Skylark Children, Youth & Families

Exit: March 2019

Skylark Children, Youth & Families was established as a non-profit organization in 2016 after a merger between Oolagen Youth Mental Health and Delisle Youth Services. Skylark offers a diverse range of programs and services including: walk-in, residential, wraparound and on-going counselling services as well as specialized support for those with multiple complex special needs. The merger created the opportunity to serve more youth and families, but required integration and change management.

During the merger process, LIFT’s work allowed a new Board and a new management group to focus their energy to specific goals, such as measurement framework, leadership, fund development and social enterprise.

Lydia Sai-Chew CEO

Opportunity

Merge two organizations into one cohesive entity led by a strategic team and increase the organization’s measurable, sustainable impact.

Plan

Define the renewed organizational focus and strengthen internal capacity. Develop a robust business model to strategically deliver programs.

Impact

  • Skylark is now in position to serve the needs of more children, youth and families
  • Established leadership strategy with a succession plan to support planning and decision-making
  • Increased funding by 17% to expand capacity
  • Increased fundraising dollars from corporations, individuals and foundations by 19%
  • Creation and implementation of a performance measurement system to track impact and demonstrate success

partners

We thank the following partners for their support in executing the LIFT plan: