Outcomes

We often are asked questions like, "How many people do you help? How do you know you're making a difference? Does the help women receive keep them from going back to an abusive situation? Can you really help little kids?"

And we are pleased to answer, from what our evaluations tell us – yes, yes, yes, and yes. Discovery House regularly evaluates our programs and services. This is what the "numbers" tell us:

Residential program

  • In the past year, Discovery House supported 57 women and 116 children through their residential and follow-up programs.
  • The clients who participated in Discovery House’s residential and follow-up programs represented a diverse group of ethno-cultural backgrounds as 12 per cent were Aboriginal, 63 per cent were members of a visible minority group, and 25 per cent were Caucasian.
  • On average a family resided at Discovery House for six months before transitioning back into the community.
  • Ninety per cent of women participating in Discovery House programs say they felt supported in addressing their emotional and practical needs and agreed they knew more about community resources they could access to help provide for their families.
  • Children made significant progress. We helped 85 per cent of children and youthmove through developmental milestones at an age appropriate rate.

Community Housing program

  • The CHP served 113 families (113 adults and 260 children)
  • 52 per cent Aboriginal, 22 per cent visible minorities, and 26 per cent Caucasian
  • 85 per cent of program participants remain stably housed
  • 96 per cent of program participants report a stable income
  • 26 per cent of program participants with an active Child Protective Services files had their files successfully closed
  • 43 per cent of program participants with unmanaged mental or physical health concerns have engaged with appropriate health care professionals
  • 20 per cent of program participants with an active addiction have voluntarily engaged with drug and alcohol treatment centers
  • Program participants experienced a decrease in incarcerations, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and child protective services intervention