President’s Message

Yuka Sato-Atiyota, President

I hope everyone is keeping well. Thank you very much for your continued support of JSS. 2024 has unfortunately begun with a major disaster, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Japan. Some of you may have family members, relatives, and friends in the affected areas. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those.

As we enter the year 2024, it has already been three years since I assumed the position of JSS President. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, my  current and former board colleagues, community partners, and the JSS members and volunteers who are reading  this newsletter for their warm guidance and support, which has allowed JSS to continue to operate successfully. We look forward to your continued support in the future.

There are three types of “moments” that make me particularly happy in my role as JSS board member and president. The first is when I hear happy reports and positive feedbacks from clients through our staff. Of course, we, board directors, do not learn personal information such as names, but hearing general success stories and realizing that JSS is helping people is the best part of my job at the JSS board. And secondly, I find it very rewarding to receive  positive comments from our staff about their work environment and conditions.  As a small community organization, our staff have to work flexibly and juggle various tasks and duties to meet needs of clients and community. We believe that one of the roles of the JSS Board of Directors is to provide a stable supply of quality services by providing a comfortable working environment for our staff. Last but not least,   I truly enjoy opportunities to meet new people in my role = volunteers, supporters, and other people active in the community through various activities and events.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to meet many people from time to time, and was touched by their passion and thoughts. In particular, at the Joy of Christmas Concert at the end of the year, we were able to meet with many people who continue to support us through the member churches of the Renrakukai Toronto Japanese Churches, and we are very grateful for the many warm words of support as well as donations.

We look forward to seeing and talking with more of you in 2024 through our annual meeting and fundraising events.

Please not that we are continuing  to look for new board members to join us. If you are interested, please contact us.