2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Our People
Employee Recognition Dinner
Banyan hosted their Annual Employee Service Awards and Recognition Dinner on October 24, 2024 at Edgewater Manor Restaurant, bringing together staff to celebrate dedication, service, and excellence across the organization. The evening provided an opportunity to honour all employees for their meaningful contributions to our shared mission.
Together we presented employees’ years of service awards as well as the Award of Service Excellence. From decades of service to impactful early achievements, each award reflected the commitment and passion that drive our organization forward. Staff greatly appreciated the thoughtfully chosen venue and high-quality dining experience, which added to the positive and celebratory atmosphere of the event. More than a recognition ceremony, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the collective impact our team makes in the lives of those we serve. As we reflect on the past year and look to the future, we remain deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff and committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace.
Service Award of Excellence Recipients
In 2024-25 there were multiple Service Award of Excellence recipients:
William (Bill) Scarbo, Maintenance Supervisor at Peninsula Youth Centre has been a valued member of our team for 23 years, starting his career with Banyan Community Services as a contract employee with ProFac, where he earned the nickname ‘Maintenance Bill.’ His expertise and dedication quickly led him to become Maintenance Supervisor. Throughout his time with us, Bill has consistently gone above and beyond, ensuring the needs of both clients and staff were always met—often working well beyond his scheduled hours. His resourcefulness, creativity, and commitment to maintaining our 30,000 sq. foot facility have been invaluable, and he always steps up when needed, no matter the time of day.
Partner Assault Response Program (PAR) was a recent addition to Banyan’s offerings and was built from the ground up by the dedicated PAR team. They faced the challenge of a 123-member waitlist and worked tirelessly to develop policies, compile essential statistics, and collaborate with courts and adult probation. Their efforts included creating a dedicated space for service delivery, ensuring safety, and prioritizing client-centered care. To date, the program has successfully served over 1,000 referrals, including 662 intakes and 618 group participants. This highlights not only the impressive numbers but also the team’s steadfast commitment to our mission and the significant impact they have had on our clients.
Service Award Recipients*
*as of December 31, 2024
35 Years
Rob Watts, AYC & Manor
25 Years
Cory Powell, Bridge & Hamilton Reintegration
Catherine Primroy, PYC
Bobby Dawson, AYC
Bill Battersby, PYC
John Botten, PYC
Barbara Howatt, YPP
Karen Kitchen, AYC
20 Years
Matthew Laing, AYC
Corrin Mason, GRF
10 Years
Kim Ciavarella, Corporate Services / SMT
Madison Stringer, PAR
Justin Hedley, AYC
Brandy O’Toole, AYC
5 Years
Amber Adams, Clinical
Lucy Collins, Clinical
Joanne Engelhardt, Grocer-Ease
Brittany Switzer, PYC
Cheryl Gallo, Grocer-Ease
Christopher Joudrey, Corporate Services
Betty Mortensen, Corporate Services
Taralyn Theakston, Corporate Services
Jade Muir, Clinical
Robert O’Neill, AYC
Megan Rennie, SNAP, Grocer-Ease, PAC