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Who We Are
Jerusalem Community Services of Ontario, known as JCSO, is an Ottawa-based community organization serving people of Palestinian heritage and contributing to the wider Canadian community.
Since its incorporation in 2000, JCSO has worked to strengthen community connections, preserve and promote Palestinian culture, provide educational and recreational opportunities, and encourage active participation in Canadian society.
Our programs bring individuals and families together through cultural events, educational activities, community services, youth and women’s programs, recreation, volunteering, and opportunities for mutual support. JCSO’s work is informed by Islamic values and a commitment to community participation, cooperation, and service.
Our Mission
To provide community services to people of Palestinian heritage and to promote a deeply rooted Palestinian culture while actively participating in the social fabric of Canadian society, consistent with Islamic values as a way of life.
What We Do
JCSO creates opportunities for community members to:
- Participate in educational and cultural activities
- Celebrate and preserve Palestinian heritage
- Take part in recreational and community programs
- Build meaningful social connections
- Exchange knowledge and offer mutual assistance
- Volunteer and contribute to community initiatives
- Participate actively in Canadian society
Our Story
Jerusalem Community Services of Ontario was incorporated on May 2000, to serve people of Palestinian heritage and promote educational, cultural, recreational, and community-development opportunities.
JCSO was founded on the belief that cultural identity, community service, and active participation in Canadian society can reinforce one another. The organization supports community members in maintaining meaningful connections to Palestinian heritage while contributing positively to the diverse social fabric of Ottawa and Canada.
Over the years, JCSO has brought community members together through events, programs, recreation, education, volunteering, and mutual support. Its work continues to evolve in response to community interests and emerging needs.
Leadership and Governance
JCSO is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for supervising the organization’s affairs, providing strategic oversight, and ensuring that its programs and operations remain aligned with its mission and governing documents.
The bylaws provide for a Board consisting of a minimum of three and a maximum of fifteen directors. Directors serve without remuneration, although reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities may be reimbursed.
JCSO’s officers may include a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director, and other positions established by the Board. The bylaws define responsibilities for organizational leadership, records, financial oversight, meetings, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and accountability.
Our Commitment to Accountability
JCSO is committed to responsible governance and organizational accountability. Its governing framework provides for:
- Regular Board meetings
- Proper maintenance of corporate and financial records
- Financial oversight
- Annual meetings of members
- Conflict-of-interest disclosure
- Confidentiality
- Member participation
- Defined responsibilities for directors and officers
- Board-approved policies, rules, and procedures