Support
33
NORthern Alberta
Maritimes
Community Partners
34
Aeroplan Beyond Miles Art Starts Alberta’s
Promise Beatbox Canada Blueprint For Life City
of Mississauga Dufferin Peel Catholic School
Board Goodwill Scarborough Globalfest Halifax
Boys and Girls Club Hip Hop Huis Justin Slade Youth
Foundation Graffiti Gallery (Winnipeg) Kindred
Culture Ill Abilities ManifesTO MHIN Nexus
Northern Elements Playing for Keeps Pulse
PREVnet Raw Skool RISE Suits U SLYE Toronto
Culture Toronto Panam Toronto Tourism Toronto
District School Board Wefree
UNITY Festival
Partners
Lead Sponsor
Supporting Partner
Media
Funders
UNITY
Celebrating
Supporters
Event
Friends of Festival
UNITY VIP EVENT
35
OUR DONORS THANK YOU
Community
Investors
$15,000 - $20,000+
Angel
Investors
$10,000 - $14,999
Ada W. Slaight Fund at Toronto Foundation
BloombergSen Investment Partners
Ronald Prosserman
The Dunkley Charitable Foundation
Venterra Realty
Augusta Holdings Inc.
Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky
Angel
Lead
Supporters
Investor
$5,000 - $9,999 $1,500 - $4,999
Al & Annette Van Mil
Birch Hill Equity Partners
Burgundy Asset Management Ltd.
Connor, Clark, Lunn Foundation
David Green and Daphne Wagner
Gary & Madoka Prosserman
Kent Sobey
Kindred Culture
Michael Salamon & Tracy Pryce
RP Investments
SuitsU
Westcourt Capital Corporation
Anna Kennedy
Azim Alibhai
CanFirst Capital Management
David Gray
David Serber
Diamondcorp
Emma Capital Investments Inc
Eric Goldstrand
EY
KJ Harrison
Linda & Geoff Pearlstein
Morley Green
Susan and Gregory Guichon
Foundation
The Rotary Club of Toronto
36
Turtle Creek
School
Investor
$1,000 - $1,499
Amy Baryshnik
Brian Prosserman
Carol Seidman
Charles Winograd
Christina Mangal
David McKay
Gemini Asset Management Inc.
Jeffrey Magid
Jordan Shaw-Young
Joseph Ribkoff
Joshua Singer
Michelle Madley
Pledges for change
Raymond James Canada Foundation
The Ahmads
Universal Truck Sales Ltd
Urban Groove
Role Model
Investor
$500 - $999
Aaron Lam
Allan Rouben
Chris Murphy
Erin Reich
Glenda Rissman
Harry Washaw
Harvey and Annice Frisch
Jades Hip Hop Academy
Jennifer Wilson
Jodi Weber
Martin David Bauman
Nicholas Pszeniczny
PFDL Investments
Sheldon Silverberg
Stuart Berkowitz
Tim Morgan
Friends
$25 - $499
Adam Sherman
Aimee Lavallee
Ali Shah
Andrew Reback
Andy and Lynn Nulman
Angela Tang
Ansa Pottekkat
Anthony Dalfio
Barbara Bansky
Barbara Reich
Brass Enterprises
Brett Miller
Brian Jollymore
Bryan Sherk
Caitlin Decristoforo
Carey Singer
Carl Murphy
Cary Selby
Cindy Roemer
Clark Longeran
Cynthia Quigley
David Kaufman
David LaVista
David Shlagbaum
Denise Price
Derek Mior
Elliott Kobulnik
Erika Wien
Eva Li
Frank Alvaro
Frank Bilotta
Frank Shostack
Geneva Owen
Greg Bohne
Greg K Wong
Harvey Goldwax
Harvey Kalles
Howard Lerner
Jason Wein
Jennifer Wan
Jessica Sin
Joel Baker
Jordan Gould
Joshua Lee
Joyce Nyhof-Young
Kara Mispel-Beyer
Katherine Forbes
Kevin Moore
Kimberly Ho
Leslie Du
Lin Yang
Lorie Goldfinger
Lorne Price
Maria Bell
Mark Auslander
Michael G Goldfarb
Michael Sax
Michelle Prosserman
Mitchell Marcus
Mohamed Al-Borno
Moon Panem
Mr & Mrs Edul Rahaman
Nadia Ahmed
Natasha Larente
Nattalea Francis-Campbell
Nav Sandhawalia
Neil Bubis
Nelia Galapon
Nikola Zivkovic
Nisha Kansal
Pauline Ling
Pritesh Patel
Ray Parujan
Raymond Vankrimpen
Rhoda Payne
Rick Arnone
Rishma Jessa
Rita Borsoi
Romi-Lee Sevel
Romina Marsullo
Rona Krawczyk
Ruth Davis
Samuel Saywack
Sandeep Bajwa
Saudia Jabar
Sean Maislin
Shawn Rosenzweig
Shelley Lewis
Silvana Giusfredi
Simon Chan
Stephan Caputo
Steve Buckley
Susan Hamade
Susan Weinberg
Tanya Ricci
Tanya Skyomrovska
Terry McInally
Torquest Holdings Inc.
Travor Tran
Wajahat Mahmood
Xuan(Flora) Feng
Ying Yan
YongXian(Joyce) Jian
Yoram Beck
37
Financial
Highlights
funds raised in 2015
$1,114,000
38
revenue
2014
69%
11%
20%
Revenue breakdown
Corporate & government support
Individual donations & 3rd party events
Program fees
20%
20%
2014
11%
2015
53%
27%
20%
2015
$956,000
revenue
69%
$1,114,000
revenue
27%
53%
Expenses
Expense Breakdown
programming
management & Admin
fundraising & communications
2014
75%
11%
14%
11%
14%
11%
2015
74%
15%
11%
15%
2014
$915,000
expenses
2015
$987,000
expenses
75%
74%
39
TEAM
MODEL
Operations
team
Leadership
team
Collaborative
Vision
40
Staff
Michael Prosserman – Founder & Executive Director
Michael Thomas – Managing Director, Operations
Rajni Sharma – Director of Development & Communications
Matthew Jones – Director of National Programs
Kevin Reigh – Development Coordinator (Grant Writer)
Andrew Hicks – Festival Coordinator
Cécile Ferandier – Festival & Volunteer Coordinator
Clinton Ghosh – Program Coordinator
Galyn Esmé – Program Coordinator
Jessey Pacho – Program Coordinator
Diamond Osoteo – Bookings Coordinator
Marcel DaCosta – Program Coordinator
Catherine Turcotte – Community Program Coordinator
Tafiya Itiaba Bayah – UNITY Crew Manual Cooridnator
Jim Cartasano & Shamar Ramsay – UNITY Shop Coordinator
Ella Avila – Finance Coordinator
Karen Au – Volunteer Coordinator
Board of
Directors
Adam Silver – Member
Amy Baryshnik – Member
Anthony Lipschitz – Member
Azim Alibhai – Chair
Dawneen Boyle – Member
Josh Singer – Member
Marcus Lomboy – Member
Shane Green – Member
Ugo Di Federico – Treasurer
Vivian Yeung – Secretary
41
Strategic
Partnerships
Committee
Finance
Committee
Bill Charters
Josh Spagnoletti
Corey Goldman
Tony Nacev
Dawneen Boyle
Ugo Di Federico – Chair
Azim Alibhai
Amy Baryshnik
Jodi Weber
Josh Singer - chair
Robert Blazevski
Governance
Committee
Ron Prosserman
Adam Silver
Karl Kremer
Peter Kozicz
Rajni Sharma
Azim Alibhai – Chair
Christopher Anderson
Eric Comartin
Festival
Working Group
Program &
Evaluations
Committee
Ellen Morgan
Aaron Clarfield
Marcus Lomboy
Abid Virani
Matthew Hughsam
Alex Meers
Michael Thomas
Anastasia Klyushin
Sarah Earl
Anna Isaeva
Shane Green – Co-chair
Carlos Bustamante
Vivian Yeung – Co-chair
Damien Nelson
Erica Cheah
Evelyne Au-Navioz
Jasmine Wong – Co-chair
Luke High
Marc Chitiz – Co-chair
Roman Lifshitz
42
Special
Advisors
Social Venture Partners Toronto
www.svptoronto.org
UNITY ARTIST
EDUCATORS
OVER
80
The following artists have gone through
UNITY’s Artist Training Program. These
artists facilitate workshops and perform
at UNITY assemblies and events.
Toronto Contract
Artist Educators
34
OVER
Breakdancing
6
All-styles Dance
6
10
Nova Scotia Contract
Artist Educators
OVER
10
Alberta Contract
Artist Educators
Hip-Hop Dance
32
Spokenword/Emcee
2
Urban Art/ Graffiti
10
Beatboxing
80
Volunteers
43
unitycharity.com
unishop.ca
facebook.com/unitycharity
@unitycharity
20 Carlton Street Suite 126,
Toronto Ontario M5B 2H5
Charitable Status
# 85735 9012 RR0001