Seniors Sector Spotlight: Senior Citizens Opportunity Neighborhood Association 

A Home Away from Home

Written by: Breanne Harrison 

The Senior Citizens Opportunity Neighborhood Association (SCONA) house was once filled with garbage. The floors were completely concealed, and the doorways were packed from corner to corner. Cathy McLean, SCONA’s current Executive Director, tells us of this amidst an afternoon in SCONA’s basement, where we sit upon a cerulean sofa in perfect condition. It is a rather inviting place when contrasted with the home that McLean describes, for there is not even a dust bunny sitting on the floor.  

Eighteen years ago, McLean arrived at SCONA for her job interview wanting to gain experience working with seniors. “Once I saw what a dump the house was, I knew I needed to make a change,” she says. “But I had to be prepared to work hard.” 

Judging by the laughter coming from upstairs today, McLean has clearly helped transform SCONA into a community hub. “People come here for the first time, and they tell me they’ve found their new home,” she says. An unsurprising sentiment, given SCONA’s history. In the 1970s, the city planned to build a freeway that would run straight through Strathcona, which sent community residents into a panic. Many residents were starting to be displaced, and Dr. Leadbeater of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church began using the house as a resource while the community fought back against the decision. Their efforts prevailed, and while the housing resource was no longer necessary, the senior residents continued going back to spend time together. Eventually, they formed a board, wrote bylaws, and were incorporated as the Senior Citizens Opportunity Neighborhood Association in 1976.  

SCONA provides services and activities that are both informative and fun for seniors, both at their house and within the community. “We have had seniors here up to age 103, and they are actively taking part,” McLean details. “We ask them what they want and need, rather than making assumptions. They are the experts of their own situation, and we knock ourselves out trying to give them that.” 

Imagine driving here and sitting on the patio, a cup of tea on the side table while talking with friends. It’s a scene that McLean has seen repeatedly. “They talk about anything. They’ll share their lives in the most intimate detail, and that intimacy is what builds these lasting relationships. Our members say that coming here is like having friends over for a visit. They feel at home here, and they have claimed this little house as their own,” McLean says. 

SCONA helps foster these friendships through their Peer Support program, in which seniors are paired with a peer to receive ongoing support. “When the program started, we tried to pair people with common interests together. Soon, everybody was becoming involved. They were exchanging phone numbers on their own, and their relationships went outside SCONA hours. We still get calls from people who aren't ready to come here but will connect with Peer Support. Eventually, they’d come, because they’d already know somebody. It’s a lot easier than just walking through that door.” 

It may be hard to believe that such a small house is capable of such huge impacts, but the strength of community extends beyond physical walls. It is the people that uphold SCONA’s values of respect, honesty, and accountability. McLean says of the Edmonton Seniors Sector that “we are the common voice that has a willingness to work together for change.” 

Support at SCONA comes in many forms. They do not just feed the stomach, but also the soul. It is a place that provides a welcoming atmosphere that combats social isolation and allows seniors to form lifelong friendships. 

SCONA house has undergone not only physical transformation, but emotional transformation. SCONA itself will transform one’s life. From outreach and support, to dressing up and having a fun night in, SCONA will enrich the lives of Edmonton seniors. 

To find out more information and to stay updated about upcoming SCONA events, visit their website, or call/send an email to be placed on the mailing list. 

Website: www.sconaseniors.com  

Email: scona84th@shaw.ca  

Phone: (780) 433-5377 

 

SCONA can be your home away from home!