BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FINANCIAL LITERACY WORK READINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP Annual Report 2015-2016 JA Central Ontario A Member of JA Canada About JA JA Worldwide is one of the largest global NGOs dedicated to addressing fundamental social and economic challenges of young people by educating and empowering them to transform their future and own their economic success. With more than 100 member countries, the JA Worldwide network is powered by over 450,000 volunteers and mentors, reaching more than 10 million young people around the world every year. From Barrie to Burlington to Bowmanville, JA Central Ontario delivers cutting-edge, experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. We broaden the canvas of possibility for young people across Central Ontario and enrich their ability to engage in their own economic development and contribute to the strength of their families, communities, and local economies. IN FISCAL 2016, JA CENTRAL ONTARIO WAS PROUD TO: INSPIRE CONNECT WITH REACH DELIVER 51,224 3,366 563 2,005 STUDENTS VOLUNTEERS SCHOOLS PROGRAMS AND AND 69 99 CORPORATE NEW PARTNERS SCHOOLS What’s Inside? Leadership Message 1 Award Winning Volunteers 2 Financial Literacy 3 Work Readiness 4 Entrepreneurship 5 Company Program 6 Program Events 7 Corporate Donors 8 Individual Donors 12 Bold Thinkers 13 Governors’ Dinner 14 Golf Classic 15 Auditor’s Report 16 Financial Statements 17 Board of Directors 18 Board of Governors 19 Leadership Message It’s tough to be a student these days. While it is true that they don’t have to walk miles in the snow, they do face higher unemployment and under-employment levels, grow up in households with the highest debt ratios in G7 countries, and increasingly find that their academic careers do not prepare them for the workplace. Throughout this report you will see that the data demonstrates the need for JA programs has never been greater. JA Central Ontario has the potential to improve personal money management skills, our economic prosperity and address Toronto’s severe youth unemployment numbers. The impact of our programs is significant. In fact, the Boston Consulting Group states that students who participate in our programs will save more, borrow less and be less likely to be on social assistance later in life. In addition, half of our students will open their own business driving new employment and economic growth. We are very proud of this impact and the opportunity to contribute positively to an improved future state for our community. Our impact, however, is limited by time Cathy MacDonald and money. Last year, only 9% of students in our catchment area received life- Chair of Board of Directors, EVP, altering money management skills at impressionable times in their lives. Annually, Information Technology and hundreds of teachers who request for a JA program in their classroom are placed Operations, on a wait list because we do not have the funding or volunteers to honour their Xplornet Communications Inc. requests. It is for these reasons that our organization has endorsed a new five-Year Strategic Plan. We are excited to work to increase the profile of our brand, to diversify and grow our sources of revenue and to explore new and efficient ways of reaching students. In addition, we are committed to excellence and strive to build a professional culture with a strong work ethic. To those of you who have supported us with funding and/or volunteers, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your support. Your investment of time and money is safe with us. We are one of only a few accredited not-for-profit organizations meeting the high standards set by Imagine Canada. In addition, we are financially sound with a strong balance sheet. There are exciting times ahead. Your support will allow us to increase our impact and address several economic burdens currently compromising our potential. We Jane Eisbrenner hope you will join us for this exciting and rewarding ride! President & CEO, JA Central Ontario Cathy MacDonald Jane Eisbrenner Chair of Board of President & CEO, Directors, EVP, Information JA Central Ontario Technology and Operations Xplornet Communications Inc. 1 Award Winning Volunteers Russ Robertson receives the 2015 Miskiman Award from JA Canada The Miskiman Award recognizes volunteers who have immeasurably furthered the aims and objectives of JA in Canada. Mr. Robertson was recognized for his incredible 38+ years of service to JA Central Ontario during which time he has fulfilled a number of board roles including Board Chair, Governor, leadership in the areas of fundraising, volunteer recruitment, financial sustainability and his ongoing commitment to delivering JA programs. Larry Chan Honoured with the 2015 Toronto Legacy Award Larry Chan was one of 25 recipients of the 2015 Toronto Legacy Award. Larry has been a dedicated volunteer with JA Central Ontario for 20 years. He has spent over 2,000 hours mentoring and guiding young people in the ways of business and entrepreneurship, and by supporting them as they transition into post-secondary education. “Over the last 12 years JA has been able to reach over 600,000 students. Larry has been a direct contributor to that impact: through his mentorship, his financial support, and his valuable oversight as a Board Director.” - Jane Eisbrenner, President & CEO, JA Central Ontario Joanna Williams receives RBC Volunteer of the Year Award Joanna has been a JA volunteer for over fourteen years delivering day programs and serving as a Company Program Advisor. This year she was selected as one of twenty RBC Canadian Banking and Insurance employees to receive its inaugural Global Citizen Award. “Who we are drives what we do and how we spend our time. RBC has always supported me and my work in the community - I am most Kevingrateful.” Lee awarded- Joanna Williams, as RBC the Enbridge Volunteer of the Year Kevin Lee awarded as the Enbridge Volunteer of the Year Kevin Lee named Enbridge Volunteer of the Year “Volunteering provides me with a deep sense of fulfilment, to know that I’ve positivelyWe impacted are someone’son a mission life. JA Advisors to inspire don’t volunteer their time to benefit their careersand and prepare resumes. Beingyouth an advisor to succeed is just a title; in respect a from the students should be earned.” - Kevin Lee, Enbridge Gas global economy. 2 “Saving, budgeting and FINANCIAL LITERACY managing money and debt wisely can go a long way in helping young Canadians attain their short and long term goals.” Jane Rooney | Financial Photo: Grade 8 students Consumer Agency of Canada, participating in a JA program Financial Literacy Leader In the News JA programs prepare students to make life-long smart financial decisions. 50% JA Financial Literacy curriculum equips students with the vital tools they need to make a budget, live debt-free and become savvy investors. Students learn of 18-25 year olds said personal money management skills that they can apply to their lives ... beginning they were unprepared to now. During the 2015/2016 academic year, JA provided the following in-school manage their finances programs: going into post-secondary education.* More Than Money – 780 Elementary School students identified the role of money in everyday life and learned about earning, saving, spending and sharing. Students gained an understanding of how proper money management can improve their lives, and how their financial choices can impact others. 38% Dollars with Sense – 15,479 Middle School students learned how to make of 18-25 year olds said smart financial decisions, live debt-free and become savvy investors. Students they are not putting any evaluated their financial decisions against their goals by developing a money money away on a monthly management self-profile, discovering what influences their spending, learning how basis for long-term to make informed consumer decisions, and preparing a budget. savings.* Investment Strategies – 600 Secondary School students learned how to understand the pros and cons of different investments, such as RRSPs, exchange- traded funds and GICs. Students then applied the investing principles they 34% learned in the program by competing in a stock simulation linked to live data from North American stock markets. of 18-25 year olds said their household doesn’t follow a budget. ** JA Alumni are Sources: * Capital One Canada Financial Education study, 3X 2016 more likely ** Ipsos Reid for ABC Life Literacy Canada, 2011 to hold senior and middle management positions in their Source: Making an Impact: Boston Consulting Group 2011 respective organizations. 3 WORK READINESS “Increasingly there is a mismatch between what Canada’s youth study and what the economy really needs. That’s why JA is so important.” Benjamin Tal | Deputy Chief Economist of CIBC World Markets Inc. Photo: Jelani, JA Student Alumnus JA programs give young people the tools they need to succeed in a global economy. In the News JA Work Readiness curriculum provides youth with foundational career-building skills they will use throughout their lives. Participants learn communication, networking 18.1% and interview skills and how to collaborate with diverse groups of people to achieve Toronto’s Youth common goals. During the 2015/2016 academic year, JA provided the following in- Unemployment Rate* school programs: Stronger Together – 3,876 Middle School students discovered the important role teamwork and diversity plays in Canada and in the workplace. Students recognized the benefits of working with diverse teams at school and in the workplace to achieve 45.3% common goals. Toronto’s Youth Economics for Success – 22,136 Middle School students mapped their interests, Employment Rate* skills and passions into possible careers, learned how to network, identify a mentor, and create a strong personal brand. Students gained the skills they need to set goals, seize opportunities, and envision a future that fuels their passions.