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Since 1992, Mission Possible has transformed lives in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by focusing on the immediate, tangible needs of the community.
What started out as one woman serving sandwiches out of the back of her station wagon to those that were hungry for food, evolved to meet the needs of those who are hungry for life change — specifically through access to meaningful work.
While our programs have evolved over the years, we have always stayed focused on our core belief that everyone inherently has the capacity for growth and change.
And I know that you believe that too.
With your steadfast, generous support, Mission Possible is now a sought after leader in our field of community economic development. We have a proven model for championing people who face significant barriers to accessing meaningful, long term work opportunities.
We believe in the power of work to transform a life. Through work, people are moved out of isolation and into connection. They are contributing to something that is greater than themselves. They are accountable to others. Like you’ll read here in Noah’s story, work is so much more than just the job.
This past year points to just how hungry our community is for change.
We saw the demand for our information sessions increase by 40% since this time last year before pausing our intake due to overwhelming demand. With you by our side, our team is working hard to respond to this growing need and remove more barriers to employment.
As you read this Annual Report, I hope that you see just how big of a difference you have made through your support. You are changing people's lives with your generosity — offering people a bridge out of poverty by empowering them with the skills and experience they need to thrive at work and in life.
With gratitude for this community,
Matthew Smedley
Executive Director & Chief Empowerment Officer
OUR REACH IN THE COMMUNITY
For people facing the significant barriers of homelessness, poverty, and addiction, the opportunity to secure meaningful work is often out of reach.
At Mission Possible, we believe in people's inherent capacity for growth. We take on the role of coach, empowering people as they access training programs, skill-building opportunities, and ultimately, work opportunities.
From information sessions available to everyone, to our flagship Employment Readiness Program and transitional work opportunities at our social enterprises — MP Maintenance and MP Neighbours — we walk with people on their own journey to meaningful employment.
This past year over 1,200 people expressed interest in these opportunities by signing up for our information sessions. This overwhelming demand caused us to pause our intake several times and evaluate how we can adapt to serve more people.
Here’s a snapshot of our reach in the community last year:
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NOAH'S STORY
CULTIVATING A NEW LIFE THROUGH WORK
When Noah first arrived at Mission Possible, it had been over a decade since he'd been employed.
Noah once had a thriving career in computer technology, but when he began using substances and drinking excessively, it was impossible to keep a job.
Noah knew he needed help, so he attended a recovery program and started working towards rejoining the workforce.
"Seeing other people at work, that's something I envied," he shares, "I was missing that sense of community and the opportunity to earn money, but I'd been displaced from the industry for so long it was a bit daunting."
We recognize that for women and non-binary people, working in a co-ed environment can be a barrier in and of itself. In 2020, we developed the Women's Team to create a safe space for women and non-binary people to participate in our Employment Readiness Program.
The Women's Team removes barriers that women and non-binary associates face in the workplace through unique programming, professional development, and leadership opportunities. We also ensure more gender representation in day-to-day work.
For example, Women's Team associates have the opportunity to attend Mission Possible's annual Women's Team Personal Development Summit. The Summit is designed to hold space for women and non-binary people to connect and learn in order to increase confidence and empower them to thrive and lead in the workplace.
At the summit, participants join their peers in carefully chosen and curated workshops that focus on personal and professional growth. At our most recent Summit, Vancouver Art Therapy Initiative led attendees through an intuitive vision board session, Employ to Empower helped them discover business ideas, and Family Services of Greater Vancouver gave useful tips on budgeting and goal setting.
Tara Chang-Swanson, our Director of Programs, is committed to further developing the Women’s Team to meet the huge growth in demand we see in this community.
Tara shares that priorities for this upcoming year include facilitating more training opportunities for Women’s Team participants, such as pursuing a security license, or upgrading a first aid certificate, in order to further empower these participants to enhance their skills and move closer to their individual employment goals.
Whether in the Women's Team or Co-Ed Team, the coaching, training, and work opportunities that associates gain through their experience with Mission Possible lower the barriers to employment.
These skills and experiences at Mission Possible become a bridge to a future filled with possibilities.
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY
MAY 1, 2023 - APRIL 30, 2024
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The above summary of income and expenses reflects the unaudited financial statements of Mission Possible Compassionate Ministries Society from May 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024.
PARTNERSHIP WITH A PURPOSE
MEET TASEKO MINES
Taseko Mines Ltd. is a leading North American copper mining company, dedicated to unlocking copper's true value as a key metal for the world's low-carbon future.
When we expressed interest in purchasing our first electric truck last year, Taseko stepped up and kick started the campaign with a generous $10,000 gift. Since then, they've embodied what it means to be an Impact Partner by supporting our events and associates as well. Partnerships like this make it possible for us to achieve our ambitious goals.
As part of Taseko's commitment to delivering 360⁰ of Value, Sean Magee, VP of Corporate Affairs, shares, "Taseko supports local organizations that deliver direct, tangible, on-the-ground support to people seeking to better their lives. We believe the work [Mission Possible is] doing is making a real difference in people in our community’s lives - which is why we are proud to be a community partner."
Taseko’s enthusiasm to not only support our growth and community, but to get involved is what makes them incredible partners. Thank you to Taseko and all our other generous community partners, we couldn’t do this work without you!
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Thank you to our family of donors, volunteers, staff, associates and cheerleaders for your compassionate support. You have made a significant impact in the lives of hundreds of community members and their families over the past year. We are deeply grateful for you.
