News

Every Moment Matters: Celebrating JA Volunteers

25 April 2024
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Categories: JA SWO Articles, The Spark

April is a special time across the country and especially at JA as we highlight a network of unsung heroes—JA volunteers. These remarkable individuals dedicate their time, skills, and empathy to empower our youth. They are the “secret sauce” of JA, making our learning experiences come to life.

Let me take a moment to elaborate on the “secret sauce” analogy…

volunteer in class

The Special Sauce of JA Volunteers

The Ingredients

Much like McDonald’s iconic Big Mac special sauce, JA volunteers blend a unique mix of qualities:

  • Time: Just as the secret sauce is meticulously crafted, our volunteers invest their precious time. They show up for every learning experience prepared to ignite curiosity and inspire dreams.
  • Skills: Like the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess, our volunteers bring expertise. Whether teaching financial literacy or fostering entrepreneurial spirit, they enrich young minds.
  • Empathy: The special sauce wouldn’t be complete without a dash of empathy. Our volunteers listen, encourage, and uplift. They understand that every moment matters in a student’s journey.

The Impact

Remember that first bite of a Big Mac? Maybe you marveled at the flavour the secret sauce had. Similarly, JA volunteers have a profound impact in classrooms. Here’s what a few teachers had to say about JA volunteers who facilitated the Dollars With Sense and Economics for Success programs this year:

“I have used this program {Economics for Success} for a few years now. I personally really like volunteers coming into the classroom because the information, I feel, is more meaningful to the students coming from someone with expertise in a particular area. The program is always well-organized.”

“Having a JA Volunteer come into the classroom is an invaluable experience for the students. They bring a wealth of knowledge that is experience-based which helps the students understand how the information presented is used outside of the school environment.”

“I’ve always enjoyed the Dollars with Sense program. Great to have the volunteers back in the building!

So, here’s to you, JA volunteers! You’re the secret sauce—the magic ingredient that makes our learning experiences extraordinary. Thank you for all you do!

 

Karen Gallant
President and CEO
JA South Western Ontario

Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener

10 April 2024
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Categories: Careers, Careers

Job Opportunity:
Summer Camp Counsellor – Kitchener

(5 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week)

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.

The JA Summer Camp Coordinator works within a team of camp counsellors and under the supervision of full-time JA staff to facilitate all aspects of the JA Startup Camp experience for 8-13 year olds.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Supervising, facilitating, and participating in camp program activities with campers 8-13 years old
  • Participating in training and orientation sessions held prior to camp
  • Working in cooperation with other Camp Counsellors to ensure campers are safe, while maintaining adequate health and hygiene measures
  • Building relationships with campers by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and understanding
  • Providing positive feedback for parents
  • Assisting with camp set up and tear down activities, such as light cleaning, room preparation, organizing supplies/ materials, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills/ Qualifications

  • Ability to work well with children and parents
  • Ability to communicate effectively with parents, other Camp Staff, and campers
  • Ability to motivate others in learning new skills
  • Ability to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
  • Ability to provide support and instruction to others
  • Experience or education in working with children

This is a contract position (40.0 hours per week).

The successful candidate must be available to work 8:30 – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday from July 15 to August 23, 2024, on location at the Church of the Good Shepherd , 116 Queen Street North.

JA South Western Ontario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where differences are valued and respected in all areas of our business. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of 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 a JA Summer Camp Counsellor? Please send a resume and cover letter to Zoe at zburness@jaswo.org. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-04-19
Expected start date: 2024-07-15

APPLY NOW

Summer Camp Counsellor – London

10 April 2024
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Categories: Careers, Careers

Job Opportunity:
Summer Camp Counsellor – London

(7 weeks in July/ August – 40 hours/week)

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.

The JA Summer Camp Counsellor works within a team of camp counsellors and under the supervision of full-time JA staff to facilitate all aspects of the JA Camp Startup experience for 8-13 year olds.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Supervising, facilitating, and participating in camp program activities with campers 8-13 years old
  • Participating in training and orientation sessions held prior to camp
  • Working in cooperation with other Camp Counsellors to ensure campers are safe, while maintaining adequate health and hygiene measures
  • Building relationships with campers by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and understanding
  • Providing positive feedback for parents
  • Assisting with camp set up and tear down activities, such as light cleaning, room preparation, organizing supplies/ materials, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills/ Qualifications

  • Ability to work well with children and parents
  • Ability to communicate effectively with parents, other Camp Staff, and campers
  • Ability to motivate others in learning new skills
  • Ability to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and professional conduct
  • Ability to provide support and instruction to others
  • Experience or education in working with children

This is a contract position (40.0 hours per week).

The successful candidate must be available to work 8:30 – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday from July 2 to August 23, 20234, on location at the JA Centre, 15 Wharncliffe Road N, London.

JA South Western Ontario is committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where differences are valued and respected in all areas of our business. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. JA SWO will not discriminate on the basis of 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.

To apply please send a resume and cover letter to Zoe at zburness@jaswo.org. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

Salary: From $16.55 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • Casual dress

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-04-19
Expected start date: 2024-07-02

APPLY TODAY

IN THE NEWS: Junior Achievers in London (CTV)

29 February 2024
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Junior Achievers in London

A free program is teaching London students how to launch and run their own business. Amandalina Letterio has the story.

WATCH ON CTV

Company Program Students interviewed for CTV
Company Program Students interviewed for CTV

Help turn dreams into reality – a message from JA Alum Stephen McCabe

20 December 2023
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However, it was in high school, during the JA Company Program in 2012, that my JA experience took on a whole new level. I pitched the idea of duct tape wallets to my company, which later evolved into duct tape book bags. Despite facing unexpected challenges during production, our team remained undeterred and eventually pivoted to creative and custom phone cases, aligning with a trend of the time. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the importance of a unified vision.

Fast forward to today, and I am the CEO and Co-Founder of Northern Devs, a successful venture dedicated to helping startups and small-medium businesses build apps and websites. Additionally, I serve as a startup and product coach, sharing my expertise with an incubator in Brampton. Most recently, I’m excited to be launching QuickCasa, an AI platform designed to qualify leads for leasing agents in residential leasing.

When reflecting on my journey, I attribute much of my success to the solid foundation laid by JA. From selling energy drinks in high school to leading tech startups, JA instilled in me a deep understanding of business fundamentals and the critical importance of teamwork and adaptability.

Offering advice to high school students, I emphasize two key takeaways: ask questions and just try it. As I’ve come to realize, “Not knowing is never a problem; not learning is always a problem.” I wish I had taken more chances and embraced unique experiences, like the invaluable opportunities provided by programs such as JA.

As JA South Western Ontario celebrates the achievements of countless individuals with their “The Next 60 Starts Here” 60thAnniversary celebration, I invite you to join me in supporting their mission. Your generous contribution enables JA to continue empowering young minds, fostering entrepreneurship, and building a foundation for future leaders.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation before the year concludes by visiting jaswo.org/60startshere. Your support ensures that more students have the chance to experience the transformative power of JA programs and, like me, turn their dreams into reality.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Stephen McCabe

IN THE NEWS: Geddes Family Foundation Fuels the Future with a Generous Donation to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario  

20 December 2023
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The Geddes Family Foundation, administered through the London Community Foundation, announces a substantial donation to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO) in support of the charity’s “The Next 60 Starts Here” 60th Anniversary campaign. Established in 2018, the Geddes Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting education and health initiatives

Brad Geddes, President & CEO ZucoraHome, has a long history with Junior Achievement South Western Ontario. Having served in various leadership roles, including Chair and Past Chair, and recognized as a Director Emeritus, Brad’s connection with JA dates back to 1972-1976 as a student in the Company Program in Brantford, Ontario.

Brad’s JA experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the establishment of multiple successful businesses. He provides invaluable advice to aspiring high school entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of finance, law, and a voracious reading habit.

In response to the Geddes Family Foundation’s donation, Karen Gallant, President and CEO of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, expressed gratitude, stating, “This support allows us to expand our programs, reaching more students and empowering them with essential life skills. We are deeply grateful for the Geddes family’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders through relevant hands-on learning.”

“London Community Foundation is proud to facilitate the Geddes Family Foundation’s significant multi-year commitment that will further Junior Achievement’s vital mission,” said Diane Silva, Director of Philanthropy, London Community Foundation. “We applaud the Geddes family for investing in fostering the leadership and entrepreneurial skills of young people who are essential for building strong and thriving communities now and for generations to come.”

The Geddes Family Foundation’s donation comes at a critical time, as JA South Western Ontario celebrates 60 years with a goal to ensure every child is inspired by a JA experience.  To learn more and be a part of the celebration, please visit jaswo.org/60startshere or call 519-439-4201.

 

IN THE NEWS: Calling all alumni of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (Cambridge Today)

17 November 2023
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Calling all alumni of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario

JA alumni invited to participate in the creation of a ‘mosaic of stories’
CambridgeToday Staff
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Listen to this article

00:01:52

NEWS RELEASE
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO
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Junior Achievement South Western Ontario is reaching out to its alumni spanning six decades to collect and celebrate the stories of success, growth, and learning that have emerged from the JA experience. As the charitable organization commemorates 60 years with their Next 60 Starts Here celebration, JA seeks to highlight and celebrate the impact of JA experiences on the professional and personal development of its alumni.

JA has been a pillar of experiential learning in southwestern Ontario since 1963, nurturing skills and insights essential for students in the areas of financial health, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. The stories of JA alumni stand as a testament to the enduring influence of Junior Achievement, demonstrating the transformative power of hands-on learning.

“We encourage JA alumni in our region, regardless of the scale of your experience, to share your story to help inspire local students,” said Karen Gallant, president and CEO of JA South Western Ontario. “We’re filling out our Alumni yearbook with at least one story from each of the past 60 years, but in the end we want to hear from as many alumni as possible. You never know which story is going to connect with a student and motivate them to push through a challenge they’re facing.”

The Next 60 Starts Here alumni initiative aims to showcase the diverse array of experiences and achievements of JA alumni. This mosaic of stories exemplifies the profound impact JA has had on individuals, communities, and the business landscape.

To share a JA story and be a part of this celebration, please visit the website or call 519-439-4201.

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Celebrating 2023 Laureates at the Hall of Fame Gala and Announcing 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration

26 October 2023
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At last night’s Gala Celebration at RBC Place London, distinguished Laureates Allan Drewlo, President of Drewlo Holdings, and Jill Wilcox, Owner of Jill’s Table were officially inducted into the London and District Business Hall of Fame, honoured for their outstanding contributions to business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. While hosting the event, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario announced the launch of “The Next 60 Starts Here” – a $3.2 Million 60th Anniversary Campaign.

The London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala annually celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the London and District community through their commit

ment to ethical business practices. Allan Drewlo and Jill Wilcox have been selected as this year’s esteemed Laureates for their dedication to the world of business and philanthropy. Allan Drewlo has emerged as one of Southwestern Ontario’s foremost figures in the real estate development and property management indust

ry and Jill Wilcox has created a beloved destination for foodies, home cooks, and professional chefs as well as authoring food columns and six cookbooks.

The London and District Business Hall of Fame, established in 1990, serves as a crucial fundraising event for JA South Western Ontario. The event showcases the lives and accomplishments of these Laureates, inspiring the next generation of business leaders. These individuals will join a distinguished list of previous Laureates, whose portraits are displayed in the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gallery at the London Public Library in downtown London.

Nominations are now open for the 34th Annual London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala, which will be held on October 24th, 2024. Visit jaswo.org/LBHF for more information.

In addition to celebrating the induction ceremony, Junior Achievement South Western Ontario announced its 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration.

For 60 years, JA South Western Ontario has been dedicated to equipping young people with essential skills in financial health, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, preparing them for the constantly evolving global economy. JA continues to provide relevant hands-on learning to support youth in gaining essential skills, combatting the cycle of poverty.

The anniversary campaign aims to secure $3.2 million in funding to enhance and expand JA South Western Ontario’s reach and impact. These funds will be allocated toward vital areas, including sustainability initiatives, enriching learning experiences, improving IT infrastructure, and expanding facilities.

Andy Spriet and his wife, Helen, have made a significant commitment to the campaign by donating 10% of the fundraising goal. Andy, a former board member of JA South Western Ontario and an inductee into the London and District Business Hall of Fame in 2002, stressed the importance of supporting the organization, saying, “JA is supporting the future of business by teaching future entrepreneurs the skills they need. As a lifelong entrepreneur myself, it’s important to support these efforts. Helen and I hope our gift will inspire everyone across South Western Ontario to help in whatever way they can.”

As part of the celebration, JA South Western Ontario is collecting Alumni stories, aiming to gather at least one story from each of the past 60 years. The organization invites alumni who have participated in JA programs to share their stories, highlighting how JA has helped them achieve their goals and where they are today. This initiative demonstrates the enduring impact of JA’s work in the community.

Karen Gallant, President and CEO of JA South Western Ontario, expressed her enthusiasm for the 60th Anniversary Celebration. “We are incredibly proud of our six decades of empowering youth in South Western Ontario. This celebration is a testament to the lasting impact we’ve had in the region, and we look forward to connecting with our Alumni and the community to build an even brighter future for the next generation.”

To learn more about JA South Western Ontario’s 60th Anniversary “The Next 60 Starts Here” Celebration and how you can get involved, please visit jaswo.org/60startshere 

IN THE NEWS: Empowering Future Business Leaders The Junior Achievement Way (BizX Magazine)

2 October 2023
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Empowering Future Business Leaders The Junior Achievement Way By building abilities and nurturing self-belief, Junior Achievement prepares youth for the future of work, ensures they have the tools to be financially capable adults, and teaches them to think entrepreneurially. We explore the importance of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario (JASWO), and how this organization can give students the employment and entrepreneurship skills and mindsets they need to succeed.

A Change to Planned Giving Starts in 2024 

31 August 2023
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Categories: JA SWO Articles

Introduction by 

Heather J. Scott, CFRE
Director, Philanthropy
JA South Western Ontario 

Since 2006, the capital gains on gifts of publicly traded securities to registered charities has been eliminated. Securities eligible are all securities listed on both Canadian and major international exchanges. This includes stocks, mutual funds and bonds, along with a variety of other products. The donation must be made as an ‘in kind’ transfer of the security itself directly to the charity rather than selling the security and gifting the cash proceeds.  

When you make a gift of securities to Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, you are providing financial learning experiences for children from Windsor to Tobermory to Fort Erie, a population of more than 500,000 elementary and high school students. With no government or United Way funding, we rely strictly on donations to provide the programming students rely on for financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. 

For yourself, you eliminate the capital gains tax you would pay if you sold the securities and donated the proceeds. Plus, you receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. 

Making this donation is easy, but before you do so you should consult your professional team. Working with your financial planner, accountant and lawyer to ensure you have your entire estate picture in view is essential to making the right gift at the right time.  

Any one of these professionals is constantly following legislative changes, tax laws, to ensure your own personal circumstances align with your philanthropic wishes. 

For instance, The 2023 federal budget announced significant changes to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) system. As Susan Evel outlines below, these changes may affect a donor’s decision to donate a gift of securities after December 31, 2023. 

 

A Change to Planned Giving Starts in 2024 

By Susan Evel, BA, CFP® CLU, RIS
Owner and Principal
Edgewater Financial Products 

Donors are a unique group of people. They are passionate, compassionate and generous. The impact they make is vast, and organizations rely on the support of generous donors to carry on their essential and life-changing work. So, when the Federal government gave notice that it was raising the Alternative Minimum Tax Rate (AMT) in 2024 from 15% to 20.5%, and changing the way donated shares are taxed, charitable organizations took notice. This change could significantly impact charitable contributions from donors who are impacted by the AMT.  Capital Gains Next Exit

While AMT rules don’t apply to charitable donations on death, and most high net-worth individuals have estate plans that include philanthropy, the changes will impact large lump sum donations donors make while living. If a donor has a large gift amount in mind, they will be better under the new regime to donate annually over multiple years, rather than one large lump sum. From a planning perspective, this could be very helpful to organizations, provided the donor continues the annual commitment, but as we know, circumstances change, and these amounts can’t necessarily be counted on. 

The Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) has noted that the pandemic greatly impacted donations and charitable giving has been declining generally over the years. So, it’s imperative donors are aware of the ways in which they can continue to assist, while still benefitting from a tax perspective. 

In the past, donating shares has been a great opportunity. The charity would receive the donation, while the donor received preferential tax treatment as the gains were tax exempt. However, as of 2024, the capital gains will be fully included in the AMT calculation. (It’s worth noting that in most cases, taxpayers subject to the AMT calculation can recover the additional tax paid over several years with proper tax planning). 

There is still a window of opportunity for donors considering a gift of shares. With 4 months remaining in 2023 it would be worthwhile for donors to make the donation prior to the end of the year before the rules change. Not only will they be helping the charity, but they will also receive the preferential tax treatment. All while making an impact.  

Self-Efficacy: A Critical Skill for Workers Now and in the Future

27 July 2023
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Categories: JA SWO Articles

I’ve spent a lot of my career focused on talent development – either as a people leader, helping companies attract and retain talent, or – most recently – providing opportunities for youth to figure out what they want to do and how they can get there.

As part of this work, I love to stay abreast of trends related to the “future of work”.

In May 2023, the World Economic Forum released the Future of Jobs Report 2023. There was lots of interesting information (and fuel for future blogs!) but I was struck by what was identified as the most important skills for workers in 2023, and how well JA learning experiences help youth develop those skills.

According to the Future of Jobs report, the top two skills for workers in 2023 are analytical and creative thinking skills. The most important skills all relate to self-efficacy: resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning.

Albert Bandura and Icek Ajzen pioneered the idea of self-efficacy: that people who believe they will succeed are more likely than others to actually succeed. (You can read more about self-efficacy in Asheesh Advani’s 2017 post here).

In Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control, Bandura suggested four ways to increase self-efficacy:

  1. Mastering skills through hands-on experience
  2. Observing others with self-efficacy achieve success
  3. Hearing that others believe in one’s ability to succeed
  4. Rerouting negative thoughts into positive ones

Through JA’s immersive, hands-on learning experiences, students have an opportunity to master skills – everything from budgeting to starting a business – which is one of the most important ways to develop self-efficacy. I love to see when a student has an “a-ha” moment or shares the sense of satisfaction they’ve achieved by overcoming an obstacle. Those are the signs they’re developing self-efficacy…a vital skill for now and in the future.

As leaders, you may have seen your staff exhibit signs of self-efficacy (probably a lot during the pandemic, but hopefully you’re still seeing them on a regular basis). How do you help them develop those attitudes and behaviours on a regular basis?

Over the coming months, we’ll be posting regular blogs about JA’s three pillars: financial health, work readiness and entrepreneurship. We hope you’ll learn something or be inspired to share our vision of a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to create thriving communities.

Karen Gallant
President and CEO
JA South Western Ontario

Systems Upgrade Underway

23 June 2023
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Starting the week of June 26th, JA South Western Ontario will be transitioning to a new database system in order to better serve our mission. We anticipate our new system being fully operational August 1st, but in the meantime there may be a few gaps in our ability to send out external communications about our programs and initiatives. You can stay up to date with the latest news on our website and through our social media.  And of course, please reach out to us anytime with questions. You can find our team members here: jaswo.org/about-us/staff-board/.