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Annual Report 1998-1999
President's Message
As we approach the year 2000, it is not a time for complacency.
We seem to be living through very difficult times, when the need
for MOSAIC’s services has never been higher, the impact of changes
at a federal and provincial level never greater, and societal attitudes
never more polarized.
I have been privileged over the past two years to work with a very committed
and involved Board of Directors that takes its role seriously and is not afraid
to go out on a limb to advocate for the clients of MOSAIC. That advocacy has
taken many forms. We have supported the research and production of several major reports:
Unfulfilled Expectations, Missed Opportunities: Poverty among Immigrants and Refugees
in British Columbia (Martin Spigelman Research Associates), Transitions: An Analysis
of the Impact of Funding Purchase and Case Management Changes on Immigrants, Employment
Eligible Refugees and Immigrant Serving Organizations (Spigelman).These reports,
written from solid research, have rung the alarm bells for us.
As a policy board, we have been engaged in a profound reexamination of the mission,
values and goals of the organization, which has led us to reaffirm some of the basic
principles that draw us to this volunteer work. The document that we produced which
articulates a new mission, vision, values and guiding principles for MOSAIC is the
result of many hours of conversation within the Board and with input from the staff.
We wrestled with many important issues, such as whether or not MOSAIC should change
focus and accept “mainstream” clients in our programs. We supported a community
consultation process which convinced us that there is definitely a need for us to
retain our identity as an organization that provides specialized services for
immigrants and refugees.
I appreciate the commitment to MOSAIC that members of the Board of Directors have shown
in so many ways: attending committee meetings, planning sessions, and events ranging
from graduations of classes, to the opening of the community space that boasts the
outstanding mural donated by Nora Patrich and Juan Sanchez. One of our members,
Gerald Rolfsen, must be particularly thanked for the many hours he spent investigating
possible premises for the Language Centre and Daycare with Holly Whittleton and
Elizabeth Jones. The recent opening of the new site at 11th and Commercial, a result
of so much hard work on the part of the staff, is certainly one of the highlights of
the year.
Although there are significant challenges, we appreciate working with an organization that
values transparency, with a dedicated, experienced staff and with an outstanding
management team. We thank those funders who make our work possible, and who share
our vision of a society that is enriched by and that values each one of its citizens.
On a personal note, I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their support
during the two years I have served as President. It has been a pleasure and a privilege
to work with such a terrific group of people.
Vera Rosenbluth
President
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