2010 – 2011 Board of Directors Staff - Jamaican Canadian Association

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
� New server installed to increase IT efficiency
� Increased funding over the past fiscal year to enhance some program
capabilities
� New policies and procedures in place on Finance, Human Resources, Violence
and Harassment and Accessibility.
� Deemed low risk by funder assessment
� Cash management plan
� Tenacious and stable senior management team
� More donors are now using the on‐line donations system setup on our
website and enhancements were done to improve the tax receipting process
� A PST review was done for the past year and we were successful in
recovering taxes from the Ministry of Revenue. We were also successful with
our application to the City of Toronto for a rebate on the property taxes.
NEXT STEPS
As we celebrate 49 years of service to the community, we recognize that there are
many challenges in achieving our goals and objectives. Our accomplishments and
successes to date have been the collaborative efforts of all our stakeholders working
together. Our membership and volunteers has been a pillar of strength to the JCA
and our Board has remained committed to the task ahead. I would like to say a
special thanks our clients and customers we serve every day of the week. We take
pride in making your experience with JCA a positive one.
As we create a road map for the future we will be embarking on strategic planning
for the social services, create more awareness for our program offerings, increase
our visibility in the community and explore expansion beyond our current physical
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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Charmaine Sewell
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR
The Women’s Committee experienced another successful year planning and hosting
events which are in keeping with our mandate to promote women’s issues.
Our roundtable discussion in June entitled; “Caregiver stress and related causes”,
was selected because of the globally aging population and many people in the
'sandwich' generation are experiencing burnout and other health issues related to
raising children while simultaneously caring for aging parents.
Facilitator, Dr. Enid Collins identified several factors that trigger behavioral changes
and other symptoms of caregiver stress. She explained further, that even seemingly
simple circumstances can affect how well the caregiver manages in her/his role as a
caregiver.
Following the discussion, participants had a chance to share their experiences as
caregivers and or care‐receivers.
Several brochures and other resource data were provided to assist anyone dealing
with this situation.
In September we started a 10 week self‐defense program, facilitated by Dr. Ann
Phillips. We would like to resume the program in the near future.
Several members of the committee took an overnight excursion to Niagara‐on‐the‐
lake in October. It was a very enjoyable experience. Another trip is being planned,
this time to Stratford, to see the play “Hosanna”. The invitation is open to anyone
interested in participating and more information (time/cost), will be available in
June.
The, "Film Presentation and Community Gifting" in November was again
successful. The agency‐recipient for 2010 was The Redwood Shelter; which
provides temporary housing and social support for women and children fleeing
domestic abuse.
Our 11 th Anniversary "Women Recognizing Women"(WRW), for International
Women’s Day was a hit; the fashion show segment was sensational. Jamaica's
Consul General to Toronto, Mr. S. George Ramocan; MP for York West, Judy Sgro;
Hon. Jean Augustine, were among our guests. The WRW recipients were: Linda
Foxton, Eulin Lewison, Pauline Pigott, Heather Robinson, and Julie Spence. Our
guest speaker this year was Carolyn Goulbourne‐Warren with Marcia Brown acting
as our Mistress of Ceremonies. During the programme we paid special tribute to
Lillie Johnson who was conferred with the Order of Ontario in January. A
presentation was made by Judy Sgro.
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