Kennedy House is a 1-star charity. It has an average results reporting grade and it is not financially transparent. The charity's funding reserves can cover 9 months of annual program costs. 

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 F2021, Kennedy House allocated 47% 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 F2021, Kennedy House helped 194 young people experiencing homelessness find a warm bed in a safe place. 

KH allocated 27% of program spending to youth justice in F2021. 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 F2021, 14 youth in custody received supportive care. 223 clients in custody or detained under the Youth Criminal Justice Act received a ride and a supportive companion for court dates and virtual appearances.  

The remaining 26% of program spending went to youth programs. Kennedy House reports that it has delivered over 18,250 days worth of essential services and programing to at-risk youth. In F2021, 52 clients entered job training and 13 youth started education.  

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 received $4.0m in donations in F2021. It also received $5.4m (55% 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 $5.9m in funding reserves which can cover annual program costs for just under 9 months.  

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

Updated on August 26, 2022 by Emma Saganowich.