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News for Staff and Volunteers of Seniors Organizations


CBSS initiative releases report detailing consultations to build a coordinated sector.

Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, Sage, carya and Age-Friendly Calgary 

In the fall of 2019, over 180 representatives from many different seniors serving organizations participated in more than 25 conversations across Alberta. The sessions were hosted with a goal of developing an integrated community-based senior serving (CBSS) sector in Alberta. 

The sessions resulted in a resounding consensus: community-based seniors serving organizations see the value in working collectively and systematically to support the healthy aging of seniors in Alberta. A full report of what we heard is included here for your review.

If you have any questions about the report or the CBSS initiative, contact one of the CBSS coordinating members:


The majority of this page contains information about the COVID-19 response specifically for organizations. For other COVID-19 resources, reference the following pages. 

COVID-19 General Information 

For general information about COVID-19, visit our resource page. 


COVID-19 Resources


COVID-19 Learning Opportunities

For learning opportunities, including opportunities relating to COVID-19, visit our learning opportunities page.


Learning Opportunities


COVID-19 Response and Resources for Organizations 


Petition for a Sector Resilience Grant Program 

Imagine Canada is urging the federal government to implement a Sector Resilience Grant Program, which would provide a vital lifeline for community organizations. This grant would ensure charities and nonprofits will be here to support communities throughout the pandemic and as we transition into recovery. Add your voice to help Canadian charities and nonprofits continue their community support efforts. 


Coordinated Pandemic Response Packages and PPE Supplies

The Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group has secured resources to distribute essential PPE supplies and other resources to seniors throughout Edmonton. This program provides low-income seniors access to PPE; activity packages; hygiene, incontinence and denture cleaning supplies; M&M Meats packages; and food security gift cards. Learn more about the initiative.


Organizations that serve seniors can:

  • Request PPE for multiple clients by emailing packages@mysage.ca with the number of mask packages you would like to receive.
  • Request the other packages and supplies for clients by completing a referral form and emailing it to packages@mysage.ca.

Seniors living in the community who wish to access the program on their own without a referral through an organization can call 780-701-9007 and leave a message. They will be called back by a Sage Seniors Association employee to schedule a delivery.


Grant Discussion

ESCC would like to hear from your organization if you have received some emergency funding related to the programs and services that you offer to older adults in Edmonton.

ESCC received a grant from New Horizons for Seniors (via the United Way of Alberta Capital Region) to organize support items such as essential rides, activity kits, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, and hygiene items for at-risk seniors. Likely any funds your organization received are for other purposes, but we thought it might be beneficial to discuss emergency grants so that as a sector we aren’t duplicating efforts and missing unmet needs.

Please let Sheila Hallett know if your organization has received a grant and what it will be used for by emailing her at sheila@seniorscouncil.net. The topic of grants will be added as a discussion item at the next meeting of Seniors Sector Executive Directors to see if all the bases are covered for our older adult community.


Relaunch info applicable to seniors organizations

As seniors organizations consider whether or not to reopen, the following Government of Alberta resources may help you with your decision-making:

Guidance for Seniors Centres and Seniors Serving Organizations (June 13, 2020)

Guidance for Organized Outdoor Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation

Guidance for Outdoor Events

Guidance for Outdoor Fitness Classes

Guidance for Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs and Bars

Guidance for Taxis, Limos and Rideshares

Guidance for Businesses Owners

Relaunch Considerations Template

Alberta Biz Connect


COVID-19 Business Reopening Decision Tree

City of Calgary

This resource helps organizations think through the considerations involved in reopening.


Dealing with Aggression: Direct Service Delivery in COVID-19 Reality

Canadian Red Cross

To support the safety and security of front-line personnel this fact sheet provides background on factors that can escalate anger and tips for de-escalation.


Alberta government plans for stage two of relaunch strategy

Government of Alberta

The Alberta Government is planning to enter stage two of its relaunch strategy starting June 12. The decision to proceed forward is a result of data that illustrates lower than expected COVID-19 cases in Alberta. Phase two of the relaunch will reopen more businesses and sport and recreation services. Some larger gatherings will be permitted and will be expected to follow public health guidance.

While it’s good news that cases are decreasing, the ESCC encourages older Edmontonians to continue exercising caution. We advise seniors to continue to practice social distancing. If gathering, we recommend doing so in small groups, outdoors, and keeping 2 metres between guests. The Alberta Government recommends exploring virtual participation options for people over 60 and those with medical conditions to minimize risk. Seniors centres remain closed, however, many are offering online activities and friendly phone calling. See our news and events page for a listing of recreation options.


Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council secures funding to support vulnerable Edmonton seniors during COVID-19

The Federal Government recently announced $9M in new funds through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to support community-based initiatives across Canada during COVID-19. In Alberta, these funds are being distributed through the United Way Alberta Capital Region. ESCC successfully applied for $50K in funds for the pandemic response. The funds received by ESCC will be distributed to local seniors-serving organizations to increase their capacity to help vulnerable seniors, including:

  • Providing delivery services for food, pharmacy, essential supplies
  • Meeting basic needs
  • Delivering remote social activities, such as online and phone programming
  • Providing transportation so seniors can attend essential medical appointments

Contact Sheila Hallett at sheila@seniorscouncil.net for information on how your organization can access funds.

 

New information package points Edmonton seniors in right direction during COVID-19

Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC)

A new information package compiling services for vulnerable Edmonton seniors is now available. The package was compiled by ESCC and includes services currently offered by a number of seniors-serving organizations in Edmonton. Download the package to find out how to access:

  • Health services
  • Free/low cost food
  • Free/low cost grocery delivery services
  • Low cost prepared meals
  • Transportation
  • Friendly calls and remote social programming
  • Technology assistance


COVID-19 Emergency Support for Community Organizations

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross is making grants available to non-profits across Canada in support of their direct service delivery to those who are most vulnerable to the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Grants will focus on organizations delivering critical community-based supports to vulnerable populations in Canada and organizations addressing a pressing social inclusion or well-being need.


Granting Program for Non-Profits

Non-profits may apply for financial support in one of the activity categories:

  • Responding to increased demand for vital services and goods as a result of COVID-19
  • Adapting or realigning existing service delivery and programming to a C0VID-19 reality to support existing service delivery
  • Delivering new services or programming as a result of new needs or losses arising as a result of C0VID-19
  • Recruiting, engaging and supporting volunteers for direct service delivery required to respond to C0VID-19
  • Community awareness, information and education related to C0VID-19 to mitigate risk and impact, support recovery and resiliency and/or prevention

Non-profits can apply for activities with a budget of a minimum $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000. All activities and expenditures must take place between April 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020. Recognizing that organizations are already responding to community needs, proposals can include costs that have already been incurred.


Preventing Disease Transmission Training and Equipment Program

This program will support the health and wellbeing of frontline workers by equipping them with critical personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves, and will train them to use this equipment to ensure their health and wellbeing. Successful applicants for the program will receive a 60-day supply of PPE, which includes one mask and two pairs of gloves.


The deadline to apply for both programs is June 21, 2020. Review the Frequently Asked Questions document for more information.


Online Hub Helps Seniors During COVID-19 and Beyond

Multiple stakeholders, including the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, have been working with Alberta Seniors and Housing to develop and implement CORE Alberta. CORE - Collaborative Online Resources and Education - provides a platform for seniors-serving organizations to improve delivery of services for seniors. The hub will make it easier for organizations to share resources and coordinate services, with a focus on key COVID-19 issues, including transportation, food security, social isolation and home supports. For more information about the platform, reference this May 10 announcement. 


COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Nonprofits 

The Government of Alberta released a handy fact sheet for nonprofits, including need-to-know information about supports and services during this time. 


COVID-19 Emergency Federal and Provincial Funding 

Both the Federal and Provincial Governments have announced emergency funding for social services for seniors, families, and other vulnerable citizens in light of COVID-19. 


  • The Government of Alberta is providing a total of $30 million for emergency social services to be channelled through municipalities for distribution to local organizations. Edmonton-based organizations can apply for this funding through the City of Edmonton by visiting edmonton.ca/COVID-19Grant. 

  • On March 29, the Prime Minister announced emergency funding measures to protect vulnerable Canadians and support them to cope with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Among these measures is a $9 million contribution to support essential services for Canadian seniors.

  • On May 12, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a series of additional measures to help Canadian seniors and provide them with greater financial security in this time of crisis. These measures include financial assistance, an extension on income reporting for 2019, and an expansion of funds for community-based initiatives to reduce social isolation through the New Horizons for Seniors Project. 


Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy 

Recently, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for employers who have experienced a loss of revenue attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This wage subsidy aims to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies and other employers to more easily resume normal operations following the crisis.

The program would provide a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. To qualify, This subsidy would be available to eligible employers that see a drop of at least 15 per cent of their revenue in March 2020 and 30 per cent for the following months (see Eligible Periods). Eligible employers can apply for the subsidy through the Canada Revenue Agency's My Business Portal.

10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers

Employers who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may qualify for the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy. The subsidy is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The subsidy is equal to 10 per cent of the remuneration employers pay from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer.

AGETECH Startups Contribute During COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, older adults and their caregivers are seeing significant impacts on their health, overall  wellbeing  and ability to stay connected. Canadian  startups  in the  AgeTech  sector are joining other companies in doing their part to contribute to  mitigating  the effects of this unprecedented crisis. If you are a   tech  startup   providing  solutions that can help older adults and caregivers during the COVID-19 crisis, reach out to  startups@agewell-nce.ca . Visit the website for more information.  

Guidelines for COVID-19 Outbreak Prevention, Control, and Management in Congregate Living Sites

This helpful document by Alberta Health Services provides the best practices for preventing and controlling outbreaks in congregate living settings. In the context of this document, "congregate" refers to settings where residents/clients receive care and/or services in a communal environment with other residents/clients.

COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities 

Maintaining a clean environment is a key prevention measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This Alberta Health Services document provides an at-a-glance overview of cleaning tips for public environments. Current recommendations include an increase in daily cleaning of common areas and surfaces, including door knobs, light switches, staff rooms, desktops, washrooms, and other "high touch" surfaces.  

Alberta Nonprofit Network Develops COVID-19 Resource Page for Nonprofit Sector 

This resource page is a landing spot for COVID-related advocacy and issue-gathering for the sector, understanding the needs of the sector, and resources for talking to funders.

COVID-19 Resource Document for Nonprofit Organizations

ECVO, Align and the Alberta Council of Disability Services created a document containing resources for nonprofit organizations related to guidelines for working remotely, supports for employees who have been laid off because of the pandemic, and letter templates that nonprofits can use to advocate for government funding to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on operations. Note that there have been some updates to information about financial support programs offered by various levels of governments mentioned in the document. These updates are reflected in the above section on government funding. 


Alberta Counsel Provides Organizations with Government Policy Help

To help organizations stay up-to-date on the latest government policy announcements related to COVID-19, Alberta Counsel is providing a frequently updated infographic that outlines provincial and federal support measures. Review the infographic from March 30. Alberta Counsel is also providing an opportunity for organizations to ask a government relations expert questions about government policy. 


Volunteer Resource Page for Organizations 

Volunteer Bénévoles Canada has created a resource page responding to the needs of volunteer centres, corporate community engagement professionals, and non-profit organizations from around the country.


OHS Information: Respiratory Viruses and the Workplace 

This bulletin offers employers, supervisors and workers information about minimizing risk from respiratory viruses in the workplace. 


Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Business Continuity Plan 

This plan offers an outline for businesses an organizations affected by the pandemic. 


Report Highlights Community Needs During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton's most recent COVID-19 report illustrates the top COVID-19 concerns of community members during this time using recent data from calls to the both the Distress Line and 211.

COVID-19 Resources for Social Workers

As part of the frontline pandemic response, social workers support their communities, friends and families. In caring for others, it is important to not neglect self-care. The following resources promote health tips for social workers during this stressful time.

  • Personal and Professional Strategies to Reduce Psychological Stress During a Pandemic: This presentation slide deck by Caring Safely contains information for professional carers to take care of themselves emotionally during this pandemic.

  • Social Work Peer-to-Peer Facebook Support Group: This online support group is a great resource for Canadian social workers seeking support during the pandemic.

Information on Holding AGMs and Board Meetings During a Pandemic

Given the restrictions on in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit organizations may be wondering how to convene board meetings and AGMs. The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) has outlined information to help organizations think through decisions related to these key meetings. Visit ecvo.ca/covid-19 and click on the AGMs and Virtual Board Meetings tabs for more information.

ECVO also posted an announcement related to postponing AGMs. The Government of Alberta has officially announced that nonprofits and societies can postpone AGMs and filing of annual returns until meeting restrictions are lifted. Additionally, cancellation or dissolution processes for societies and non-profit companies that have not filed previously outstanding annual returns are suspended until further notice.

Volunteer Screening: Police Information Checks

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police Information Check & Alarm Control Section office closed to the public. However, new procedures have been implemented to allow the section to continue to offer these important services:
  • Volunteers are now able to submit police information check applications online.
  • An appointment-based system for fingerprinting services has been implemented.


Online Collaboration Tools 

With the right tools, collaborating online can be a snap. This helpful resource lists tools to help your team with creative thinking, surveying and polling, online meetings, online discussion groups and communities, citizen engagement, file sharing, and project management.

Remote Program Delivery: Adapting During COVID-19

Tech Impact Idealware

Your nonprofit is closed and your staff is working remotely…but people still need you, perhaps now more than ever. How can you overcome the distance and circumstances to meet their needs? This webinar recording and resource list highlights tools and software to help you adapt your nonprofit’s programs and services to virtual delivery without sacrificing quality.

 

7 Tips for Staying Productive When Working Remotely (+20 Free Productivity Apps)

Keela

For many of us, working remotely can quickly turn into a productivity challenge. The temptation of digital distractions can keep you from doing important tasks. Thankfully, there are simple habits you can cultivate to make the most out of your days working from home. And there are countless technology applications to support you through this journey. This blog post outlines tips and tools to help you remain focused and effective at work, and maybe even enjoy yourself a little bit.

 

Coming Together While Apart: Onboarding During COVID-19

The Mosaic Institute and CharityVillage

Like many of us, 10 weeks ago The Mosaic Institute rapidly pivoted to online remote work due to COVID-19. In this blog post, the Mosaic team outlines top strategies for onboarding brand new team members and introducing existing team members to remote work.


Nine Free Remote Team-Building Ideas to Keep Co-Workers Connected

CharityVillage (originally published on CareerWise)

Whether your team is suddenly working remotely due to COVID-19, or is accustomed to being apart, it’s important to continue to cultivate a sense of community. This can combat loneliness and isolation and build trust among team members. Not only will being more connected help team members feel happier, they may work more effectively together. This blog post outlines options for bringing people together online. These activities can be easily facilitated through any video conferencing tool.




Additional News and Resources for Seniors Organizations


Farewell, Janelle 

Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council is sad to say goodbye to our Communication Coordinator, Janelle Beblow, as she closes out her sixth year with us. She has done a great job of sharing important and timely information through our many communications avenues (including Link Letter, websites and social media platforms), promoted the programs and services of our member agencies (including Edmonton Prime Times articles and the Recreation and Wellness Director for Older Adults) and increased awareness of the many initiatives that ESCC has supported (including the Seniors Home Supports Program, Seniors Information Phone Line and Connecting Edmonton Seniors). She has coached us all in the art of communication and done it in a cheerful and diligent way. We are grateful for her years of dedication and commitment to improving the lines of communication that lead to better outcomes within our sector. 

 

Nonprofit Technology Learning Centre  

The Technology Learning Center by Tech Impact is an expansive collection of nonprofit educational resources that can help your organization with all things tech! From infographics to fundraising campaigns, this resource collection has the information your organization needs to excel in the digital landscape.  


Aging with Pride Guide

Government of Alberta

The Government of Alberta, in partnership with many community leaders and non-profit and volunteer organizations, developed a resource to help meet the needs of LGBTQ2S+ seniors.
Aging with Pride: A Guide to Creating Inclusive Services for LGBTQ2S+ Older Adults will help organizations and businesses create a more welcoming environment for all seniors, including those who identify as LGBTQ2S+. The easy-to-use guide provides six strategies and multiple sample tools that organizations can use to conduct a self-audit and identify any gaps in service. For more information, email seniorsinformation@gov.ab.ca.


Eight Ways to Support Brain Health for Rural Older Adults

Centre for Active Living

Brain health is a growing concern among older adults. Globally, approximately 50 million people live with dementia and this number is projected to increase. Age is the most important risk factor for developing dementia, and the number of rural older adults is rising in Canada. The findings of this research project revealed a more holistic and multidimensional view of brain health than previously cited in the literature. Drawing on the study’s findings, this article lists eight ways rural seniors can support their brain health.


30+ Free Tools for Nonprofits

Keela

While most “freemium” nonprofit resources are rather limited, there are still quite a few that give you real value. This blog post will walk you through the best free nonprofit resources in each category and explain how you can get the most value from each of them.


New Bus Network Launch Delayed to 2021

Edmonton Transit Service
Due to the focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to delay the launch of the Bus Network Redesign until mid-2021. Because the project will be a significant change for customers, the City wants to ensure that staff are prepared and ready to help travellers navigate the new routes. When the network redesign launches next year, it will include some key changes, such as more frequent bus service, expanded service into evenings and weekends, and more direct routes. For more information about the project and for full details, visit edmonton.ca/newbusroutes.

Seniors' Transit Pass Increase Postponed

Edmonton City Council approved a motion to postpone an increase to seniors' transit passes for one year. The motion, filed by Ward 1 Councillor Andrew Knack earlier this month, proposed freezing the cost for customers who had purchased the annual pass in 2019 for one year. The price of a senior pass had increased from $136.50 to $374 on February 1.

Living Actively with a Chronic Condition: How practitioners can support individuals living with cancer, chronic heart failure, or stroke

Centre for Active Living

This year's Physical Activity Forum focussed on the science and best practices around being physically active when living with one of the following chronic conditions: cancer, chronic heart failure, or stroke. The forum was comprised of three 30-minute presentations followed by question and answer periods. Recording of the sessions are available online.


Help Secure Government Support for the Common Good Retirement Plan

Common Good has submitted a formal proposal to the Government of Canada to fund the creation and growth of the Common Good Retirement Plan for employees in the non-profit sector. If successful, the plan can be built and start enrolling members by early 2021. To get the Government of Canada to fund the plan, key decision-makers in Ottawa need to hear from non-profit employees. Take five minutes to send a letter of support to Canadian leaders using Common Good's letter template.

Tool explains service eligibility for immigrant, refugee and newcomer seniors

Depending on the immigration pathway in which immigrant, refugee and newcomer seniors (IRN) seniors arrived in Canada, most IRN seniors have limited or no access to essential services including income support and benefits, social programs, and healthcare.


The Age of Wisdom Collective initiative has developed a helpful tool that outlines service eligibility and includes stories from seniors that illustrate the diversity in their immigration experience and their access to services.


For more information, contact the Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative at mchb@mchb.org or 780-423-1973.


Financial Information Sessions for Seniors

The Seniors Financial Empowerment Network (SFEN) provides free financial literacy information sessions in the areas of personal finance, protection of assets, housing, legal considerations, areas of fraud or abuse, communication and self-esteem. The seven core education modules can be presented as stand-alone sessions or as a complete series at seniors facilities, community leagues, churches, or in larger settings. The modules are delivered by senior volunteers. Contact Sarah by calling 780-722-6701 or emailing sarah.ramsey@edmonton.ca if you’re interested in booking a session.



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