News for Staff and Volunteers of Seniors Organizations
Promote your seniors programming
Activity listings
If your organization offers group programs, activities, and events for adults 55+ in the Edmonton area, ESCC is happy to include them in the Recreation and Wellness Directory for Older Adults.
We welcome submissions from all kinds of Edmonton organizations. Last year’s contributors included seniors centres, community leagues, theatre/dance groups, private fitness studios, sports clubs, City of Edmonton facilities, and cultural groups.
The directory is a very popular publication and it’s a good opportunity for your organization to get exposure for your programming. There is no charge to include your activities in this annual publication.
Review last year's edition of the Recreation and Wellness Directory for Older Adults to get an idea of the types of activities included and contact Janelle at janelle@seniorscouncil.net or 780-423-5635 ext. 1 to get a submission form. The deadline for submissions is June 28, 2019.
Advertising
We also invite organizations which offer recreation and wellness programs or services to advertise in the directory. Directory ads will provide your organization with exposure to thousands of older adults and those who support them.
If you are interested in advertising in the 2019/2020 edition of the Recreation and Wellness Directory for Older Adults, review the advertising package and contact Janelle if you have any questions. Advertising commitments must be received by June 28, 2019.
Alberta Nonprofit Survey
The Alberta Nonprofit Survey compiled by CCVO is the only source of Alberta-specific research on the experience of the Alberta nonprofit sector. The annual survey informs reports that describe the state of the sector and influence advocacy efforts. Help create a comprehensive picture of the sector by adding your organization’s data into the survey. The survey is open until June 30.
New Horizons for Seniors Program: Community-Based Projects
The Government of Canada has launched the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2019-20 call for proposals for community-based projects across Canada.
The NHSP’s community-based stream supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the Program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation, and capital assistance. Organizations are invited to apply for funding under the NHSP’s three national priorities:
- preventing elder abuse and fraud, including measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors
- supporting healthy aging in community and addressing dementia, including community supports and intergenerational housing
- counteracting ageism in the workplace to promote labour market retention of seniors
Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Up to $5,000 in small grants funding is available to organizations that have not received funding in the past five years. The deadline to submit applications is June 21, 2019.
The Government of Canada is also hosting information sessions via teleconference and WebEx.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event
Organized by the Seniors Protection Partnership and members of Elder Abuse Consultation Team
June 14, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre (11113 113 Street)
Free
This year’s event honours the theme of “lifting up voices”. Every day, in subtle and obvious ways, older adults are marginalized and even dismissed in our society. In line with the theme, the event will feature a proclamation followed by round table discussions with seniors with the goal to lift their voices. Key points from the discussions will be noted to identify gaps and consider when developing policy.
Coffee, tea, snacks and scones will be offered throughout the event. RSVP to info@211edmonton.com or 780-809-9420.
Minister and Deputy Minister of Seniors and Housing
Minister of Seniors and Housing: Josephine Pon
Josephine Pon has been appointed as the Minister of Seniors and Housing.
For more than 20 years Pon was an Account Manager in Personal/Commercial banking and also the Regional Manager, Business Development responsible for Multicultural Banking for Scotiabank. She also worked at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as an International Trade Consultant and in the Assisted Housing department in the Prairie Region. Most recently, Pon acted as the Vice President of the Taste of Asia Group, managing five restaurants and leading over 150 employees. Pon has been active in volunteering in a number of non-profit organizations including her time as a member of the working group in the Edmonton Mayor’s task force to eliminate poverty, the Board Chair of Immigrant Services Calgary and Gala Chair for Immigrants of Distinction Awards gala.
Deputy Minister of Seniors and Housing: Susan Taylor
Susan Taylor continues her role of Deputy Minister of Seniors and Housing.
Susan has over 35 years with the Alberta Public Service and was appointed as the deputy minister of Seniors and Housing in September 2018. Susan was formerly the deputy minister of Status of Women and assistant deputy minister for the Delivery Services Portfolio, in Human Services. Susan began her career in the public service as a social worker providing support to children and families in the Edmonton Region; she has a bachelor of social work from the University of Calgary. Susan is a strong believer in the benefits of collaborative partnerships that best address challenging and complex needs.
Opportunity to host an ageism workshop
Ageism: The ism within... and without
Is ageism a harmful social problem? What do you think? To many researchers, ageism is possibly the most insidious of all the isms. We may unknowingly or unwittingly denigrate others because of their age and, worst of all, we may denigrate ourselves for our oldness. Does ageism have stereotypes and if it does, what are they? Can health be improved and life extended with a more positive outlook toward ageing? Can we learn to respond more effectively when we encounter ageism? Your thoughts on this ism will make for a fascinating discussion.
This workshop is 90 minutes in length and is offered free of charge to participants. If your organization is interested in hosting a workshop, contact Mary Whale of the Age Friendly Edmonton Ageism Hub for further information at mary.whale@espcn.ca or 780-905-9880.