As we enter our 50th Anniversary in 2025 we recall our rich fifty-year history and why we are here: a vision for a community of connected, resilient people.

James Bay, being the oldest neighbourhood in Victoria, propelled our mission forward because we believe that no person – of any age – who may be vulnerable, ill, isolated, and/or on low income should walk alone in their struggles. We aim to help before a family or individual reaches their breaking point, and our experienced staff of social and support workers and volunteers tirelessly walk alongside our program participants.

Our history has been one of a responsive nature and continues to be as we serve nearly 1,500 individuals and families in James Bay, and across Victoria.

Like many charitable organizations, we started with humble roots in 1973 when the James Bay Community Association (JBCA), the James Bay Community School and the local Human Resources office began meeting regularly to discuss community issues and planning for health, education, recreation, and human resource developments. This gained footing for many James Bay Community organizations that still exist today.

Moving forward, in 1984 James Bay Community Project (JBCP) reconstituted under the Societies Act as the James Bay Health and Community Services Society, and in 1990, JBCP bought and renovated the building at 547 Michigan Street as part of a dream to create community services “under one roof”, as we know the organization today.

This is why we ask you to consider helping us kick off the 50th celebrations by joining our “Resilience of 50” major Monthly Donor Drive this Fall.

Thank you to our donors without whose donations we couldn’t help people who may be vulnerable, ill, isolated, and/or be dealing with low-income. We are very grateful for your generosity.

Your compassion is the magical touch that helps people like this:

  • In early autumn of 2023 a woman we’ll call “Mary” phoned the James Bay Community Project (JBCP). It was not her first call to us, but it was the first time she asked to speak with the Executive Director, Kaye Kennish. When she got through, she wanted to say “thank you” for the services we had arranged for her, services that she says changed her life for the better.
  • “I always look forward to my help sessions in Digital Dive-in. The instructor is knowledgeable and helpful.”
  • “These programs have helped us connect with other families in the community, which has greatly helped my mental health after having a baby. Both my child & I feel so much better after having spent a morning out with other people & kids.”

As we embrace our upcoming 50th Anniversary, we invite you to celebrate by joining “Resilience of 50” – our major Monthly Donor Campaign that is now underway. We are appreciative of any donation, whether monthly or a one-time gift of any amount. For those who can this year, becoming a $50 or $100 a month donor in solidarity within a group of 150 will build the core funding we need to envision our next fifty years.

Further information about the families and individuals we serve can be found here on our website. If you can, please go to jbcp.bc.ca/donate to make a donation, or alternatively, visit us in person during our operating hours – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed weekends and on statutory holidays). During the Canada Post strike, we can also help arrange a courier to pick up your donation and we do accept etransfer donations to accounts@jbcp.bc.ca (please note this in the etransfer note: Fall Campaign).

To learn more about how your donations make a difference in people’s lives, we hope you will read our Fall Newsletter.

Sincerely,
Elissa Bergman
Fundraiser (Part-time)
fundraising@jbcp.bc.ca
(250) 388-7844 ext. 340