Dear Friend,

Since 1974 at the James Bay Community Project (JBCP), families from across Victoria have been a part of our everyday! As a social services non-profit and a JBCP staff family, we are privileged to walk alongside families who use our programs or services such as Parent and Baby/Child Groups, Youth & Family Outreach, and Seniors Programs.

Our purpose is to build and enable a community of connected, resilient people across the Victoria communities. Many of our program participants are vulnerable, isolated, and/or come from low-income households who also envision a better future for themselves, their family, and a community of connected resilient people. Our programs touch the lives of over 1,500+ people each year.

The immediate fundraising area of need this Spring is to raise $20,000 for our Seniors Programs and Services, specifically for our Digital Dive-In Program. Our goal this campaign is to raise $6,000 for Digital Dive-In. In this program seniors are invited to get help with learning how to use their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. These devices are a great way to stay in touch with family and friends and maintain independence by learning some basic computer literacy skills. The program is in its third year. All sessions are with an IT (Information Technology) Specialist, and sessions occur once a week.

Most of the Digital Dive-In sessions are in a group, and there are one-on-one sessions available, as needed. Outreach volunteers are trained as well to help seniors at home. This program is free and has helped over 150 seniors feel more connected to their family, friends, and community.

We truly need your support and financial donations, should you be able to help. There has never been a time where our programs were more in demand.

Our current funding cycle for this program is up, and many program participants have emphasized their ongoing need for this program to continue. Our programs and services help seniors, like these in Victoria:

  • One of the Digital Dive-In participants is dyslexic and after her partner passed away last year, her family noticed she was becoming quite isolated and disconnected. Her family learned about the Digital Dive-In program and encouraged her to join, to make communicating in the digital world easier for her.
  • Another participant is not fluent in English and is supporting her husband through kidney disease and dialysis. The program has taught her digital translation tools so that she can better advocate and care for her husband’s health.

None of our work can be done without your support– from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your continued support!

Can we count on your support to help the James Bay Community Project senior participants through our programs and services? No matter the size of your gift, every dollar has 100% chance of making a difference in the lives of the seniors who attend our programs.

Sincerely,

Kaye Kennish, Executive Director

James Bay Community Project

Click here to make a secure donation: https://jbcp.bc.ca/donate/#donate-today

P.S. We know that it’s not possible for everyone to be able to make a monetary contribution. If this is your situation, here’s some other ways you can help:

  • Share a personal story with others about your experience at the Project – it might inspire them to give!
  • Share your story with us to lift the spirits of our staff and volunteers. You’re welcome to come by the Project or give me a call at 250-388-7844, Ext 311.

Our existing services are:

◆◆Family Resource Centre

◆◆Youth & Family Outreach

◆◆Youth Food Skills

◆◆Seniors Outreach

◆◆Better at Home Program

◆◆Volunteer-delivered services for seniors

◆◆Social programs for seniors

◆◆Digital Dive-In (portable tech info sessions for seniors)

DID YOU KNOW… Until the end of March 2024, when you sign up as a monthly donor of $20 or more a month through CanadaHelps.org, they will make a bonus donation of $20 to us. Click here to visit our donation page powered by Canada Helps: https://jbcp.bc.ca/donate/#donate-today

SAVE THE DATE:
May 11 is our 1st Annual Resilience Mystery Dinner Auction. Tickets are $100/person or $600/Table of 6. Reception tickets for the Silent Auction portion of the evening are also available for $40/person (refreshments and a light menu will be served, but this does not include the mystery restaurant portion of the evening that follows the reception). To RSVP, please contact Elissa Bergman at fundraising[at]jbcp.bc.ca or phone (250) 388-7844, Ext. 340 by April 15.