Addressing generational poverty requires more than individual programs. It requires strong collaboration between organizations to share knowledge and solutions together.
The Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) and the Saint John Learning Exchange (SJLE) have a shared commitment to creating opportunities for individuals facing barriers to finding their next step, whether that’s through education, employment or empowerment. While roles within the community are different, both organizations share a common belief that positive, lasting change happens through collaboration and strong community relationships.
As one of the few communities in New Brunswick experiencing the realities of generational poverty, Saint John needs innovative approaches to connect education, employment, empowerment, business, and social supports. BCAPI has long championed the role SJLE plays in that ecosystem.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
BCAPI and SJLE’s relationship naturally grew through working together towards a bold goal: ending generational poverty by reducing barriers and creating opportunities.
As a catalyst for change, BCAPI brings business leaders together, community organizations, government, and individuals with lived experience to create solutions with lasting impact. When opportunities arose for SJLE to expand education-to-employment programming, BCAPI became a strong advocate. BCAPI supported funding applications and helped strengthen relationships with community partners and industry business leaders who shared a vision for more connected support.
Monica Chaperlin, BCAPI Coordinator, shares, “For BCAPI, the strength of the partnership comes from the relationships between organizations. What makes us unique is our connections and relationships… relationships grow new innovations, and sharing what we know.”
Those connections have created a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared understanding that reducing poverty is a community responsibility. By bringing diverse leaders to the same table, BCAPI helps organizations like SJLE expand their impact and develop innovative solutions.
Looking Beyond Traditional Models
Throughout her work with BCAPI, Monica has researched poverty reduction strategies and community models across North America. Yet, she believes SJLE offers something that is hard to find elsewhere.
“We just appreciate the Learning Exchange because it’s a pretty amazing place, and there’s nothing like it, actually, that I know of. As I look at best practices in North America and beyond, the Learning Exchange stands out in how it applies a personalized holistic approach for each learner and how it continually supports each learner until they are ready for their next chapter. It’s like this jewel in the crown.”
She adds, “There is a strong economic case in the Learning Exchange’s approach. Investing in the wellbeing, education and employment success of all our youth, avoids costly lifetime consequences, and strengthens our communities and society for the long term. We all benefit.
That holistic approach is especially important during key transition points when people can easily lose access to the supports they need.
Monica shares, “For example, too many students leave high school and don’t know how to move forward. That’s where the Learning Exchange is so important. Every student needs a path forward, and the opportunities to build their skills and experiences, so that they can thrive in adulthood and contribute.”
Strengthening Saint John Through Collaboration
The partnership between BCAPI and SJLE demonstrates what is possible when organizations move past individual mandates and work together towards a shared vision.
By connecting employers, community organizations, educators, and government partners, BCAPI helps create the conditions for innovative programs and stronger pathways out of poverty. Through that leadership, BCAPI continues to champion the work of SJLE while ensuring that business and community leaders are active partners in creating opportunity.
Together, the two organizations are helping to create a stronger Saint John.
