The 2022-23 year has been one of change, transformation, introspection and growth. 

We’ve continued to witness the persistent challenges faced by residents, ranging from deep-rooted systemic inequities to pressing concerns such as food insecurity, escalating food costs, limited access to mental health and addiction support services, a scarcity of affordable housing, surging rent prices, precarious employment, mounting inflation rates, continued over-surveillance, lack of safe outdoor space and the soaring cost of living. Despite these obstacles, residents' commitment to community mobilization and collaboration continues as we collectively explore avenues to bolster mutual support.

During this year, the board of directors and staff undertook a collaborative process of introspection, realignment and strategic recalibration. Anchored in our principles of community engagement, social justice, equity and capacity building, we reassessed our organization's effectiveness in addressing systemic gaps. 

We acknowledge the need for continuous dedication towards building an anti-oppressive, anti-racist and equity-driven framework both within our internal structures and within our service delivery. This commitment takes centre stage in our agenda for the forthcoming year, 2023-24.

Working alongside grassroots groups and community partners, we achieved several significant organizational highlights. In 2022, we proudly joined the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) as a North Toronto partner, strengthening our ability to offer post-crisis support through case management and service navigation. Through our 'Bill it to Bezos' campaign, we had success in implementing a new and innovative approach to fundraising, tapping into networks beyond our own. Throughout the year, our commitment to community-driven initiatives continued, including events such as our back-to-school backpack giveaway, food distribution programs, collaborative food banks with our EarlyON, settlement and youth teams, the inaugural Community Classic 3x3 Basketball Tournament and our annual Adopt-a-Family program. Our acceptance for a 5-year funding renewal from the United Way Greater Toronto as an Anchor agency was a testament to the impact of our work.

As we move forward, the 2023-24 year is filled with optimism. Our focus remains unwavering: to develop programs, projects and interventions that effectively bridge service and opportunity gaps caused by systemic inequities, while supporting community leadership and cultivating spaces that reinforce transformative system change. 

The success we’ve had as an organization this year is in direct response to the dedication, creativity, resilience and adaptability of our remarkable team members and staff. Their relentless commitment forms the foundation of our programs and services, and without their support, our work would not be possible. 

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and look towards the future, we are committed to continuing our work alongside residents, leaders and grassroots groups rooted in civic engagement, collaboration, equity, advocacy and supporting a strong and healthy Jane-Finch community.