IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievement SWO receives Trillium grant for financial literacy (Chatham Daily News)

Junior Achievement SWO receives Trillium grant for financial literacy

To expand the reach of its financial literacy programs, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario has received a $154,100 Trillium grant.

Article content

To expand the reach of its financial literacy programs, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario has received a $154,100 Trillium grant.

READ MORE

WE’RE HIRING: Fund Development Officer – London

JA South Western Ontario is a member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide (JA), the world’s largest
not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. Through the delivery of
hands-on, blended learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness, JA empowers young
people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better
lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since 1963, schools in South Western Ontario have relied on JA to prepare young people for success in an
ever-changing global economy. JA South Western Ontario is responsible for the geographic area including
the counties of Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Bruce, Grey,
Wellington, Waterloo, Brant, Hamilton, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Niagara.

Reporting to the Director, Philanthropy, the Fund Development Officer plays a key role within the
organization, The Fund Development Officer contributes to the growth and sustainability of JA South
Western Ontario programming for children and youth. This role is responsible for development, coordination
and fundraising initiatives including grant applications, proposals, and reports, supporting the organization’s
annual fundraising, donor recognition and stewardship, supporting the events portfolio, and carrying out the
administration of the donor database. The Fund Development Officer works collaboratively across
departments on sponsorship activities while stewarding relationships with new and existing donors, and
provides support to the Director, Philanthropy on moves management and major gift donors. This role has
significant responsibility for assisting with complex projects and is accountable for achieving specific funding
goals laid out in the strategic plan and assisting with fundraising events when required.

Primary Responsibilities
Contribute to overall revenue goals:
• Research and identify funding opportunities in government, foundations, corporations, service clubs and
individuals
• Develop effective and compelling solicitation packages, grant proposals and applications, letters of inquiry, and
grant reports
• Monitor grants and reports from inception to completion and provide status updates to ensure successful
outcomes and deliverables within established deadlines
• Work closely with Director, Philanthropy, and program staff to monitor funded activities to ensure all deliverables
will be completed as proposed in the required timeline
• Manage and maintain the grant calendar and ensure that all proposals and reports are submitted on time
Administrative Support:
• Create and review lists for mailings, special announcements, and event invitations
• Assist with the development of presentations
• Prepare and send mailings
• Support donor stewardship and recognition
• Assist with Fund Development committee activities
Fund Development Data Management:
• Produce, maintain, and verify a range of regular monthly, annual, and other ad hoc reports to inform
Development strategies and plans
• Use data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for the development team
• Execute data queries, maintain data integrity and donor lists through tracking and monitoring of actions in the
customer relationship management (CRM) system
• Accurately process gifts including new pledges, pledge payments and one-time gifts
• Work closely with Director to reconcile gifts, accounts and fund allocations, special designations including
restricted and named fund tracking
• Monitor upcoming pledge and invoice schedules, as per contract or gift agreement in conjunction with
appropriate staff and distribute pledge payment reminders, invoices, gift renewal letters as needed
• Regularly maintain and update donor records
Additional duties and responsibilities:
• Maintain accurate records in line with organizational standards and objectives
• Represent JA in the community in a positive and professional manner
• Assist in organizing and executing other JA-organized events and activities as required

Education/ Experience
• Relevant post-secondary education and/or experience is required
• 3 – 5 years of relevant fundraising experience and demonstrated track record of achievement
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with customer relationship management systems such as Raiser’s Edge or
SalesForce
• Current driver’s license and access to a vehicle required, as some regional travel is expected
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and proficient in time management
• Knowledge of South Western Ontario and charitable sector is beneficial
• Able to work independently and remotely when required
• The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and flexible to work within a team and independent work
environment

This full-time position (40 hours per week) is available immediately with regular business hours and
some evenings/ weekends. Remote work from a home office anywhere in the JA South Western
Ontario region is possible; however, regular attendance at one of our office locations in London (head
office), Chatham or Waterloo may be required, with travel as required to other parts of the region. The
successful candidate must have a suitable quiet environment from which to work, with a desk and reliable and
secure internet access. A laptop will be provided. The position reports to the Director, Philanthropy.
The salary range for this position is $45,000 – $55,000.

The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
JA South Western Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. JA SWO will not discriminate based on
race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex (including pregnancy
and gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, age (18 and over), record of offenses for which a
pardon has been granted, marital status (including same sex partners), family status, or any other
grounds prohibited by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Are you ready to be the JA Development Officer to contribute to the mission of inspiring and preparing
youth to succeed in a global economy? Please submit your cover letter and resume by email to
hscott@jaswo.org by March 17, 2023. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview
will be contacted.

February 27, 2023

VIRTUAL PERSONAL FINANCE EVENT for High School Classes – March 28th

JA has an EXCITING new event opportunity for high school classes.

We are offering GRADE 9 – 12 students across Southwestern Ontario, the chance to participate in JA’s ‘Personal Finance’ program in a new a unique way! JA is offering a Hybrid Virtual LIVE event this semester that you won’t want to miss out on!  .

Each session of the ‘Personal Finance’ live event will be delivered by virtual volunteers. Your class can sign into one of the LIVE sessions that best coordinates with your class time. You will have access to the recordings of the additional sessions to complete the full program with your students.

Register Now or Learn more.

IN THE NEWS: TD Bank Group Invests in JA Canada to Support Youth Across Canada with Financial Literacy Education (Yahoo Finance)

Over the next three-years, JA Canada will equip more than 90,000 youth from coast-to-coast-to-coast with the financial literacy skills and tools they need to be better prepared for the future with support from TD.

TORONTODec. 1, 2022 /CNW/ – JA Canada is pleased to announce a renewed three-year collaboration with TD Bank Group (TD). This generous support will empower more than 90,000 youth across Canada with the skills they need to live a financially healthy future by participating in the Dollars with Sense program.

JA Canada logo (CNW Group/JA Canada)
JA Canada logo (CNW Group/JA Canada)

Dollars with Sense is a financial literacy program delivered to students in grades 7-9 across Canada. The program curriculum teaches students how to make smart financial decisions, live debt-free, and become savvy investors. Students learn personal money management skills that they can apply to their lives.

“Dollars with Sense is one of JA’s most in-demand and widely delivered programs. TD’s long-standing and renewed support for the program fuels JA Canada’s engagement of students, equipping them with critical financial literacy knowledge and skills to differentiate between needs and wants; make informed consumer decisions; use credit responsibly; and prepare a budget,” said Scott Hillier, CEO of JA Canada.

“Moreover, TD’s collaboration with our national program development of Dollars with Sense will enable JA to update and inclusively redesign the program increasing accessibility and engagement,” said Hillier.

The redesigned Dollars with Sense program will provide an interactive experience adapted to all learning styles whether students learn in the classroom, with a teacher or volunteer, or independently online at home.

“Supporting Canadian adolescents with the tools and support needed to build financial literacy fundamentals is very important to us,” said Uma Venkataramaiah, Senior Manager – Philanthropy Canada, TD Bank Group. “We’re so happy to continue supporting JA Canada and the Dollars with Sense initiative, both financially and through volunteerism, with programming that is accessible, inclusive and will help provide financial education skills to our future generations of leaders.”

Read More

IN THE NEWS: Goodwill CEO, CultureWorks founder earn Junior Achievement honour – London Free Press

For the first time, Junior Achievement in London is adding two women to its Hall of Fame in the same year.

For the first time, Junior Achievement in London is adding two women to its Hall of Fame in the same year.

Junior Achievement Southwestern Ontario is preparing for its Hall of Fame gala that will honour Michelle Quintyn, chief executive of Goodwill Industries, and Tina Bax, founder of the CultureWorks language school.

 

Seeking Board Members for our exciting, growth-focused strategic plan

Overview

Junior Achievement (JA) is a global organization, operating in 110 countries around the world.  Our vision is a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.  Through the economic empowerment of youth across the world, global peace and prosperity become possible.  In recognition of JA’s impact toward this vision, JA Worldwide has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

JA South Western Ontario (jaswo.org) is embarking on an exciting, growth-focused strategic plan, striving to double our student impact by 2025.  We are seeking candidates to join our committed volunteer Board of Directors for a three year term.  The JA South Western Ontario Board of Directors currently meets 8 times per year.  Currently all meetings are held through videoconferencing with a hybrid meeting model expected in future.  The board has three standing committees (Executive; Finance & Risk; Governance & Nominations) and uses operational committees to advance the work of the organization as required.

Key Considerations

The Board is focused on achieving the priorities of its Strategic Planning Framework.  This year, the Governance & Nominations committee is giving priority to individuals with the following:

  • Skills/Experience – Individuals with a Certified Human Resources Leadership designation (CHRL/CHRP) and/or legal, technology or property management experience
  • Geography – Individuals within South Western Ontario, with particular interest in individuals from Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, Waterloo Region and Hamilton
  • Demographic background – Individuals with a variety of lived experience including gender, age and ethnicity

JA South Western Ontario is committed to broadening the diversity of our Board of Directors.  We encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the community we serve including but not limited to BIPOC, LGBT2SQIA+ and people with disabilities.  Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Expressions of Interest

Are you ready to share your expertise and experience to guide our organization during this exciting growth period?  JA South Western Ontario invites expressions of interest from those wishing to serve on its Board of Directors for a term that would begin November 2022.  Interested candidates can learn more by contacting Alicia Gall, agall@jaswo.org or by submitting a resume for consideration by September 9, 2022.

View in PDF Format

IN THE NEWS: JA announces Business Hall of Fame 2022 laureates – London Inc. Magazine

Tina Bax and Michelle Quintyn will be inducted into the London and District Business Hall of Fame in October

Photo: 2022 JA London and District Business Hall of Fame inductees Tina Bax and Michelle Quintyn

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH Western Ontario has announced this year’s laureates to be inducted into the JA London and District Business Hall of Fame.

Each year, in recognition of outstanding contributions and ethics in business, Hall of Fame laureates are nominated and selected by respected members of the London and area business community.

Tina Bax, founder and former president of CultureWorks ESL and founder of Canada Immigration Pathway, and Michelle Quintyn, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, were announced as the 2022 laureates in a presentation held on Thursday.

 

JA announces Business Hall of Fame 2022 laureates

Thank you Volunteers! Celebrating National Volunteer Week

We could not be more grateful for our incredible volunteers who have continued to support our local students through another challenging year.  Young people need the skills and training from JA more than ever – and our volunteers help bring that experiential education every step of the way.  We’ve gathered information highlighting a few of our volunteers and we hope you’ll enjoy reading more about them and why they volunteer with JA.  THANK YOU to each and every volunteer for being so generous with your time to make a difference in the life of our youth.

Read our Volunteer Highlights

IN THE NEWS: Funding from Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development helps Junior Achievement bring game-changing program to youth in Hamilton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Funding from Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development helps Junior Achievement bring game-changing program to youth in Hamilton

 

Hamilton, ON – April 25, 2022The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is helping JA South Western Ontario bring a new program to Hamilton, which is expected to be a game changer for at-risk youth. Through the Skills Development Fund, the Ministry is providing $100,400 toward the development of JA Job Shadow program in the community; supporting youth aged 16-20 who are not currently in school.

JA Job Shadow is an impactful program that informs and empowers youth with the skills and capabilities to thrive in the workforce.  To date, the program has primarily been used by JA organizations in the United States and other countries and the program in Hamilton will be one of the first of its kind in Canada.

“To build stronger communities, we need to ensure young people have pathways to meaningful employment,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I am proud to support this JA project, which gives youth in Hamilton hands-on training and a pathway to financial independence and a better life.”

JA Program participants will engage in career exploration and planning activities that help them develop the employability skills employers are seeking. They will also gain valuable experience through a job shadow opportunity with a local business. This project inspires youth to create their own career goals and develop vital skills by connecting them directly with employers so they can learn what is required for success

“This program is really focused at bridging a gap,” said Karen Gallant, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “We know there are youth who need a less traditional path into their future – and we know there are companies looking for skilled workers. We are thrilled to be able to pilot this program in Hamilton and support young people and the community in this new way.”

JA Job Shadow will empower workers and job seekers who face higher barriers of entry, and enhance pathways into meaningful and gainful employment and will begin rolling out in the summer of 2022.  Interested partners or participants are encouraged to reach out to info@jaswo.org and check back for updates at jaswo.org.

 

 

Thank you Riverview Bingo!

Throughout all the shutdowns from the pandemic, Riverview Bingo has done everything in its power to keep the funding coming for JA and other charities in Chatham-Kent.

We’re so grateful for the support of Riverview across all three JA pillars – financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Knowing that funding is there each month has been a huge help in bringing essential JA education to students in our community. This proactive education will help keep students out of the cycle of poverty – and support the community builders of the future!

Thank you Riverview!

https://www.riverviewbingo.ca/

Nominations for 2022 London & District Business Hall of Fame open through March 25th

If you know someone who would be a good candidate  for the London and District Business Hall of Fame, now is the time to let us know! 2022 Laureate nominations will be open through March 25th.

Established by Junior Achievement of London and District in 1990, the London and District Business Hall of Fame honours the lifetime achievements of London and area’s most distinguished individuals who have helped shape our community through their business success, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic contributions. These distinguished leaders have planted the seeds of greatness that today’s youth will harvest to create their future.

Inductees are nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee. This year’s Laureates will be welcomed into the JA London and District Business Hall of Fame at the 2022 Induction Ceremonies and Gala Dinner on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the RBC Place London (as possible).  Laureate portraits will be installed at the permanent exhibit located on the second floor of the downtown London Public Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario.

Read more about the selection criteria and make your nomination:  Laureate Nomination Form 2022