Kennedy House is a 1-star charity. It has overhead spending within Ci’s reasonable range, although it does not report any fundraising costs. It has an average results reporting grade but is not financially transparent.

Founded in 1971, Kennedy House (KH), formerly known as Kennedy House Youth Services, works with youth who are involved with the criminal justice system, struggling in school, homeless, or have an intellectual disability. KH primarily works with clients in the Greater Toronto Area but will travel further north for its bailiff service. It runs three main programs: residential services, youth programs and youth justice.

In F2022, Kennedy House allocated 39% of program spending to residential services. It operates 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 F2022, Kennedy House offered 266 young people experiencing homelessness a warm bed in a safe place. The charity also reported helping five clients transition to the next phase of their lives.

KH allocated 34% of program spending to youth programs in F2022. During the year, 65 clients started a job, 62 clients entered job training, and 37 youths started education.

The remaining 27% of program spending went to youth justice. The charity works with youth 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, youth are connected with positive role models, receive counseling, and they 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 F2022, 69 youths in custody received supportive care. 241 clients in custody or detained under the Youth Criminal Justice Act received a ride and a supportive companion for court dates and virtual appearances.  

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. The financial statements provided by the CRA appear to be incomplete as the statements reference some notes that are not included. Ci's analysis may not be complete due to missing information.

In F2022, Kennedy House received $3.2m in donations. It also received $5.6m (62% of total revenues) in government funding. Administrative costs are 10% of revenues (less investment income), and the charity reports having zero fundraising costs. For every dollar donated, 90 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.  

KH has $6.3m in reserve funds, which can cover 80% or nearly ten months of its annual 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 August 14, 2023 by Krystie Nguyen.