JustWork Announcement:

Dear friends of JustWork, 

It is with heavy hearts that we write to inform you that our board of directors has decided to close JustWork. This decision came after much consideration and with a deep sense of responsibility to our employees and the community we have proudly served. We closed our JustPotters and JustCatering enterprises in late December and are currently winding down the society. 

Over the course of the past year, the board determined that we longer have the financial capacity to sustain JustWork’s operations. The challenges posed by the current economic climate leading to reduced grant income, debt incurred while weathering COVID and greater competition and decreased revenue for each of our enterprises collectively was too much to overcome. This decision was not made lightly, and we want to emphasize that every step has been taken to explore alternative avenues and secure additional resources. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the financial challenges have proven insurmountable, leaving us with no choice but to cease our operations. 

Our Executive Director, Vienne Chan, who joined us in June 2023 has provided exceptional leadership and creativity in trying to find a viable plan for the organization. We could not have asked for more. Our staff, enterprise managers and employees have similarly served our mission with dedication and care for one another during this challenging time. We have been intentional about how we close JustWork, endeavoring to support our employees well in this transition and we welcome any leads you have regarding potential employment opportunities. 

From the inception of this social enterprise non-profit in 2004 and incorporation as JustWork in 2006, your unwavering support and encouragement has been the cornerstone of our ability to create positive change in the lives of many. It is with a profound sense of gratitude that we express our sincere thanks for the generosity and commitment you have shown us over the years. 

While this marks the end of a chapter, we encourage you to carry the spirit of giving and compassion that defined our organization into your future endeavors. We continue to believe in the social enterprise model as a means for enabling more people to experience the goodness and camaraderie of dignified, gainful work. 

The board is planning to host a simple event to celebrate the work of JustWork over the past 20 years in the coming months. Please stay tuned for more details. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. 

With heartfelt gratitude, 

Brenda Martin 

Board President 

JustWork