VOLUNTEERS

We feel it is necessary to acknowledge the incredible work, heart and dedication of our volunteers first and foremost in this annual report.

Realizing our vision requires the cooperation of many stakeholders, however the group that truly makes things happen is the volunteers. Our incredible volunteers represent JABC each and every day, in every classroom, in every school district. They take our mission of making sure every child has an opportunity to participate in a JA program and turn it into reality. They bring life to our programs, sharing their real-life experiences and impacting the career aspirations and life-long success of students in a multitude of ways.

Volunteers, there aren't enough words to express our gratitude but we want you and the world to know that you are the heart of JA. Thank you for all that you do.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Inspiring, preparing and empowering youth for life-long success.

As the first JA charter in Canada, JABC has been delivering entrepreneurship, career readiness and financial literacy training courses into elementary, middle and high-school classrooms across BC for over 60 years. Our innovative programs incorporate a mix of modern and traditional delivery methods and are specially designed to complement provincial classroom curriculums. These programs introduce students to 21st century skills – communication, collaboration, leadership, problem solving, decision-making and more – while undertaking practical training on saving, spending earning, investing, business management, interviews, resume writing and more. Our programs are delivered by a team of trained and dedicated volunteers who are able to share relevant, real-life examples and experiences to students. JABC’s extensive network of partners, including educators, businesses, volunteers, policymakers and philanthropists, make it possible for students to access our programs, free of charge, in over 90% of BC's school districts.

The following stories have been shared by members of the JABC Program team from around the province and highlight some of the rewards, challenges, successes and transformations experienced by volunteers, students and teachers who participated in a JA program over the past year.

JA Empowers

“One of the most succinct examples that exemplify the value and power of this program was a very mild-mannered young participant, Matthew, who was naturally very introverted. Through the course of the program, though not being a highly outspoken individual per se, he demonstrated an increasing amount of confidence, boldness, and leadership. In particular, filling the gap as others withdrew their level of engagement from time to time. I think the experience has implanted an absolute desire in him to pursue business to some degree, and most likely within the area of finance and/or accounting.”

- Jame Healy, Senior Advisor, Alescent Inc.; JA Company Program Mentor

When Matthew, a grade 11 student at D.W. Poppy Secondary School in Langley, told his mother he wanted to participate in JA Company Program, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it and later shared with us, “Matthew was very keen to participate in the program, but I was nervous that the program might be a bit too much for him. We decided to support his decision to participate and our decision was validated from the very first session Matthew attended onwards.” When Matthew came home from his first session, he had a big smile on his face and told his mother, “This is a really good stress!”

Matthew joined the JA student company, Bright Bella, which sold reflective umbrellas with fun and unique designs to keep pedestrians safe in the rain. Matthew was a member of the finance department and demonstrated dedication and persistence throughout the course of his participation. He took pride in his sales figures and received kudos from his teammates as he generated more sales than their actual sales department. Bright Bella had an opportunity to sell their products at the annual Make It show in Vancouver in the spring and, at one point, Matthew was the only one at their booth. The Honourable Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction was at the fair and chatted with Matthew, resulting in a photo which was later shared on the minister’s Facebook page.

Stephen Branch, President, Metric Modular, was one of Bright Bella’s mentors and shared his observations:

“One student seemed to gain the most growth in terms of building confidence in his own abilities and strengths. While reserved at the start, Matthew met each challenge of the program head on and did not waver in his dedication. He often stood in wherever needed and learned the value of being heard and the contribution of his knowledge and skills. It was a pleasure to be thanked by his mother for volunteering and hear her feedback on the impact the program had on Matthew’s confidence. I encouraged Matthew to contact me should he ever need a reference in the future.”

Matthew’s JA Company Program mentors, both senior business leaders, praised Matthew for his dedication, attentional to detail and business acumen when stepping into multiple positions. They both offered Matthew a personal reference upon completion of the program and encouraged him to consider taking on a senior leadership role in the program next year.

"Thank you for the support and never letting the room get too tense. This was an amazing opportunity for me to learn more of how to apply my skills in the real world of business"

- Matthew, JA Company Program participant

JA Prepares

Throughout his life, Jeremiah Philips has been observing increasing rates of marginalization and poverty rates, not just at home in Vancouver but in his travels around the world.

He believes those who face misfortune deserve a better opportunity and decided to co-found the not-for-profit organization, Vision for Life. Vision for Life is a foundation which aims to lessen the hardships of marginalized individuals residing in Metro Vancouver by providing them with necessities, building emotional connections and connecting them to counseling, capacity-building, and harm reduction resources. The foundation also has a goal to sponsor individuals in order to integrate them to become working members of society.

Prior to Vision for Life, Jeremiah was no stranger to volunteer work, trying to raise awareness of issues near and dear to him. He’s the co-founder of his school club, Spartans Against Cancer, a church servant and even a published author. He is also a JA alum. Having participated in an after-school JA Company Program two years ago through Surrey Little Theatre, he's using his experience as Vice President for his JA student company to run Vison for Life.

The following cohort of JA Company Program students at Surrey Little Theatre, it turns out, were so inspired by Jeremiah and his achievements that they decided to donate a portion of their profits to his organization. Their student company, Imperium, sold wireless chargers, the latest trend in device charging technology and generated enough sales to be able to donate nearly $400 to Jeremiah’s organization! Alisha Thapar, President of Imperium, was highly regarded by her teammates for her hard work and enthusiasm. Perhaps she’ll follow in Jeremiah’s footsteps and start her own organization very soon!

JA Inspires

Shortly after participating in More than Money, the latest addition to JABC’s suite of financial literacy programs, 10 year old Jessica teamed up with her older sister to create a slime business. They earned a gross profit of $100 in just two weeks by selling to family and friends. Her mother Eva, an entrepreneur herself, was intrigued. She learned that her daughter had participated in a JA program and one of the activities was to come up with a plan for a potential business idea after identifying their own personal interests. Eva reached out to us right away.

“I have long advocated for financial literacy within our school system. JA recognizes this need for help and along with corporate sponsors and willing volunteers, we are bringing this powerful knowledge base to the present generation! And as simple as the name of one program More Than Money, we can inspire these children to take control and design a future they want to be part of. Because it isn’t just money…it’s options, it’s lifestyle, it’s social responsibility and generational knowledge this program co-creates for the youth!

Eva believes that when a family isn't experiencing financial success, they find it more challenging for parents to pass down information about money to their children. They may not know how to approach the subject and don’t feel equipped with the right knowledge.

“The workbooks coupled with the interactive games helps to instill the foundational understanding of how money works," says Eva. "I’m a proud JA volunteer and my children have benefited greatly. Following the More Than Money program, my daughter was inspired to start a small business."

"I learned how to take one of my interests and make a business out of it! We advertise, take orders and after we record all our expenses, we still make a profit.”

- Jessica, daughter of Eva Yuen

LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Each year, with the help of our donors, JABC gives away $20,000 in awards and scholarships to students who have demonstrated excellence and leadership while participating in a JA program. JABC congratulates the following outstanding individuals: