JAPANESE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION

The Japanese Community Volunteers Association (JCVA) strategically addresses pivotal social challenges encountered by newcomers and immigrant seniors primarily stemming from limited English proficiency and insufficient awareness of available resources. These fundamental barriers contribute to social isolation adversely affecting physical mental and financial well-being. Notably empirical studies have underscored that seniors of Asian descent markedly underutilize vital health and social services compounding their vulnerabilities. In response JCVA has developed and sustained a variety of social programs and support services tailored to enhance the well-being of Japanese Canadians and facilitate their successful integration into Canadian society. Reflecting the endeavors of the previous fiscal year JCVA has successfully continued to offer an expansive array of programs both online and in-person. These initiatives are designed to enrich the daily lives of participants and include: Recreational Programs: Diverse activities such as telephone-based and Zoom programs (exercise local news in Japanese gardening Q&A medication management and brain training) along with in-person activities (ping pong mahjong craft club garden club aerobics and iPad classes). Community Services: Meals-on-Wheels: Weekly Tuesday Bento Lunch Delivery which addresses food security and provides a social outlet. Life Seminar: Educational workshops on crucial topics relevant to seniors. Caregiver Support and Online Meetings: Resources and support groups for caregivers. Telephone Buddy and Visitation: Programs to reduce isolation through sustained personal contact. Medical Interpretation Services: Essential communication support for healthcare interactions available both telephonically and in person. Medical Transportation: Facilitated transport to medical appointments with optional interpretation services. Community Volunteer Income Tax Program: Assistance with tax preparation and filing. Phone Check-ins/Seniors Centre Without Walls: Regularly scheduled calls and Zoom programs to maintain engagement and monitor well-being. 2024 saw continued financial support through the Therapeutic Activation Programs for Seniors grant from United Way British Columbia alongside substantial backing from Vancouver Coastal Health. Contributions from various corporate entities and individual donors have been instrumental in sustaining and expanding these essential services.

1. Tonari Gumi Programs Thanks to continued support from United Way BC’s Healthy Aging grant all senior programs at JCVA remained free of charge in 2024. The core program Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) offers comprehensive opportunities for social connection community engagement and physical and mental activation. In addition to the existing sites in Steveston and Surrey a new Coquitlam satellite was launched in January 2024 with programs held twice weekly. With the addition of the Coquitlam and Burnaby locations the satellite Genki programs expanded to five sites—significantly improving accessibility for local seniors. Additionally to support the physical well-being of our members new health-focused classes were introduced and quickly gained popularity. These programs encourage active living and help participants maintain a healthier more comfortable daily life. 2. Social Meal Program To address social isolation among older adults Tonari Gumi launched a regular Japanese lunch gathering in Burnaby starting in July 2024 with support from United Way and in partnership with Robert Nimi Nikkei Home. These gatherings have become a trusted 'community space' where seniors can enjoy nutritious meals together and engage in social conversations in a safe and welcoming environment. 3. Expanded Caregiver Support Groups With funding from the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation Tonari Gumi expanded its bilingual online support groups for caregivers from two sessions to six sessions per month across three groups. This service which supports families caring for individuals with dementia and other aging-related challenges is facilitated by three professional social workers and is now recognized as a reliable nationwide resource. 4. Life Seminar Series Tonari Gumi’s Life Seminar program—open to both members and non-members through the support of United Way BC’s TAPS grant—continued to provide valuable educational opportunities in 2024. 5. Members’ Shopping Transportation Service In July 2024 Tonari Gumi launched the 'TG Members’ Shopping Transportation Service' using a 7-passenger van purchased through the Japanese Canadian Legacies Fund. This service initially targeted members residing within Vancouver city limits helping them access essential groceries and shopping destinations.