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PROJECTS WILL ADDRESS SOCIAL ISOLATION
ESCC is excited to announce that funding has been confirmed for the Pan-Edmonton Group Addressing Social Isolation of Seniors (PEGASIS). Six projects will address isolation among Edmonton seniors by increasing the number of socially isolated seniors who receive support, who participate regularly in activities and who feel connected to their communities. ESCC will serve as a backbone for this collaboration by providing coordination and evaluation support.
The PEGASIS partners are: Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network, Greater Edmonton Foundation Seniors Housing, Lifestyle Helping Hands Seniors Association, Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton and Westend Seniors Activity Centre.
Funding was received through the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors Program. In 2015 there was a call for proposals for Pan-Canadian Projects that would address social isolation at a population level among seniors. Review the
news release for more information on the projects and the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
This is good news for Edmonton. A recent Age Friendly Edmonton
report showed that one-third of survey respondents (800 Edmonton seniors surveyed) indicated there were things that make it difficult for them to pursue social interactions. Among the most common reasons cited were health reasons, a physical disability/limited mobility and/or financial reasons. The Edmonton PEGASIS work will increase community participation among seniors while connecting them to essential social services and support. We look forward to getting started on these collaborative projects.
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BUDGET 2016
The Honourable Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Seniors and Housing, has provided information about how Budget 2016 impacts seniors and seniors organizations. In a letter dated April 14, 2016, Minister Sigurdson notes:
- Funding for all programs is maintained or increased.
- Eligible seniors will continue to receive monthly income supplement based on need through the Alberta Seniors Benefit program.
- The level of support currently provided by the Alberta Seniors Benefit program for low-income residents of approved supportive living and long term care facilities remains unchanged.
- Funding assistance under the Special Needs Assistance program will remain available to eligible seniors.
- The Government of Alberta will continue to support community-based programs through community grants.
- The budget provides significant capital investments to build more affordable housing, renew existing housing, provide fire and safety upgrades to seniors facilities and renew seniors lodges.
- The Seniors Advisory Council of Alberta will be dissolved.
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SENIORS SERVICE PROVIDER WORKSHOP
Cohosted by the County of Leduc FCSS office- New Sarepta and the Ministry of Seniors and Housing
May 11
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Topics of discussion include elder abuse, Age Friendly Communities, seniors recognition awards, Transportation Toolkit, community networking, AISH Transition to Seniors Programs and housing transitioning.
Register by noon on April 29.
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(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff webpage)
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CANADA-ALBERTA JOB GRANT
The
Canada-Alberta Job Grant supports employee training that increases the skills and competencies of current and future employees. The program is available to private and not-for-profit sector employers of all sizes across the province. To be eligible, Alberta employers must have a current or potential employee who needs training to fill current or future positions.
Employers are responsible for identifying appropriate third-party training facilities and programs to deliver the training. Employers contribute one-third of the total training costs and government contributes two-thirds of the cost to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee. As of April 18, 2016 the number of training hours required to qualify for the grant has been lowered from 24 hours to 21 hours.
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More
awards and
funding news
(links to the ESCC News for Agency Staff and Funding Options webpages)
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HOW TO MAKE AN AWESOME FACEBOOK PAGE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR NONPROFIT COMMUNICATORS
CharityHowTo
May 4th, 1 p.m. MDT
$87
The techniques you'll learn during this
webinar will help your nonprofit to engage supporters, launch fundraising campaigns, enhance donor relationships, and spread awareness about your organization's cause. You'll learn how to grow your fan base, optimize your page's newsfeed, optimize your page for search on Facebook and Google, maximize your call-to-action, and create cover images that engage new fans.
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NATIONAL TRENDS IN VOLUNTEERISM WITH PAULA SPEEVAK
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
May 12, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
$25-35 (ECVO, Volunteer Alberta and Volunteer Canada members receive a special member rate)
Join Paula Speevak, President/CEO of Volunteer Canada, for her perspectives on national trends in volunteer engagement and management. Explore the deeper systemic forces influencing volunteer engagement and discuss what we need to do as a sector to respond to these issues.
Learn more.
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VOLUNTEER SCREENING FORUM
Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
May 12, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
$25-35
This engaging and informative
panel discussion will explore the scalability of screening practices, approaches and processes in volunteer engagement and help you create screening practices suitable for your agency. Forum panelists include special guest Paula Speevak, President/CEO of Volunteer Canada alongside provincial and local community engagement specialists.
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THE 20 QUESTIONS NONPROFIT DIRECTORS SHOULD ASK ABOUT FUNDRAISING & MARKETING
Charity Village
May 19, 10 a.m. PST / 1 p.m. EST
Free
As a nonprofit board member, are you asking the right questions about your organization's fundraising and marketing initiatives? If you are a busy executive director, do you know how to answer your board members' questions? This leadership
webinar will help both board members and executive directors better understand the art and science of fundraising and marketing.
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More
events for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector
(links to the ESCC Events in the Senior-Serving Sector webpage)
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Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
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INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR: SAFE HOUSE
Sage Seniors Association
This position is responsible for providing intensive case management services to seniors in the community experiencing abuse. The seniors may or may not be waiting to access the Sage Seniors' Safe House program. The role will include assessing needs, providing information and support and client advocacy while assisting the senior to be safe in the community. The role includes developing relationships with other agencies within the community to best meet the individualized need of the client and to coordinate the appropriate services required.
The successful candidate will hold a degree or diploma in Social Work. Experience working with older adults and/or victims of abuse is required. The position requires the ability to become registered with the Alberta College of Social Workers, hold a valid Driver's License and show proof of 2 million dollar liability insurance. This is a three year temporary, full-time position.
The deadline to apply is May 2, 2016. Review the
job posting for application instructions.
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(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings webpage)
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News and Events for Seniors
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CHORALAIRES PRESENT MUSICAL DELIGHTS
North Edmonton Seniors Association
April 30, 2 p.m.
Location: McClure United Church (13708 74 Street)
Tickets $10 from any Choralaires member or call Carol at 780-476-4010.
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ALBERTA CAREGIVER WEEK EVENTS
Alberta Caregiver Week is May 1-7, 2016 and a number of events are being held to inform and show appreciation for caregivers.
The Wizard of Oz
Alberta Caregivers Association
May 1, doors open at 2 p.m., movie begins at 3 p.m.
Metro Cinema / Garneau Theatre (8712-109 Street)
Free (but donations are gratefully accepted)
Alberta's family and friend caregivers support individuals dealing with illness, disability or challenges due to aging. This free
event is held to show gratitude to all caregivers.
The Power of Happiness Information Session
Alberta Caregivers Association (10310-56 Street - Fulton Place School)
May 4, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Free
Learn how to harness the power of happiness at this
information session. RSVP by May 3 to Sheryl at 780-453-5088 or [email protected]. Refreshments will be provided.
Caregiver Appreciation Tea
May 5, 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Meeting room at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church (10004 - 101 Street), Fort Saskatchewan
RSVP to Diane at [email protected] or 780-975-8721. This is a non-denominational event.
Family Caregiver Day
May 12, 3 - 7 p.m.
Fort Saskatchewan
Free
Are you a parent caring for a dependent adult child? A senior caring for a spouse? Or an adult child caring for an aging parent? Then you will want to attend this informative
event. A variety of exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions. Presentations will be offered each hour by health professionals.
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JAM SESSIONS
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association
Tuesdays bi-weekly May 3 through August 30, noon to 2 p.m.
Location: 10710 19 Ave (Yellowbird East Community Centre)
$32 member/$72 non-member for 10 sessions or $2 member/$4 non-member drop-in
Shake the dust off your guitar or ukulele and join fellow SWESA members in practicing common chords, classic songs, and different styles. Led by Mike Foote, skilled musicians are welcomed to bring other instruments and join the group.
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WEST COAST SWING
Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 - 176 Street)
Tuesdays, May 3 - May 31, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
$50
Add sizzle to your life! West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together. Call 780-483-1209 for information.
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CONTINUING CARE AND COMMUNITY LIVING EXPO 2016
Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health
May 6, 12-8 p.m.
Northlands Expo Centre, Hall H (7515 - 118 Ave)
Free admission and parking
Continuing Care and Community Living EXPO 2016 provides information about continuing care and community living options and offers the latest thinking, strategies, technologies and solutions to support independent living.
Exhibitors and presentations will showcase services, learning opportunities, and technologies to support those with special needs, care requirements/chronic conditions, and their families and caregivers.
The EXPO will be of interest to parents/families with children with special needs, people whose aging parents need services and supports to live in the community, older adults who are planning for their future and hope to live independently as well as those who provide continuing care, community living options and related services.
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HIKING IN THE ROCKIES
Sage (15 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
May 12, 1 p.m.
Free
Love the scenic mountains, hiking and being with nature but not sure how to get started? This beautiful slideshow will end with some tips on equipment and gear as well as suggestions of hiking groups around Edmonton. Register by May 6. Call 780-423-5510 ext. 301 for information.
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GERIACTORS PERFORMANCE
Edmonton Seniors Centre (3Y, 11111 Jasper Ave)
May 12
$12
The GeriActors will perform "Trains" and a sing along will be part of the show. Luncheon and bingo to follow. Register and pay by noon on May 10. Call 780-342-8625 for information.
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GROW ME INSTEAD
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre (10052 117 St.)
May 16, 10:45 a.m.
$3
Find out about some of the beautiful flowers that are considered invasive. Call 780-488-4241 for information.
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MOTHER'S DAY DINNER/DANCE
SCONA (10440 84 Ave)
May 17, noon
Location: Ritchie Hall (7727 98 Street)
$12 at the door
Enjoy a hot, home-cooked, full course dinner and dance to the sound of the big bands. Corsage for all moms. Lots of fun, laughter, prizes, and fine friendship. RSVP by calling 780-433-5377.
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EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO TOUR
Strathcona Place 55+ Centre (10831 University Ave)
May 18, 11 a.m.
Adults 50-64 $12.60; 65+ $10.65
The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to over 350 animals, with a full range of species from different climates and habitats. A self-guided group visit has been booked for Strathcona Place 55+ Centre. Call 780-433-5807 for information.
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WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE TOUR AND LUNCH
Central Lions Seniors Association (11113 - 113 St.)
May 19, 8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
$41 plus lunch
Lunch will be at Tony Roma's in Sherwood Park. Call 780-496-7369 for information. Register by May 11.
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors webpage)
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MORE INFORMATION
Link Letter includes new items each week.
If you're looking for content that was included in a previous issue of Link Letter, refer to the ESCC website:
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STAY CONNECTED
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