2010 – 2011 Board of Directors Staff

2010–2011BoardofDirectors
President
ExecutiveVicePresident VicePresident,VolunteerServices Treasurer ExecutiveSecretary AssistantSecretary MembershipChair PublicRelationsChair
Women’sChair
YouthChair ChiefExecutiveOfficer
AudreyCampbell
LeoH.Campbell
SylvanusThompson
KennJames
AdaomaPatterson
JanetSamms
PamReynolds
YolanWilliams
CharmaineSewell
DwaineOsbourne
MichaelFoster
Staff
AdrienneSimmonds
Ann‐MarieWhyte
BeverleyValentine
CharmaineLane
EhiIrianan
GraceWilliams
JenniferMcFarlane
JoeBoateng
LadinSatti
SeniorManagementTeam
MichaelFoster
SoniaMills
JoyceChan
MansurMussa
MarieChapman
MaryMark
NoelineJohn
PamellaSeaton‐Brissett
PauletteCrooks‐Drummond
TreciaLamey
TroyLogan
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OurVision
JCAwillbealeadingvoiceonthesocial,political,economicand
culturalissuesimpactingJamaicans,AfricanCanadiansand
peopleofCaribbeanDescentinCanada;andpromotingthe
improvementoftheirqualityoflife.
OurMission
TheJamaicanCanadianAssociationisanincorporated,
non‐profitcharitableorganization,whosemissionistouphold
Jamaica’sMottoOutofMany,OnePeople,andinsodoing
maintainandsupporttheculturalheritagesofJamaicansinthe
Diaspora.
JCAoperatesunderthefollowingCorePrinciples:
Respect Dignity Cohesiveness
ExcellenceinService Visibility
Furthermore,theorganizationaimstoimprovelifefor
Caribbeanpeopleofallheritages,peopleofAfricandescent,as
wellasotherswhosubscribetoourgoalsandobjectives.
A United Way
Member Agency
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
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UpcomingJCAEvents2011
YouthAffairsI‐CanJam
Women’sCommitteeConference(TBD)
AnnualFather’sDayBrunch
JCAMembersSocialNight(Lounge)
JCAFamilyDayPicnic
JCAFlagRaising
IndependenceGala
11thAnnualCharityGolfClassic
QuarterlyMembershipMeeting
2010UnitedWayCampaignPeriod AnnualScholarshipAwardsDinner AnnualSeniorsBrunch JCAOpenHouse Women&EducationCommitteeHealthFair
Women’sCommitteeCommunityGifting QuarterlyMembershipMeeting AnnualChildren’sChristmasParty NewYear’sEveParty 31
June
June
SundayJune19
SaturdayJune25
SundayJuly10
SundayAugust31
SaturdayAugust6
SaturdayAugust13
SundayAugust28
SaturdaySeptember17
SundaySeptember25
September
October
November
SundayNovember27
SundayDecember4
SaturdayDecember31
TableofContents
JCACommittees
&Sub‐Committees
2010–2011
Raffle, Golf,
Walkathon
Fundraising
Education
Building
Women’s
Management
Membership
Public
Policy
Youth
Finance
Social
Services
Nominating
Rental
Committee
JCAStaff
BoardofDirectors&Staff Mission&VisionStatements President’sReport ChiefExecutiveOfficer’sReport
ExecutiveVicePresident’sReport VicePresident,VolunteerServicesReport
AYearinPictures CommitteeReports Membership
PublicRelations
Women
Youth
NorthYorkSeniorsHealthCentre
AdvisoryCommitteeReport
MajorDonors,Supporters&Funders
2010–2011Volunteers JCACommittees&Sub‐committees UpcomingEvents 30
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1
2
4‐6
7‐10
11‐13
14‐17
18
19‐26
27‐28
29
30
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AudreyCampbell
PRESIDENT
TheJCAwouldliketothankallfundersanddonorsfortheirgeneroussupport.
Weregretanyerrorsoromissions
Wearepleasedtopresenttheannualreportontheactivities
of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) for the 2010‐
2011 fiscal year. This has been another year of progress.
We continue to stay the course with the focus on strengthening our internal
structure, increasing our fundraising efforts and maintaining our visibility in the
community. All of which are components included in the recommendations of the
organizationalreview.Thefollowingarethehighlightsofourachievements:
 The mortgage was renewed on April 26th with RBC, which offered the best
rates.$60,000waspaiddownonthemortgage,$40,000ofwhichwasraised
through fundraising and donations, plus a significant donation of $20,000
from Mr. Denham Jolly. The new variable rates have resulted in a 24%
reductioninourmonthlypayments.
 The‘WalkGood’WalkaThonraisedover$45,000,a22%increaseoverlast
year.TheCommitteeChair,SandraWhiting,andherteamdidanoutstanding
jobinorganizingtheevent.
 The Trillium Foundation is administering a Community Capital Fund on
behalf of the Government of Ontario. This is a one‐time capital funding to
supportinvestmentsinlocalinfrastructuresforregisteredcharitiesandnot‐
for‐profitorganizations.Theywillfundupto50%oftotalprojectcosts.JCA
has applied for this one time funding to assist with the required
improvementstothebuildingasdesignatedbytheBuildingCommittee.
 Tropicana Community Services has confirmed their intent to hold their
summerprogramatJCAonceagainwhichwillresultin$22,000inrevenue
forsummer2011.
 JCA took the initiative and mobilized the community and within two weeks
organizedaconcertthatgarneredover$10,000toaidthevictimsofTropical
StormNicoleinJamaica.
 JCA’s Annual Scholarship distributed over $23,000 in scholarships and
bursariestoassiststudentswiththeireducationalpursuits.
 ToaddresstheconcernsregardingJCAcommunityadvocacyandalsofulfill
oneoftherecommendationsoftheorganizationalreview,thePublicPolicy
Committeewasappointed.Theroleofthecommitteeistomonitorcurrent
affairsasitrelatestopoliticalandhumanrightsissueswithintheGTA,
OntarioandCanadaasitaffectstheAfricanCanadianandCaribbean
Communities.TheCommitteeadvisestheBoardofDirectorsonemergingor
existingissuesandalsoformulatesrecommendedresponses.Thefive
Building
LeonSutherland
MiahBailey
DeanParker
DwightGordon
HerbertGreen
NoelLewis
NoelLewis
AmyNelson
DougRobertson
CliveHylton
RudolphGibbs
RudolphMcFarlane
SimoneBanton
Education
Scholarship
Dr.VincentConville
FayConville
EdwardSmith
EdevaSmith
BasilThomas
RoseanneHenlon
IanEdwards
JudithSpencer
JulieSpence
GraceWilliams
DanHamilton
RudolphGibbs
SylvanusThompson
BlackHistory
MaryMark
SylvanusThompson
SpellingBee
DanHamilton
RoseanneHenlon
AnneMarieWhyte
MarieChapman
AudreyCampbell
EnidCampbell
JeanetteLemon
LisaSimms
DwightGordon
DwaineOsbourne
RadhikaGarnett
TamaraGordon
CharmaineSewell
NadineMcLean
ThankYoutoOur2010–2011Volunteers
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IanEdwards
SylvanusThompson
WarrenHansen
Membership
PansyStewart
JanetSamms
EulinLewinson
ShirleyMcKoy
DeanParker
NadineMcLean
LenMoore
MaryGreen
HebertGreen
WinstonBrown
GlenfordGordon
EnidGough
JudithMitchell
SonyaMorris
ResourceMembers
PaulineReid
MyrtleGrant
LeoCampbell
CourtneyHarriott
Women
BerniceBailey
DaphnieBailey
PatriciaBailey
ZenoverBrown MajorieCameron
NormaClarke
Dr.EnidCollins
RubyCollymore
HasleneDavis
HyacinthFerguson
EuniceGraham AmyHenry
IsmayMurray
AmyNelson
LornaPlumber
PamPowell
SheilaRaymond
KristySalmon
JuilettSaunders
CharmaineSewell
CarmenSutherland
RafaelitaWalker
JameleiaWilliams
Youth
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TrishaFrancis
RochelleBloomfield
DwayneTimoll
ZabrinaBabbington
WarrenHansen
TreciaLamey
SherineOsbourne
Walkathon
SandraWhiting–Chair
JanetSamms
Kamala‐JeanGopie
DaphneBailey
HermineJohnson
NadineMcLean
SheilaRaymond
BruceMcDonald
GlenfordGordon
Dr.VincentConville
LeonSutherland
SaturdayMorningTutorial
Program
VilmaGarnett
RadhikaGarnett
DwaineOsbourne
DerekBailey
AaronChin‐Smith
JeremyD'Oliveira
TaniaDoyley
KathrynGrant
AldaineHunt
DelMiller
IffyOkonta
TropicalStormNicole
Fundraiser
JudyBritish
JanetLewis
SimoneBanton
YolanWilliams
RudolphGibbs
CharmaineSewell
OwenDunbar
AdaomaPatterson
NadineMcLean
SylvanusThompson
JamaicaTouristBoard
WesternUnion
MaximumSecurity
committeemembersareAstonHall,Attorney,PhillipMascoll,Retired
TorontoStarJournalist,YaniqueWilliams,AdaomaPatterson,Executive
SecretaryandAudreyCampbell,President.AstonHallwaselectedChairby
theCommittee.

GOLFTOURNAMENTSPONSORS&DONORS
Flow93.5FM‐TitleSponsor
Rap'sRestaurant‐DinnerSponsor
SuncorCorporation
Grace‐Kennedy
NippisingNursingHome
JamaicaNationalBuildingSociety
HodderBarristers
AppletonEstates‐JamaicaRum
EarlLalor
RoyalWoodbineGolfClub
PatrickSherman
Cabinet&Granite
LISTOFMAJORPARTNERS

BailProgramsPeelRegion&Toronto
(GTA)
BlackActionDefenseCommittee
BlackCreekCommunityHealthCentre
CatholicChildren’sAidSociety
CityofToronto
CityofTorontoParksandRecreation
Community&SocialServices
COSTIImmigrantServices
CriminalCourt1000FinchAveWest
CriminalCourt2201FinchAveWest
EastMetroYouthServices
FamilyCourtShepherdAve
Hinks‐DellcrestCentre
HumberCollege
Jane&FinchCommunityandFamily
ResourceCentre
JewishChildandFamilyServices
JewishVocationalServices
MidyantaCommunityServices
PromotingEconomicandCommunity
Health
Children‘sAidSocietyofToronto
GriffinCentre
TorontoCatholicDistrictSchoolBoard
TorontoCommunityHousingCorporation
TorontoDistrictSchoolBoard
TorontoPoliceService31Division
Tropican



JCAinconjunctionwithOntarioBlackVoteorganizedtheTorontoMayoral
Debatewithmajorcandidates,RobFord,JoePantalone,andGeorge
Smitherman.TheJCAwereoneofthefewthatinvitedtheAfricanCanadian
candidate,RoccoAchampong,toparticipate.TheJCAdebatewasfeaturedin
theNationalPostandonCFRB1010AMRadio.Thiswasoneofthefirst
projectsofthePublicPolicyCommittee.TheJCAMayoralDebateattracted
over250people.Thecommitteeisgearingupfortheprovincialelectionthis
fall.
Aspartofourcommunityengagement,JCAisamemberofAdvocatesfor
BlackHealthImprovement(ADHI).Thiscommitteeisco‐chairbyAlanJones
andDr.HazelStewart,TorontoPublicHealth.JCAisoneofanumberof
communityorganizations,representedonthiscommitteeaswellas
representativesfromthedifferenthealthcaresectors.Thegoalistobring
awarenesstothehealthissuesinourcommunity.
JA50thIndependenceGala,2012willbeheldinconjunctionwiththe
JamaicanConsulateforthatyearonly.Thisagreementwillbesupportedbya
memoofunderstanding.ThegalaisslatedforSaturday,August11th,2012
withatargetof1500–2000attendees.TheGalaCommitteeisco‐chairedby
SandraWhiting&JCAPresident.
JCAdemonstrateditsleadershiproleinthecommunityandplayedan
intricateroleintheTributetoCommunityActivist,DudleyLaws,beforehe
passed;andworkedwithhisfamilyandBlackActionDefenceCommittee
(BADC)toorganizehiswake.
Aspartofourcommunityoutreach,JCAsupportsthevariousactivitiesofour
communitypartners,BlackBusiness&ProfessionalAssociation’sHarry
JeromeAwards,TropicanaBall,YorkRegionalPolice,JamaicaExSoldiers,
JaneFinchFundraisingDinner,etc.Throughouroutreachthese
organizationsinturnsupportJCAeventsandfacility.Infact,theJamaicanEx.
Soldiershavebegunrentingthefacilitiesaftermanyyearsofabsence.
The non‐profit sector remains very competitive in terms of new funding sources.
Wecontinuetonurturetherelationshipwithourfunders,sponsorsanddonorsto
show our appreciation for their continued support. The CEO and staff of the JCA
have done a commendable job in delivering the programs and services to our
clients. We are currently working with United Way, like other organizations, and
addressingrecommendationsfromourlastreview.
IamextremelyproudofthecohesivenessoftheBoardandtheworkingrelationship
thatwehaveshare.Becauseofthisrelationship,itisalwaysdifficultwhenanyone
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leaves.DuringtheyeartheEducationandCulturalChairMr.WestmoreSmithand
the Building Chair, Mr. Owen Dunbar tendered their resignation to the Board of
Directors. Changes in their work schedules made it difficult to fulfill the
requirements of the positions. Mr. Dunbar remains a member of the Building
Committee and Mr. Smith has stated that he will assist with the Education
Committee. The Vice President Volunteer Services, Dr. Sylvanus Thompson,
assumedresponsibilityfortheEducationCommittee.HeandIshareddutiesonthe
Building Committee. The total volunteers hours for the Board is still in excess of
300hourspermonthcollectivelybutweareendeavouringtoreduceit.
Theupcomingyear,2012,representsasignificantmilestonefortheJCA;50yearsof
servingthecommunity!Fundraisingremainsapriority,thepreviousraffleraised
$25,000andweanticipatesurpassingthisfigurewiththeRafflestatedfor2011.
Asweendthisyearandventureintothenewfiscalyearsomeofthetermsofour
BoardMembershaveended.Mr.LeoCampbell,ExecutiveVicePresidentwillbe
leavingBoard.HehasservedourAssociationwellandhewillbemissed.Onbehalf
ofyourfellowBoardmembers,ithasbeenourpleasuretoservewithyou.
Thankyoutothemembers,staff,fundersandsponsorsthathavecontributedtothe
successoftheAssociationandwelookforwardtoyourcontinuedsupport.
FUNDERS
CityofToronto
HumanResourcesandSkillsDevelopmentCanada
MinistryofCitizenshipandImmigration
MinistryofCommunityandSocialServices
MinistryofChildrenandYouthServices
MinistryofTraining,CollegesandUniversity
TrilliumFoundation
UnitedWay
MAJORINDIVIDUALANDCORPORATEDONORS
AllianceInsuranceBrokers
AmyNelson
AnaBlakely
BarbaraThomas
BerylNugent
CaribbeanCanadianSeniorsClub
CaribbeanPromotionsArts&
Culture
CHRYCommunityRadioInc.
DawsonNetwork
DeloresLawrence
DenhamJolly
DiversiproInc.HamilinGrange
EmeryVillageBIA
ErmaCollins
EuniceGraham
Gifford/RaphaelitaWalker
GiorgioMammoliti
Grace/RoyWilliams
HermanStewart
HowSheHustles
EmilyMills
IleenHowell
JamaicaNationalBuildingSociety
JohnHowardSociety
JohnTory
KamalaJeanGopie
KeithEdwards
LorimerFHG
MarbletJames
MarciaBrown
MaryAnneChambers
MichaelFoster
MichaelThompson
NevilleMorrison
Nursing&HomemakersInc.
PamelaAppelt
PamellaPowell
RohanRobinson
SharonWhiting
TorontoZenithContractingLtd.
VincentConville
LISTOFMAJORSPONSORS
AirJamaica
JamaicaNationalMoneyTransfer
MirabelTravel
CouncilorMichaelThompson
CaribbeanQueenJerkDrum
CHRY105.5
RochelleClearWater
BudsinBloomFlorals
Hall&AssociateCriminalLawFirm
Don’sMeat
SuperClubs
SunWingVacations
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ourlastgamesnight,inwhatmighthavebeenthecoldestnightinFebruary,we
succeededingettingyouthoutandalsosucceededinconnectingoneoftheseyouth
withanopportunityattheInternationalWomen’sDayevent.Thefutureisonly
brightforthecommitteeandwewillbuildonconnectingyouthstoresourcesand
opportunityandnurturingtheirstrengths.
Cheers!
DaphneBailey,LindaGray,AmyNelson
NORTHYORKSENIORSHEALTHCENTRE‐ADVISORYCOMMITTEE
Thecommitteeiscomprisedoffourtargetgroups:Armenian,Black/Caribbean,
IsmaliMuslimandSpanish.TherehasbeennoSpanishrepresentativeforanumber
ofyearsduetothediversepopulation.Othermembersofthecommitteearefamily
membersandstafffromtheCentre.Representativesfromvariouscommittees
alternateinchairingthecommittee.TheJCAhashadarelationshipwiththeCentre
formanyyears.
Activities
Lastyear,theCentrecelebratedits25thanniversary;alargereventisbeingplanned
forthisJune.Therehavebeensomerecentchangesthatmayimpactresidents.The
NorthYorkGeneralHospitalplanstooutsourcethemanagementoftheHealth
Centre.Thereissomeconcernaboutlowerstaffinglevels,higherstaffturnoverand
conflictsbetweenqualityandcost.
BedStats
IsmaliMuslim
12
Armenian
10
Black/Caribbean
15
Spanish
0
Chinese
12
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MichaelFoster
REPORTOFTHECHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER
Changehappens!Overthepastfiscalyearwehavehearda
lotaboutverticalpovertyincreasing,settlementagencies
losingfundingandthephenomenonofsocialservicehubs.
AllofthesewillhaveanimpactontheJCAandthedelivery
ofservicestoourclientsandcustomers.TheJCAwillneedtoassimilateandadapttothe
changesinresponsetoachangingenvironment.
SOCIALSERVICEPROGRAMS
Employment
On August 1, 2010 our Opportunity Plus program was transformed from a “job
Finding Club” into the new Employment Services Model. The ES Model has five
components. These are client service planning and coordination, resource and
information,jobsearch,jobmatchingandplacementandjob/trainingretention.The
employment staff was trained on the new ministry database and on resource
documentationandprocedures.Wereceivedtransitionalfundingof$115,454from
theMinistryofTraining,CollegesandUniversities.Thefundswereusedtorenovate
the employment space and to acquire new furniture and equipment. The interior
and exterior signage and our website were also changed to reflect the ministry
requirements.Duringthefiscalyeartheemploymentprogramassisted156clients
and54clientsfoundemployment.
Settlement
The JCA in partnership with Scadding Court Community Centre was engaged in a
pilot project for 22 weeks that combined system‐wide changes in the delivery of
cityserviceswithdirectsettlementdelivery.Theprojectwasdubbedthe“Toronto
Newcomer Initiative” and was spearheaded by the Ministry of Citizenship and
ImmigrationandtheCityofToronto.
The impact of the settlement program is the integration of newcomers in the
Canadian society. The settlement program saw 382 clients from April 1, 2010 to
March31,2011.
Seniors
Overthepastyearourseniorsprogramhasfocusedlargelyoneducatingand
engagingtheseniorswithahealthylifestylemodel.Theseniorsparticipatedin
pedometerandurbanpolewalkingactivitiesandlinedancingandexerciseroutines.
Therewereguestspeakersthataddressedissuespertainingtophysicalandmental
healthaswellassafety.Hearing,dentalanddiabeticscreeningswereavailableto
theseniorsonsiteandtheyweretakenonaSupermarkettourbyadieticianand
nutritionist.Themajorimpactoftheseniorsprogramweretheeliminationofsocial
isolationthroughsocialengagementandeducationandreinforcementofhealthy
andactivelivingfortheseniors.Therewere80participantsintheseniorsprogram
overthefiscalyear.
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YouthOutreachWorker
AmajorstepinourYOWProgramwastheimplementationoftheStagesof
ChangeTheorytotheprogram.ThistranslatesintoaninitiativewhereourYOWS
areabletointegratetheirownestablishedstreetandinterventionskillsintoa
frameworkwhichproducesastandardizedmeansofreporting.Thestandardized
reportcanbemorereadilytransferredtoothersitesanddatacanbetrackedfor
programevaluations.OurYOWprogramandpartnershasserved1,731youthsover
thefiscalyear.
ViolenceAgainstWomen
OurViolenceAgainstWomenprogramattheJCAcontinuedtodevelop,evaluateand
implementstrategiestoresolvewomen’sissues.Highlightsduringthefiscalyear
includedapresentationwasmadetoNellie’sShelterfocusingonracismand
oppressionwithinthesheltersystem.ThiswasinlightofFebruarybeingcelebrated
asBlackHistoryMonth.Thefocuswastobringawarenesstothewomeninthe
sheltersonoppressivebehaviorsthatcancausethemtofeelre‐victimizedwhen
theyarestayingatashelter.Also,TheVAWstaffinpartnershipwithTheRedwood
Shelterplannedandfacilitatedaonedayworkshopforwomen.Theseinitiatives
weresuccessfulandwerewellattendedbycommunitywomen.
Theprogramimpactincludedteachingthewomennewskillstocopeaftertheyhave
leftabusiverelationships.Therewere67womenservedintheprogram.
CaribbeanYouthandFamilyServices
CaribbeanYouthandFamilyServices(CYFS)isaclusterforourParenting,K‐Club
andLeadersinPartnershipprogramsandcentralizedintake.CYFSemploysa
multi‐disciplinary,systemictreatmentModelthatincludesfamily,communityand
otherprofessionals.
LeadersinPartnershipProgram
TheLIPprogramwasadministeredintheAfricentricSchool,StanleyPublicSchool,
andSt.JaneFrancisCatholicSchool.Studentswhohavesuccessfullyparticipatedin
thistenweeksprogramwereawardedwithcertificatesofachievementand
certificatesofparticipation.
ParentingProgram
TheParentingProgramconsistsofweeklygroup,familyandindividualcounselling
sessions.Parentsgainconfidencethroughsupportivecounsellingtoenhancetheir
parentingabilitiesandlearndifferenttechniquesonparent/childrelationships.We
areengagedinintensiveadvocacy,CaseManagementandCaseConferencesto
successfullyunitethesechildrentotheirparents.
K‐Club
OurK‐Clubaddressestheissuesrelatingtotheaccessibilityofthejusticesystemby
linkingthelawandthecommunities.Thisisdonebyanongoingpartnership
betweenJCAandOntarioJusticeEducationNetwork(OJEN).Thispartnership
promotesaccessibilitybyexposingtheyouthtotheprocesswithinthejustice
systembeforetheyareinvolvedinadispute.TheJCA/OJENpartnershipengages
theyouthintoMocktrials.
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DwaineOsbourne
YOUTHCHAIR
TheYouthCommitteelaunchedourfirstonlinenewsletter,Ezine,atthebeginning
oftheterm.TheEzineisgearedtowardsyouthwithcontributingarticlesfrom
Youthmembersandothercommunityyouth.Ourmainfocuswastobecomea
resourcetofellowyouthinconnectingandnetworkingthemtoopportunitieswhile
buildingontheirstrengths.Ourstrategywasnotonlytohaveouryouthvolunteer
andattendJCAeventsbutalsotoattendeventsexternaltoJCAthatwouldoffer
moreexposuretocommunityissues.Wesetforthtochallengeourselvesandchange
whatweweredoinginthepasttonowthinkoutsideofthetypicalJCAbox.Inso
doing,welaunchedourfirstoutdoorentertainmenteventintheJCAparkinglot
entitled“ICanJam”.WereceivedsponsorshipfromHomeDepot(Rexdale),Toronto
andRegionConservationAuthority,Don’sMeat,Sheriff’sNoFrillsandPiecesof
Soul.Youthmemberscreatedabackyardgreenentertainmentthemedecorated
withshrubs,turflookingcarpetsandpatiochairs.Theeventfeaturedabarbecue,
musicandentertainment.Wemademodestprofitfromthiseventandmost
importantlyweconnectedwithotheryouth.
Expandingourthoughtsofbroadeningourperspectiveandgreen,therewasan
environmentproject,GreenChange,intheJane/FinchCommunitythatnotonly
connectedustoresourcesandpresentedopportunitiesbutopenedopportunityof
ouryouthtoparticipateinthe2011TorontoCivicActionSummitattheMetro
ConventionCentreamongstpoliticians,entrepreneursandenvironmentalists.On
April16,therewasfurtherexposureinvolunteeringwithmorethan700other
volunteersthroughthecorporatesponsorshipofStarbucksCanadatorevitalizethe
landscapeat2999JaneStreet.Tools,materialsandotherresourcesleftoverfrom
thiseventarenowaccessiblefortheresidentsandcommunityentrepreneursto
starttheirowngardeningorlandscapingbusiness.Theyouthcommitteeobserved
anenvironmentalfundraisingeventandborrowedtheideaofsellingrainbarrels
duringthemonthofMaytoJCAandsurroundingcommunitymembers,withzero
dollarsdowninvestment.Theinitialmarketassessmentswerenotappealingatthe
time.However,thecommitteeisoptimisticaboutourfundraisingideasthatwill
bringotheryouthsonboardwhilebroadenourscopeindoingecoandother
activities.
Thetermsawouryouth,truetoourplanstoparticipateandattendevents,
volunteeringatJCAeventssuchasSpellingBeeandInternationalWomen’sDay
celebration.WeattendedexternaleventssuchastheCityofToronto2010Access
EquityandHumanRightsAwardsinCelebrationofHumanRightsday,andalsothe
OntarioGovernmentcelebrationofmulticulturalisminTorontoattheProvince’s
QueensParkbuilding.Comingtotheendofthefirstyearofthistwo‐yeartermthe
committeeisinthemidstoforganizingacareerfairgearedtohighschoolstudents
thatwehavescheduledforthenextschoolterminSeptember.Wearerotating
schedulewithotherJCAgroupinutilisingthespaceofthemembershiplounge.At
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Inkeepingwithourmandatetosupportwomeninallareasofbusiness,thisyearwe
incorporatedvendorsaspartoftheactivitiesfortheIWD.Thisofferedfemale
businessownersfromavarietyofprofessionsandfieldsanopportunitytopromote
theirbusinessandproductstothecommunity.Wehad12vendorsandinfollowup
conversationswitheach,theyallexpressedtheirpleasureinbeingapartofsuchan
event,asidefromthebusinessaspectoftheirvisit.
ThecommitteewillnotbehostingaconferenceinJuneasoriginallyplanned;
however,wewillconsiderthepossibilityofhostingoneinOctober.
WewillbedoingmoreCommunityoutreachtomakeconnectionswithother
women'sgroupsandattendrelatedconferences.
Wewilldevelopabrochure/pamphletpromotingthewomen'scommitteeandits
activities.
TheWebsitewillbeutilizedtopromotethecommittee,itsactivitiesandevents.
Forthe2010/2011fiscalwecontinuedtogrowandbuildonoursuccess.We
welcomedonenewmember,Mrs.HasleneDavisduringthisperiod.
Wearecurrentlyseekingasuitablecandidatetofillthepositionasco‐chairandalso
totrainhertoassumethepositionofthechairpersonin2013.Interestedpartiesmay
contactanymemberofthewomen’scommittee.
TheWomen’sCommitteetakesthistimeto'thank'everyonewhocontinuestogive
theirtimeandexpertiseinsupportofourvision.Wepersistinourobjectiveto
promotesocio‐economicequalityforwomeneverywhereandtobring
awarenessofissuesimpactingallwomen.Weremaindedicatedtoourmission
andourvisionforgrowthisunwavering.
Thankyou!
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TheimpactoftheK‐Clubwiththeclienthasbeensuccessinfamilyreintegration,
courtchargesdroppedandreplacedbycommunityhoursandprobationgiven
insteadoflegalrecordCYFSserved291clientsduringthefiscalyear.
COMMUNITYENGAGEMENTANDPARTNERSHIPS
Wecouldnotbeassuccessfulaswearewithoutourvariouspartnersworkingwith
usinthesocialserviceprogramsandotherinitiatives.Ourcollaborationwith
communitypartnershascreatedsynergisticrelationshipsthatwecanbeproudof.
WehavehadlongstandingrelationshipswiththeChildrenAidSociety,Catholic
Children’sAidSociety,BlackActionDefenceCommittee,MidayantaCommunity
Services,GriffinCentre,PEACH,Hinks‐DellcrestCentre,JaneandFinchFamily
CentreandTropicanaamongstothers.InApril2010wepartneredwiththe
CanadianDiabetesAssociationtohostthe1stBlackDiabetesExpo.
FUNDERSANDSUPPORTERS
Wewouldliketotakethisopportunitytoexpressoursinceregratificationtoour
fundersfortheircontinuedsupporttoourprogramsandservices.Abigthankyou
goesouttotheMinistryofCommunityandSocialServices,MinistryofChildrenand
YouthServices,MinistryofCitizenshipandImmigration,MinistryofTraining,
CollegesandUniversities,CityofToronto,UnitedWayTorontoandHuman
ResourcesandSkillsDevelopmentCanada.WehavebeenworkingwiththeUnited
WayTorontotoimplementtherecommendationsfromthepanelreviews.Wealso
thankalldonorsfortheircontributiontotheJCAoverthepastyear.
STAFF
OurstaffattheJCAhasbeendevotedtothetaskathandtosatisfyclients,customers
andotherstakeholderstothebestoftheirability.Weareproudoftheir
commendableworkandwouldliketocongratulatethefollowingstaff:
PamelaSeaton‐Brissett ‐10yearsofservice
GraceWilliams
‐5yearsofservice
MarieChapman
‐5yearsofservice
AtthetimeofwritingthisreporttheCollectiveAgreementbetweentheJCAandthe
CanadianUnionofPublicEmployee(CUPE)isstillbeingnegotiated.
CHALLENGES
Thereareseveralchallengesthatwefacesomeofwhicharecommonto
organizationsinthecharitablesector.Someoftheseare:
 Limitedcorefundingtosupportfinanceandadministration
 Unpredictabilityofannualsocialserviceprogramfunding
 Absenceofaclientdatabase
 Increasingcostsofanageingbuildingstructure
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 NewserverinstalledtoincreaseITefficiency
 Increasedfundingoverthepastfiscalyeartoenhancesomeprogram
capabilities
 NewpoliciesandproceduresinplaceonFinance,HumanResources,Violence
andHarassmentandAccessibility.
 Deemedlowriskbyfunderassessment
 Cashmanagementplan
 Tenaciousandstableseniormanagementteam
 Moredonorsarenowusingtheon‐linedonationssystemsetuponour
websiteandenhancementsweredonetoimprovethetaxreceiptingprocess
 APSTreviewwasdoneforthepastyearandweweresuccessfulin
recoveringtaxesfromtheMinistryofRevenue.Wewerealsosuccessfulwith
ourapplicationtotheCityofTorontoforarebateonthepropertytaxes.
NEXTSTEPS
Aswecelebrate49yearsofservicetothecommunity,werecognizethatthereare
manychallengesinachievingourgoalsandobjectives.Ouraccomplishmentsand
successestodatehavebeenthecollaborativeeffortsofallourstakeholdersworking
together.OurmembershipandvolunteershasbeenapillarofstrengthtotheJCA
andourBoardhasremainedcommittedtothetaskahead.Iwouldliketosaya
specialthanksourclientsandcustomersweserveeverydayoftheweek.Wetake
prideinmakingyourexperiencewithJCAapositiveone.
Aswecreatearoadmapforthefuturewewillbeembarkingonstrategicplanning
forthesocialservices,createmoreawarenessforourprogramofferings,increase
ourvisibilityinthecommunityandexploreexpansionbeyondourcurrentphysical
boundaries.
“I have been coming to the JCA for a long time now, almost 20 years and the JCA has always helped me with all my issues. JCA is indeed a Blessing to the community” – Settlement Program Client
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CharmaineSewell
WOMEN’SCOMMITTEECHAIR
TheWomen’sCommitteeexperiencedanothersuccessfulyearplanningandhosting
eventswhichareinkeepingwithourmandatetopromotewomen’sissues.
OurroundtablediscussioninJuneentitled;“Caregiverstressandrelatedcauses”,
wasselectedbecauseofthegloballyagingpopulationandmanypeopleinthe
'sandwich'generationareexperiencingburnoutandotherhealthissuesrelatedto
raisingchildrenwhilesimultaneouslycaringforagingparents.
Facilitator,Dr.EnidCollinsidentifiedseveralfactorsthattriggerbehavioralchanges
andothersymptomsofcaregiverstress.Sheexplainedfurther,thatevenseemingly
simplecircumstancescanaffecthowwellthecaregivermanagesinher/hisroleasa
caregiver.
Followingthediscussion,participantshadachancetosharetheirexperiencesas
caregiversandorcare‐receivers.
Severalbrochuresandotherresourcedatawereprovidedtoassistanyonedealing
withthissituation.
InSeptemberwestarteda10weekself‐defenseprogram,facilitatedbyDr.Ann
Phillips.Wewouldliketoresumetheprograminthenearfuture.
SeveralmembersofthecommitteetookanovernightexcursiontoNiagara‐on‐the‐
lakeinOctober.Itwasaveryenjoyableexperience.Anothertripisbeingplanned,
thistimetoStratford,toseetheplay“Hosanna”.Theinvitationisopentoanyone
interestedinparticipatingandmoreinformation(time/cost),willbeavailablein
June.
The,"FilmPresentationandCommunityGifting"inNovemberwasagain
successful.Theagency‐recipientfor2010wasTheRedwoodShelter;which
providestemporaryhousingandsocialsupportforwomenandchildrenfleeing
domesticabuse.
Our11thAnniversary"WomenRecognizingWomen"(WRW),forInternational
Women’sDaywasahit;thefashionshowsegmentwassensational.Jamaica's
ConsulGeneraltoToronto,Mr.S.GeorgeRamocan;MPforYorkWest,JudySgro;
Hon.JeanAugustine,wereamongourguests.TheWRWrecipientswere:Linda
Foxton,EulinLewison,PaulinePigott,HeatherRobinson,andJulieSpence.Our
guestspeakerthisyearwasCarolynGoulbourne‐WarrenwithMarciaBrownacting
asourMistressofCeremonies.Duringtheprogrammewepaidspecialtributeto
LillieJohnsonwhowasconferredwiththeOrderofOntarioinJanuary.A
presentationwasmadebyJudySgro.
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CommunityNetworking
Thecommitteehasalsobeenquiteactiveinthecommunity,attendingvarious
eventsandpromotingJCA.Lastyearwehadbooths/tablesatJambana,Jamaica
DayandSoccerfesttonameafew.
Advertising
Thereisnowanadvertisingpackage.Individualsandbusinessescanadvertiseon
thewebsite,inthequarterlyInFocusnewsletterorthroughanemailblast.For
moreinformationofadvertisingpackages,pleasecontact
[email protected].
MediaHouses
Wehavebuiltcloseconnectionswithvariousmediahousesandofsuchitmakesit
easierforustoadvertisethroughtheserespectivemediums.Someofthemedia
housesareCHRY105.5FM,RogersTV,Gleaner,CaribbeanCameraetc.
Moretocome:‐
ThePRCommitteewillbeworkingonaYouTubevideowhichisinconjunction
withJCA50thanniversaryaswellashostvariouseventstoshowcaseJCAaswellas
buildthemembershipdatabase.
WewillalsobedesigningdifferentJCAgiveawayssuchaspensandfridgemagnets
tocreatealastingimpressionaswellasspreadthewordaboutJCA.
Wehadanimpressiveyearandwearelookingforwardtoevenmoredynamicone
aswecontinuetorevamp,rebuild,recreateandredesigntheJCAimage.
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LeoCampbell
EXECUTIVEVICEPRESIDENT
Itseemstheyearhasgonebysoquicklyandherewe
arenowagainatanotherAnnualGeneralMeeting.
Letmebeginthisreportmostappropriatelysincerelythankingthemembershipof
theJamaicanCanadianAssociation(TheJCA)whotwoAGM’sagoelectedmetothis
position.Ithasbeenatremendoushonourandthesincereprivilegeofservinga
thirdtermontheBoardofDirectors.
ManyyearsagojustoutofUniversityImadeadecisiontorollupmysleevesand
givebacktomycommunity.WithoutlookingfarIfoundtheJCA,Ifeltwelcomedand
trulyrewarded!
InadditiontotheopportunitiestorepresenttheJCAinthecommunity,thepastyear
gavemytheprivilegetoserveonanumberthestandingcommitteesofthe
Associationnamely,ManagementCommittee(ViceChair),FinanceCommittee,
IndependenceGala(Chair),TheJCABoonoonoonosCommittee(Chair),TheJCA
AwardsCommittee(Chair),SocialServicesCommittee(Chair),TheJCARental
ReviewandPolicyCommittee(Co‐Chair),andSocialServices(Co‐Chair).
Wehavecollectedaccomplishedmanygreatachievementsandinroadstogether!
AwardsCommittee
ThevolunteerAwardsCommitteewasformedtocreateconsistencyanduniformity
inhowawardsaregivenandrecommendedbyJCAtoitsmembersandmembersof
thelargercommunity.
Wearecurrentlyseekingtosystemizeourprocessesforallawards,andasaresult,
allnominationsforawardsmustbeprocessedbythiscommittee.Throughthis
efforttheJCAwantstoensurethatallvolunteerswhohavemadeexceptional
contributionstotheJCAandalsotothelargercommunityarerecognized.Todoso,
wecontinuetheprocessofmaintainingandupdatingtherecordsofpastawards,
however,werequireyourassistancewiththisprocess.Thecommitteewelcomes
nominationsofdeservingJCAmembersformembershipandcommunityawards.
PleasefeelfreecontactthecommitteethroughtheExecutiveVicePresident.Wewill
alsokeeptheAssociationinformedofpersonswhoreceiveawards.Iwanttothank
themembersoftheAwardsCommittee,DaphneBailey,BarbaraThomas,Erma
CollinsandPamReynoldsforyourtimeanddedication.
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48thJCAIndependenceGalaPlanning
TheJCAhostedthe48thIndependenceGalaunderthetheme“IBelieveinJamaica.”
The2010speakerwasTheMostHon.Mrs.PortiaSimpsonMiller,formerPrime
ministerofJamaica.Ourspeakerremindedattendeesoftherichandstronghistory
ofJamaica’speopleandheritage,additionallythestrengthoftheJamaicansandthe
criticalroleJamaicanslivingoutsideJamaicaplayinthebuildingandinvestinginits
future.Theeventhonoredourwelldeservingvolunteerssuchasourlifetime
members,PresidentsAward,CommunityServiceawards,outstandingVolunteer
andrecognizedseveralCommunitySupporters.Sincerethankstothemembersof
theplanningcommitteeforthegreatcontributionandhardworkandofcourseto
ourdedicatedJCAmembershipfortheunwaveringsupport.
TheJCASocialServicesCommittee
TheSocialServicescommitteewascreatedtoaddressthemanagementoftheJCA’s
SocialServicesprograms,lookingatstrategies,bestpractices,funding,and
opportunitiesfordevelopmentandgrowth.Thiscommitteeisvitalgoingforwardas
wefindwaystoensurethattheJCAcontinuestoprovidethebestservicestoour
underservedcommunity.SpecialthankstotheCo‐Chair,MichaelFoster(staff),
AdaomaPatterson(BoardofDirectors),andSoniaMills(staff).
Thescopeandtermsofreferencewasrecentlycreatedandincludesthefollowing:
1. Reviewsstatistical,census&demographicinformationtoensureJCA’s
servicesremainresponsivetocommunityneeds
2. Monitortrendsinthesocialservicessector&makesrecommendationsto
managementstaff&boardaboutpotentialfunding
3. EnsuresfundingalignswithJCA’spriorityareasasoutlinedinthestrategic
plan
4. Makerecommendationstoaddressthechallenges&opportunitiesfacingJCA’s
socialservices
5. Monitorprograms&services;makerecommendationsregarding
effectiveness,programdeliveryandclientservice
6. Assistmanagementteamandboardwithprogramplanning.
AllowmetosaywhatisapparenttheJCAshouldknowthatwehaveverydedicated
staffwhoonadailybasisimplementsoursocialservicesprogramstoourpriority
neighborhoodsandclientsinourcommunity.Wecommendandthankyouforyour
workbeingonthefrontlinesshowcasingthebestofcompassionandcareinour
prioritycommunity.
ImusttrulythankthePresident,mycolleaguesonBoardofDirectors,allthe
volunteersandtheStaffforallyourhardandserviceonthevariousstandingandad
hoccommitteeswhomIhadthepleasuretoservewith.SpecialthanksaswelltoMs.
NelsonandMrs.RaphaelitaWalkerwhocontinuouslyserveasgreatfountainsof
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YolanWilliams
PUBLICRELATIONSCHAIR
ThePublicRelationsCommitteehavingbeenoutofcommissionforafewyearsis
nowfullyfunctionalandvibrantaswevigorouslytrytopublicizeJCAandJCA
events.Wehaveengulfedthesocialmedia,designedanewJCAbanner,connected
withthecommunityandcreatedadvertisingpackages.
SocialMedia
OverthepastyearwehaverevampedtheJCAwebsite,changedtheemailand
websiteurl,createdatwitteraccountandchangedtheFacebookpagetomakeit
easiertofindontheinternetthroughtherespectivesearchengines,aswellaseasier
toremember.ThenewwebsitewaslaunchedAugust1st,2010andthevisitsare
beingmonitoredsinceNovember2010.Wethoughtitwouldbeagoodideato
monitorthevisitstoseewhatpagesareofinteresttothepublicaswellasthetime
ofdayanddayoftheweek.Todate,visitshaveincreasedby50%sincewehave
startedmonitoring.Informationisupdatedwithin24hrsofbeingreceived.We
encourageyoutovisitthewebsiteandinvitefriendsandfamilytodosoaswell.A
twitteraccountwascreatedtoattractandappeasetheyoungandyoungatheart.
Webelievethatastechnologyenhances,itdemandsustoadvanceinourwaysand
methodsofcommunicating.TheFacebookaccounthasalsoincreasedinnumbersas
morepeoplebecomemoreinterestedinJCAandJCAservices.
JCABanner
Thenewportablestand‐upJCAbannermakesJCAmorevisibleandeasierto
recognizeatevents.ItoutlinestheservicesandcontactinformationforJCA.
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
Seniors’AppreciationBrunch
TheWishingWellGroup:Oursinceresympathiestobereavedfamiliesofour
membersandourheartfeltgoodwishesforaspeedyrecoverytothosemembers
whoareillorontheroadtorecovery,
Thisyearwehavesignedup65newmembers.
TheMembershipyearisApril1sttoMarch31st
IfyouarenotalreadyamemberoftheJCAwehopeyouwillconsiderbecomingone
today!Belowaresomeofthebenefitsofmembership.
 CertificateofMembership
 OfficiallaminatedMembershipCard
 CopyofMission/VisionStatement
 QualifiesforVolunteerRecognitionAward
 RepresenttheJCAoncommittees/boardsinternal/externally
 AccesstoservicesandprogramsprovidedbytheJCA
 Eligibletovoteatmembershipmeetings
 QuarterlyNewsletter
PLEASEMARKTHESEDATES:
TheAnnualFlagRaisingCeremonywillbeheldonJuly31,2011at2:00p.m.at
CityHall,followedbychurchserviceatFaithSanctuaryChurchat4:00p.m.
AnnualFamilyDaywillbeatMcFarlandPointPark,NiagaraFallsonJuly31,
Ticketsareavailable,purchaseyourstoday!OrcalltheJCAoffice.Lastdayto
purchaseyourticketJune17th.
TheAnnualSeniorsAppreciationBrunchiscomingupSeptember11th;weare
lookingforsponsorsforseniors,entertainersanddonationsandvolunteers,
JCAAnnualChildren’sChristmasPartywillbeonDecember4th.Lastdayto
registeryourchildwillbeNovember23rd.Registrationislimitedsoregisteryour
IfyouwouldliketovolunteeronanyofthecommitteesoftheJCAoronasub‐
committeeoftheMembershipCommittee,pleasecontacttheMembershipChairat
416‐746‐5772ext249.
STAYINTOUCH‐Wewouldliketostayintouchwithyou.Ifyoumoveandyour
contactinformationhaschangedpleasehelpusstayintouchwithyou.Youmayfax
inyourupdatedcontactinformationtotheofficeat416‐746‐7035oremailto
membership@jcaontario.org.Thiswillhelptokeepintouchwithyouaswellas
reducethereturnedmailandtheassociatedcost.
SpecialthankstotheMembershipCommitteeandthemany,manyvolunteers
includingBoardmembers.Iamdelightedtobeapartofthisorganization.THANK
YOU.
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wisdomandencouragementinmytenure.IalsomentionDr.SylvanusThompson,
VicePresident,VolunteerServiceswhoalsoservedasmyCo‐Chaironstanding
Committees.
JohnWesleyoncesaid,“Doallthegoodyoucan,Byallthemeansyoucan,Inall
thewaysyoucan,Inalltheplacesyoucan,Atallthetimesyoucan,Toallthe
peopleyoucan,aslongaseveryoucan.”
WehaveaccomplishedsomuchandwemustforgeaheadbytheGraceofGod.Letus
continuetobuildtheAssociationtorepresentthebestofourCommunity!Itisatrue
honourtoserve!
(DeputyChiefKeithForde,Retired;ValerieSteele,AstonHall)
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Dr.SylvanusThompson
VICEPRESIDENT,VOLUNTEERSERVICES
Introduction
Duringtheperiodunderreview,theVicePresident,VolunteerServices,was
involvedinseveralJCAevents/activities,includingtakingleadresponsibilitiesfor
theEducationandBuildingCommitteesfollowingtheresignationsofthosetwo
CommitteeChairs.Inadditiontoprovidingaudio/videoandothersupporttoall
committeeevents/activities,theVicePresidentservedonthefollowingcommittees:
BoonoonoonosPlanningCommittee(Co–Chair)
IndependenceGalaCommitteeCo–Chair)
Staff/ManagementLabourRelationsCommittee
SpecialUnitedWaySub‐committee
CollectiveBargainingTeam
NewYear’sEveFunctionPlanningCommittee
FinanceCommittee
SpecialTrilliumFundingCommittee
SpecialJCA/AlcoholandGamingSub‐committee(Lead)
TropicalStormNicoleFundraisingCommittee(Chair)
FundraisingConcerttoassistTropicalStormNicoleFloodVictimsinJamaica
Inresponsetoanappealforassistance,TheJamaicanCanadianAssociation(JCA)
hostedafundraisingconcertanddanceonFriday,November12,toassist
personsinJamaicaaffectedbyfloodingfromTropicalStormNicole.Unfortunately
13personslosttheirlivesduetothepassageoftheTropicalStormwhileover200
communitieswereaffected,includinglossoflivestockandproperty,anddamageto
schoolsandotherinfrastructure.Thedamagewasestimatedatseveralbillion
dollars.
SeveralofToronto’sfeaturedpromoters,entertainers,businessesandsoundsystem
operatorsdonatedtheirtalentsandotherresourcesforthisworthycause.Various
communitymediaoutletsassistedwithpromotion.Atotalof$10,013.87was
raisedfromtheevent,whichwasendorsedbytheJamaicanConsulate,andall
proceedswillbedonatedtoFoodforthePoor(Jamaica).
HallRentalandLiquorLicenceIssues
InanefforttoaddressconcernsraisedbytheAlcoholandGamingCommissionand
theOntarioProvincialPoliceregardingtherentalofthebanquetfacilities,theHall
RentalChecklistwasrevisedandadditionalrequirementsattachedtotheHall
RentalPolicy.Strictscreeningofclients,usingthechecklist,andothereffortsto
ensureadherencewiththerequirementsofSpecialOccasionPermitsresultedinthe
JCAbeingremovedfromtheLCBO"NoIssue"List.
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PamReynolds
MEMBERSHIPCHAIR
ThemainpurposeoftheMembershipCorneristoinformthemembershipofthe
activities,programs,servicesandeventsinandaroundtheJCAandthecommunity.
ThereportoftheMembershipCommitteeprovidesupdatesontheprogressofthe
organization,itsinitiatives,successesandfutureplans.
Oneofthestandingprioritiesofthecommitteehasbeenmembershiprecruitment
andretention.Wehaveadoptedrecruitmentasanongoingactivityforthe
organizationthroughactiveoutreachactivitiesandparticipationofTheBoardof
Directorsandmembersoftheorganization.
TheMembershipCommitteeispartofateamthatproducesOrientationSessions
forinterestedmemberswishingtolearnmoreaboutvolunteeringattheJCA,the
workoftheorganizationandsharetheirviewsonimprovingorraisingtheprofileof
theorganization.
Amongthecommittee’sareaofresponsibilitiesarethefollowing:
1. Settingannualrecruitmenttargetsanddevelopingstrategies
2. Activeoutreachactivitiesandannualmembershipdrives
3. Developingmembershipretentionstrategies
4. Collectingannualmembershipduesandprovidingreceipts
5. Maintaininganup‐to‐dateandaccurateregisterofmembers
6. AssistinplanningOrientationSessionsfornewmembers
7. MaintainarecordofsuitablecandidatesforrecognitionattheAnnual
IndependenceAwards
8. SubmitthenamesofMembersinGoodStandingforrecognitionofLifetime
Membership
9. MaintainarecordofcandidatesforrecognitionbytheJamaican,Municipal,
Provincial,andFederalGovernments
10. Responsibleforofferingcompassionatesupporttomembers/familiesinthe
eventofillnessorbereavement.
Inadditionthecommitteehasresponsibilityforthefollowingeventsandactivities:
 ProvidingrefreshmentatMembershipMeetings
 TheFamilyDay(Picnic)
 FlagRaisingCeremony
 Children’sChristmasParty
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AYearinPictures
TheJCAhostsinexcessof15eventsannually!Duringthe2010–2011
fiscalyear,weraisedover$10,000forthevictimsofHurricaneNicole,
hostedanimportantmayoraldebateforToronto’smunicipalelection,
honouredrecentlyretiredDeputyPoliceChiefKeithForde,celebrated
thelifeandcontributionofthelateDudleyLaws,assistedhundredsof
clientsbyprovidingimportantprogramsandservices,representedJCA
andnumerouseventsandincreasedourmembership.
EducationCommitteeActivities
ScholarshipAwardsProgram
Approximately$25,000wasawardedatthe2010JCAAnnualScholarshipawardsto
collegeanduniversitystudentsfromacrossOntario.Severalnewsponsors/donors
andincreasedsponsorshipfromotherscontributedtotheincrease.Thekeynote
speakerwasCTVNewsAnchorMarciIenandtheeventwassupportedbyJCA
membersandthewidercommunity.Planningisalreadytakingplaceforthe2011
awardsfunctionwhichwilltakeplaceonSaturday,September17.Scholarship
BrochuresareavailablefromtheJCAanddetailsarealsoprovidedontheJCAand
severalotherrelevantwebsites.
BlackHistoryMonthEvent
TheAnnualBlackHistoryMonthCelebrationwasheldonThursday,February24,
2011from9:00am–12noon,undertheTheme“OurCanadianStory:GuidingOur
YouthToSuccess”.Approximately500studentsattendtheeventwhichfeatured
variousculturalperformances.Entrepreneur,PublicSpeaker,andCommunity
Servant,RickyNeckles,anamesynonymouswithexcellenceandleadership,wasthe
KeynoteSpeaker.Otherspeakersandorganizationsthatattendedincluded,Robert
Small,theCanadianForces(CF),theOntarioProvincialPolice(OPP),TorontoPolice,
andtheRoyalCanadianMountedPolice(RCMP)whichwasparticipatingforthefirst
time.
NorthYorkWest(JCA)ChapterSpellingBee
The201/2011RegionalFinalsfortheNorthYorkWestSpellingBeeofCanada
ChapterwasheldonApril10attheJCA.Over100studentsparticipatedintheevent
forallthreecategories,Primary,JuniorandIntermediate.TheJCA,througha
dedicatedteamofvolunteers,conductedseveralCoachingsessionsanda“Mock
Bee”priortothecompetitiontohelpinpreparingthestudentsforthefinals.The
topparticipantfromeachcategoryrepresentedtheJCAattheprovincialfinalsin
May.
SaturdayMorningTutorialProgram
TheSaturdayMorningTutorialProgramisaweeklyacademicassistanceprogramto
supportstudentsfromgradesonethroughtwelveinLanguage,Math,Science,Social
Sciences,andJamaican/AfricanCanadianHeritage.Inthe2010‐2011academic
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15
year,effortsweremadetorevitalizetheprogramwiththehiringofanewProgram
Co‐ordinator,printinganddistributionofarevisedbrochureandotherpromotional
activities.
Duringtheperiod30studentsregisteredfortheprogramandweresupportedby
eightdedicatedvolunteertutors.Eachweekthestudentsareprovidedwithhealthy
snacksandaregivenincentivesforpunctuality,workreadinessandtask
completion.Theprogramemphasizestimemanagementskills,andtheenrichment
ofexpressivelanguagethroughvariouswritingworkshops.Studentsaregiventhe
opportunitytocreatetheirownworkplans,outliningtheirexpectationsandthe
assignmentstheyplantocompleteforeachsessionandareassistedincomposing
theirpersonaljournalsonselectedtopics.Otherwritingprojectsincluded
participationintheMathieuDaCostaChallenge,whichissponsoredbythe
DepartmentofCitizenshipandImmigrationCanada.Someofthestudentsfromthe
programhadtheopportunitytobuildtheirvocabularyandimprovetheirspelling
skillsthroughparticipationintheSpellingBeeofCanada,NorthYorkWestChapter
competition.ThestudentsalsoparticipatedinafieldtriptotheOntarioScience
Centretolearnaboutenvironmentalawarenessandemergencypreparedness.
BuildingCommitteeActivities
TherewasasignificantamountofachievementbytheBuildingCommitteeinthe
laterpartofthereviewperiod,someofwhichwerealreadyinprogressearlieron.
Severalsmallprojectswerecompletedwhileothersarenearcompletion.These
includetherepaintingoftheHandicapParkingspace,paintingandminorrepairsto
sectionsofthebuilding,andpromptreplacingofblownlightbulbs.Committee
memberswereidentifiedtotakeleadrolesforPainting,Electricalwork,
Plumbing,EquipmentandGroundsinanefforttostreamlinetheprocessandcreate
moreefficiencyandtimelyresponses.Alimitedpettycashfloat,withstrictapproval
guidelines,wasapprovedforspecifiedcommitteemembers’useincarryingout
minoremergencyrepairs.Workisinprogresstobuildabarrierintheroomwith
theelectricalpanels,thuslimitingaccesstothem,whilequotesarebeingsoughtto
carryoutwellneededrepairstothedrivewayattheeasternsideofthebuilding.A
majorworkdayisbeingplannedtofocusonrepairsatthebackofthenorthern
parkinglot,betweentheJCAandthePublicStoragefacility.Effortsarealsobeing
madetoensureregularandthoroughcleaningofthekitchenincludingallthe
equipmentandpolishingofthefloorinthemainhall.Attemptswillalsobemadeto
re‐introducetheschedulingofvolunteerstoassistthecustodiansateventswhen
required.
OtherActivities
TheVP,VolunteerServices,alsorepresentedtheorganizationatvariouscommunity
eventsincludingvariousretirementfunctionsforformerYorkRegionalPoliceChief
LaBarge,MarkhamAfricanCanadianAssociationScholarshipAwards,York
RegionalPoliceInternationalDayfortheEliminationofRacism,JamaicaDay
CelebrationsandtheMaltonBlackDevelopmentAssociationScholarshipAwards.
Additionally,theVPwasinvitedasoneoftherepresentativesoftheAfrican
CanadiancommunitytoparticipateinaCanadianForcesrecruitmentinfluencertrip
toHalifax.
AllCommitteesMeeting
Variousreasonsincludingheavyworkloadandcompetingdemandsformeeting
datesresultedintherequiredAllCommitteesMeetingnottakingplaceduringthe
reviewperiod.Acommitmentisbeinggiventhatthismeetingwilltakeplacevery
earlyinthenewreviewperiod.Suggestionsforasuitabledatearewelcomed.
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