１）Introducing our new Strategic Plan In the spring of 2020, JSS began to undertake our strategic planning to set our future directions. We are happy to announce our Strategic Directions 2021-2025, which sets three priority areas going forward: 1) enhance financial sustainability, 2) increase recognition in our community, and ultimately, 3) be the organisation that the community can count […]
By Yuka Sato-Atiyota It has already been a year since we started using the word “pandemic”. I am strongly hoping everyone is staying safe despite the extraordinary challenges and hardships imposed by this situation. First, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your support to the 2020 Holiday Drive. I am very happy to inform you that it was a huge success this year again! Please see “Big Thanks from Holiday Drive […]
Michelle ChibbaThe JSS Board of Directors had another busy year working with staff to ensure our organization continues to serve our community’s needs.Financial Stability We continue to keep the financial viability of JSS a priority. The board’s approach is to strictly manage expenditures and continue to keep on top of fundraising and meeting with existing and […]
The Annual General Meeting of Japanese Social Services was held on August 25, 2020. This annual meeting is usually held in June, but due to the pandemic, it was postponed once and was held in a virtual format for the first time. Despite the circumstances, we are happy to report that the meeting proceeded smoothly, with more […]
Chie Takano Reeves (Community Outreach Worker / Volunteer Coordinator) As a result of the pandemic, we have been offering our programs via online formats while in-person programs have been paused since mid-March. Online service is to completely new to us, and it was very much challenging to learn and used to it to the point that we can provide sessions and teach our […]
JSS continues to offer counselling and information services via the phone/internet. Further, during the State of Emergency, all JSS services will be offered free of charge for the people experiencing hardship related to COVID-19. All our programs are temporarily suspended; however, planning is underway to deliver some of the programs in an online format. 【Current […]
Since the pandemic began, we have been as busy, if not more so, responding to the community needs. In April, we have delivered food and other items generously donated by Oomomo, a Japanese variety store, to our client families. Oomomo again contacted us in May, this time with an offer of mask donations. The masks are in the process of being […]
Welcome New Board Members! JSS welcomed two new members on our Board of Directors. Their profiles are below. Welcome Aaron and Yoko! Aaron Benjamin Mollin Aaron Benjamin Mollin is a Tokyo-based lawyer and executive search consultant, who is also engaged in myriad creative endeavors—from DJing, to fashion design. Aaron grew up in Toronto, but has […]
As JSS continues to work for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, your generous support is needed more than ever. With our key fundraising opportunities such as the Toronto Challenge Charity Marathon being cancelled, we are experiencing a difficult financial situation. Please consider donating to help us support our community via cheques, online transfers, […]
With generous supports from the community and funders, Japanese Social Services has been able to provide high-quality counselling service by qualified, bilingual (Japanese – English) counsellors at extremely low user fees for many years. Please check here for details. Based on a user survey outcome and recent consultation with internal and external experts, we have […]
As a new addition to JSS board, I am excited and humbled to be a part of the family. I have been a nurse in Canada and in the U.S. for 12 years at both acute care and the community setting. As much as I want to contribute my humble experience to JSS, I would […]
Help JSS expand our reach and raise awareness of JSS services and programs. Follow us on social media. Please like and share our posts. We invite you to comment on posts and send us direct messages with feedback, suggestions, and inquiries. All direct messages will be kept in the strictest confidence. Please note that the […]
REPORT ON EVENT Longtime JSS Board Member Tokugi Suyama honoured by JCCC Longtime board member and former counselling supervisor, Tokugi Suyama was honoured by the JCCC with the Ishizue Award. Both he and his deceased brother Kunio were given the honour on April 18, 2019, along with 5 other individuals who have made “exceptional contributions […]
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A snapshot of what’s on our agenda Workplace Values The Board approved the JSS Workplace Values put forward by the Executive Committee and the printed sign that will go up in the office. Thanks to Anthony Liliefeldt, a long time supporter of JSS and design expert, for designing the sign for […]
Board Members The Board regrets that Anthony Liliefeldt and Michi Chun are no longer able to serve as board members due to other personal and professional obligations. We are grateful for the valuable contributions they made as board members and their continued commitment to supporting JSS in other capacities. The Board is delighted to welcome […]
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A Snapshot of What’s on Our Agenda JSS Board of Directors Workplace Training With the start of 2019, JSS is embarking on its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) ensuring that everyone — staff, volunteers, and Board members — receives training. JSS is also looking into other […]
On September JSS held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch. It was a pleasure for members of the JSS Board of Directors to meet some of the amazing and talented volunteers that are the heart of JSS. Once again, the ‘Human BINGO’ icebreaker turned into a fierce competition. As they have done many years in the […]