Founded in 1971, Kennedy House (KH) works with youth who are involved with the criminal justice system, struggling in school, homeless, or have an intellectual disability. The charity was formerly known as Kennedy House Youth Services. KH primarily works with clients in the Greater Toronto Area but will travel further north for its bailiff service.

In F2018, Kennedy House allocated 46% of program spending to residential services. It operates five group homes in the Toronto area which house youth over 12 years old. Clients learn about topics that are critical for independence, including time management, hygiene, transportation, nutrition, education, employment, personal finances, and finding a place to live. In F2018, 56 youth stayed at KH residences. The charity also provides private rooms for youth with intellectual disabilities, working with 13 of these clients in F2018.

KH allocated 32% of program spending to youth centre & bailiff services in F2018. The charity works with youth who are involved with the criminal justice system, housing up to 12 boys who have either been sentenced or have cases still progressing through the justice process. Aiming to reduce the chances of clients reoffending, they are connected with positive role models, receive counselling, and are encouraged to build healthy relationships. The bailiff service transports youth in police custody. For youth who are struggling in school but do not require residential placement, KH provides day treatment. It aims to give clients the necessary skills to re-enter and succeed in a traditional school setting.

In F2018, KH allocated 20% of program spending to operating the Kennedy House Youth Shelter. Up to 40 youth 16-24 years old can stay at the shelter and access toiletries, clean clothes, showers, and hot meals. Classes teach topics including cooking, financial literacy, employment skills, addiction recovery, sex education, food and nutrition, and art.

The remaining 2% of program spending was allocated to outreach and after school programs. For two hours once or twice a week, KH organizes free programs that encourage physical activity as well as providing homework help and healthy snacks. The program is open to children aged 4-13 from low-income families.

Charity Intelligence has scored Kennedy House as a zero in financial transparency because the charity failed to provide full financial statements when requested. The financial analysis completed by Charity Intelligence uses the most recent financial statements available to Ci, through a request to the CRA, at the time of writing this report.

Kennedy House is a medium-sized charity with donations of $4.6m in F2020. Children's Aid Societies provide $4.4m in grants and individuals, other foundations, and corporations grant $209k which is 2% of total revenues. The charity received $4.1m in government funding, representing 52% of total revenue. In F2020, government funding more than covered the cost of operating the residential and youth centre and bailiff programs.

Kennedy House's administrative costs are 11% of revenues less investment income and the charity reports having zero fundraising costs. For every dollar donated, 89 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. KH has $4.5m in funding reserves which could cover five months of program costs.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Kennedy House for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on October 29, 2020 by Kate Bahen and Katie Khodawandi.