Potential Place Society

About Potential Place Society:

Founded in 1995, Potential Place Society supports people with chronic mental illness in Calgary. The society is a community where staff work closely with members in programming and regular operations. Potential Place offers opportunities for members to socialize, receive job training, find a job in the community, and access independent housing. As a member of Clubhouse International, Potential Place follows international operating standards relating to the treatment of members, programming offered, and society governance.

Potential Place offers up to four social events per week including movie nights, games, and trips to places around Calgary. Many events are free, but some require a small fee from members. Some events specifically cater to members between 18 and 32 who are transitioning from youth into adult programming.

Potential Place supports members in receiving education and finding employment. Last year, the society paid for 8 members to apply for education. Businesses in Calgary looking for a part-time employee can approach Potential Place who will recommend a member to fill the position.

Potential Place Society owns two small apartment buildings that can house 25 members. Donations from Calgary Housing Corporation subsidize rent so that each member pays $285 per month. Potential Place is looking to have a new building constructed that could house an additional 80 members.

Results and Impact: Potential Place Society reports the cost to run a community mental health recovery program such as Potential Place is approximately $10 per person per day. For many members, without community support they would be in a psychiatric hospital which costs $330 to $681 per day.

Financial Review:

Potential Place Society is categorized as a tiny charity in terms of donations, with $34k in total donations in F2018. The society received $308k in fees from members through rent and payments for meals. Government funding of $723k accounted for 64% of total revenue in F2018. Administrative costs are 12% of revenues. Potential Place reports no direct fundraising costs for F2018 and F2017.

Potential Place has $337k in funding reserves which could cover program costs for 4 months. This indicates a need for funding.

This charity report is an update that was sent to Potential Place Society for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 28, 2018 by Madison Kerr.