Strategic Plan
2025 – 2030
Vision
All children and youth feel safe, heard, and empowered.
Mission
The CYAC provides a safe space and a specialized care team for children, youth, their families and caregivers who have been impacted by abuse and/or trauma.
Beneficiaries
All children and youth to age 24 who have been impacted by abuse and/or trauma and their non-offending family members/caregivers.
Values
Overall, a trauma-informed approach is central to our work.
We value being HEARD …
H
Heart:
We care about people. We are committed to act with compassion, integrity, and honesty in al situations and we listen with respect and empathy.
E
Excellence:
We are determined to achieve ambitious, measurable outcomes in working toward our Vision. We strive for accuracy and credibility in the pursuit of results. We maintain evidence-informed practices in all aspects of operations.
A
Advocacy:
We advocate, for individuals, for early, seamless access to care and resources to start the healing journey which contribute to outcomes that best suit the needs and choices of the children and youth and their families/caregivers. We also advocate for system changes within governments.
R
Relationships:
We collaborate with our community partners to develop, deliver, and coordinate services. We are dedicated to mutual sharing of expertise and knowledge with other agencies, professionals, and the broader community. By putting the needs of children & youth first, we work at building effective relationships with children, youth & their families/caregivers. We demonstrate respect for all through our words and actions.
D
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
We value diversity, equity and inclusion with respect to the children, youth and families/caregivers we support, as well as volunteers, and staff. Through welcoming diversity and an inclusive environment, people of all backgrounds and experiences feel welcomed, valued, and respected, understood and a sense of belonging.
Strategic Priorities
Financial Stability
A stable and resilient financial system where institutions can effectively provide resources, services, and products to support investment, growth, and participation in the economy. It essentially means the ability to withstand shocks and maintain functionality during good and bad times.
Goals
1. To secure sustainable funding from government sources at national and provincial levels.
2. To increase local fundraising efforts.
3. To improve retention of donors.
Evidence-Informed Program Delivery
A framework that uses research evidence, practitioner expertise, and the lived experience of those affected by a program to design, implement, and improve programs and services. It aims to ensure that interventions are effective, efficient, and tailored to the specific needs of the population(s) they serve.
Goals
- To increase program evaluation & data collection to assist with identifying gaps. This will require more communication between MDT data leads.
- To increase staff capacity (e.g., PD training).
- To build skills in partners based on our expertise.
- To strengthen partnerships.
Effective Board & Staff Leadership
A synergistic relationship where the Board provides guidance, oversight, and accountability, while the staff executes the strategic direction and manages day-to-day operations. This collaboration ensures the organization achieves its purpose while maintaining ethical conduct and accountability.
Goals
- To enhance governance (i.e., formalized structure, clear roles and responsibilities for Board, appropriate training for Board, regular and thorough on-boarding procedures)
- Succession planning for both staff & Board members.
Community Awareness & Engagement
The proactive effort to inform and involve community members in the purpose and work of the organization. It’s about creating a sense of shared responsibility and encouraging participation in service delivery, decision-making and problem-solving.
Goals
- To increase awareness about CYACSM such that it becomes a “household name”.
- To expand partnerships.
- To increase visibility of the organization.
Wellbeing of the Team/Organization
The 15 factors associated with Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (The “Canadian Standard”) are assessed and necessary actions identified to improve the situation.
Goals
- To support a strong, healthy organizational culture.