BCAPI (The Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative)

BCAPI (The Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative) was formed in 1997 by a group of business leaders who were concerned about the level of poverty in Saint John, N.B. and wanted to do something to help. BCAPI members are business leaders and professionals who believe poverty can be substantially reduced if the community’s leadership focuses on this common goal and works with all sectors to achieve change. BCAPI also believes the resulting socio-economic benefits for children, their families and the whole community are so substantial that We Must Refuse to Fail!

BCAPI contributes business leadership, skills and resources to specific community efforts that help children, youth and young families acquire the assets they need to succeed in school and achieve their full potential. Education is the primary route to employment and breaking the poverty cycle. We know that without adequate education, poverty can be a life sentence that attacks our well-being in so many ways...housing, hunger, illness, crime, isolation, self-confidence...and the list goes on.

BCAPI members work in partnership with others in the community to connect good policies, programs and services in ways that help children, from birth to adulthood, succeed in school and leave poverty behind them. Some of the resulting community models include: the Early Learning Centre, PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools), P.R.O. Kids, The Resource Centre for Youth (TRC), First Steps, and Vibrant Communities Saint John (VCSJ). Funds that BCAPI receives through sponsorships and contributions are directed to priority poverty reduction projects that BCAPI helps to seed and resource.

More than a decade of concentrated community effort has reaped many successes. The poverty level in the City of Saint John has dropped from 27% to 22%. Child poverty has been reduced from 34% to 28%. These levels are still higher than provincial and national norms so this good work must continue.

Poverty is a complex issue that negatively affects all communities. In Saint John, the level of engagement of local business leaders in this issue has caused other cities, governments and non-profits from across Canada to pay attention. Business leaders and professionals are rolling up their sleeves and digging deep to help children and their families succeed in life. You, too, can contribute to Saint John’s poverty reduction strategy.