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Annual Meeting and Report

73rd Annual Meeting: Belong and Thrive

Trent Bauman, president, and John Neufeld, executive director, welcomed over 175 community guests to House of Friendship's (HOF) 73rd Annual Meeting at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener for a very special evening that included the presentation of the 2011-2012 Annual Report and audited financial statements; the inaugural Buhr Legacy of Friendship; the unveiling of House of Friendship's Strategic Visioning outcomes; and, the public launch of a new capital campaign, Under One Roof, to transform women's addiction services.

Highlights included: a lower than expected deficit thanks to higher than expected general donations; the presentation to Gerry and Sandra Vandeworp of the first annual Buhr Legacy of Friendship; the sharing of a new vision and updated mission and values; and, the announcement that Under One Roof has already received enough support to fund the new second floor addition for day treatment programs (remaining efforts will focus on purchasing and renovating the rest of the building, which will house the residential treatment program, Alcontrol)

Along the way, we also welcomed new Board Members, outfitting them with their very own HOF aprons, recognized Board Members for milestones of service, and confirmed the Board of Directors for 2012-2013.

2012-2013 Board of Directors: Back row, left to right - Lester Kehl, Grace Sudden, Mary Friesen, John Neufeld, Chip Bender, Dennis Martin. Front row, left to right - Elna Robertson, Keith Cressman, Brian Knight, Gerry Horst, Trent Bauman

With business completed, guests enjoyed a delicious Strawberry Social, with fresh strawberries from Herrle's Country Farm Market.

The evening concluded with a special presentation about Under One Roof, HOF's new capital campaign to transform women's addiction services. Annette's personal story of recovery was an inspiration to us all.

The Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and entire family at House of Friendship would like to thank the many partners and supporters who continue to help us build a healthy community where all can belong and thrive. It is a privilege to serve our community.