Charity Spotlight is a weekly series dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of Jersey’s charities – from grassroots initiatives to island-wide movements, we’ll be sharing the stories of the people working tirelessly to support those in need and the importance of leadership in guiding that work.
Each week, Express hears from a charity leader on their biggest challenges and successes, what leadership and wellbeing truly mean in the third sector, and their hopes for the future.
Next up is James’ Ark – a charity dedicated to providing support to families and parents, particularly fathers affected by long-term separation.
The charity’s mission is to encourage father involvement through early intervention after family separation by offering emotional support through the separation process and helping parents find effective ways to reconnect with their children.
James’ Ark CEO James Cunningham shared his reflections…
The most rewarding part of our work is…
Seeing a father and child reunite after a long time apart is truly incomparable.
It’s a moment we, as a charity, work tirelessly to make possible, and witnessing it firsthand means the world to us.
Knowing that this reunion will leave a lasting impact on both of their lives is what makes our work so meaningful.
A common misconception about what we do is…
We don’t help mothers – we absolutely do.
In 2024 alone, we have supported over 60 mothers, helping many reconnect with their children after losing access.
Our mission is, first and foremost, to prevent children from losing access to their parents, with a primary focus on fathers.
One thing I wish more people understood about our cause is…
The long-term impact on society when children lose access to their fathers is profound and often overlooked. Research indicates that children from fatherless homes face significant challenges:
- 63% of youth suicides occur among children from fatherless homes.
- 85% of children exhibiting behavioural disorders come from fatherless homes.
- 71% of all high school dropouts are from fatherless homes.
- 75% of adolescent patients in substance abuse centres come from fatherless homes.
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.
Reflecting on our own school years, many of us can recall peers who struggled academically or behaviourally, often lacking a father’s presence. Today, we observe youths facing similar challenges, frequently with little to no contact with their fathers.
Our charity wouldn’t exist without…
We are deeply grateful for the generous grants, donors, and amazing support from the public. Without the incredible people who believe in our mission, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
In five years, I hope our charity will…
We have many ambitious goals on our horizon, but one of our greatest hopes for the next five years is to establish a dedicated facility for fathers and their children who find themselves homeless, in unsuitable accommodation, or fleeing domestic abuse.
Shockingly, one-in-three men experience domestic abuse and too often these men are left with an impossible choice – face homelessness or surrender their children.
The most important quality in a team is…
Unity, supporting one another, and striving together – true teamwork is about lifting each other up and working as one to achieve something greater than ourselves.
When it comes to motivating people, I believe…
You need to build their confidence, help them believe in themselves, and guide their focus toward where they’re going, not where they are now.
It’s not about where they’ve been or the challenges they face in the moment – it’s about the future they’re working toward and the positive outcome ahead.
A mistake I made early in my leadership journey was… and what it taught me was…
Rushing into things and focusing solely on speed taught me an important lesson –everything happens in its own time.
Every need James’ Ark has had has been met at just the right moment, exactly when I was ready.
I’ve never been let down.
The one skill I think every charity CEO or manager should develop is…
Empathy.
If I could change one thing about how charities are run, it would be…
I would make every charity that completes the registration process eligible for a government startup grant to help support its early stages.
GET IN TOUCH…
If you know a charity you think should be featured, drop a message to editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
See more from our Charity Spotlight series…
