Senior Sector Spotlight: Operation Friendship

“Extending a Hand” - A Seniors Sector Spotlight on Operation Friendship Seniors Society 

Written by: Breanne Harrison 

For many individuals, it can be difficult to brush themselves off after they have fallen. Perhaps their finances have caught them in a bind, or they are struggling to find a place to live. Whatever the reason, Operation Friendship Seniors Society (OFSS) will extend their hand to seniors in need, improving their quality of life through non-judgmental friendship. Cecilia Romero, the Client Services Program Manager at OFSS, tells us this during an interview, where we learn about the history, programs, and successes of OFSS. 

In 1969, Operation Friendship began as a drop-in service for seniors who—because of urban redevelopment—were being displaced, and thus, isolated. Operation Friendship was then formally incorporated in 1974, and has offered outreach, helping hands, housing registry, and volunteer programs. In 1985, a sister society—the Operation Friendship Housing Society—was formed when the Rooming House was built. The two societies amalgamated in 2005, resulting in Operation Friendship Seniors Society, the organization we know today. 

“Some people come to us with no home, no income, and bad health,” Romero says. “We help them put their finances in order, make sure they have food, and get them connected with medical attention.” Those are but a few of the many services that inspired Romero to become more involved with OFSS, as she started as a volunteer.  

OFSS offers many programs, all of which ensure safety, transparency, and dignity. The first is their housing program, in which a Geriatric Community worker is the entry point. The organization has 5 housing facilities available to inner city seniors. “Unfortunately, many seniors in the inner city do not have access to safe and affordable housing options,” Romero says. “We support the people who want to live with us, but also those who want to apply for housing elsewhere. We will find the right place for them.” 

Many of the people that OFSS serves deal with houselessness, addiction, and severe mental health problems. However, the friends at OFSS do not try to force individuals to change their lifestyle. Rather, they offer support regarding their current situation. “We meet them where they are at,” Romero says. “We do not try to rehabilitate them. We just support them where they are.” While they may not try to influence these individuals to change, OFSS will certainly offer support and resources if one does seek change. “Whoever wants to go to detox or get connected with a treatment definitely can,” Romero adds. “We are happy to connect them. We just do not force them.” 

Another program at OFSS is the Geriatric Community Support Program, wherein workers will bring services directly to the seniors. “We visit them in their homes, hospitals, or wherever they are,” Romero says. “We link them to the necessary resources and services.” One person may need help with reading, understanding, and filling in a form or application. Another person may need assistance with their taxes (which OFSS will do throughout the entire year). Whatever the request may be, a worker will bring help to those in need to ensure comfort, safety, and trust. Ensuring that seniors in need have their finances in order is a primary OFSS service. Romero tells us a story about two individuals who desperately needed help. 

A married couple had arrived at OFSS with no referral. They had simply heard about how the organization could help. “We started from point zero,” Romero says. “They had terrible health, were experiencing homelessness, and they didn’t have any income. They didn’t even have ID’s. They had nothing.” So, with the help of OFSS, the two got their finances in order after a year of hard work and dedication. They were housed, they had income, and their health underwent a drastic change. “They looked clean,” Romero recalls, telling us of what it was like to see them again for the first time. “Even their hair looked great. It was nice to see them like that.”  

As Romero states: “Without the Edmonton senior’s sector, there would be a lot of people falling in the cracks, not knowing what to do or where to go.”  

Extending one’s hand can go a long way, even if it is just to listen to a friend.  

To find out more information about Operation Friendship Seniors Society, including upcoming events, programs, and how to get involved, visit one of the following websites. 

Website: www.ofss.org  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperationFriendshipSeniorsSociety  

Improving the quality of life for seniors in need!