REMINDER: MASKS FOR SENIORS AND SENIOR-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS STILL AVAILABLE
The Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group
Free
Over the summer, the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council received 90,000 masks to distribute to Edmonton seniors and the organizations that serve them. Masks are still available for those who need them.
Information for seniors: If you're an older Edmontonian seeking masks, there are several distribution centres you can contact. Reference page two of this document to find a distribution centre near you.
Information for organizations: Masks are available for pickup at the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council office (Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre, 8330 82 Ave NW #255), Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. As a seniors-serving organization you can request masks for your clients using this online order form. An ESCC staff member will get back to you to coordinate the pickup time.
|
|
(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
|
|
 |
APPLY NOW: NEW HORIZONS FOR SENIORS PROGRAM 2020/2021
Government of Canada
New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) Call for Proposals (CFP) is currently open and looking for your project ideas to help seniors in your community! Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Small grants of up to $5,000 are available to organizations that have not received funding from the program in the past five years.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects that address 1 or more of the 5 program objectives:
- Promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
- Engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
- Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
- Supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
- Providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.*If your proposed project is requesting capital assistance, you must choose 2 program objectives.
The deadline to apply is October 20, 2020. To apply for funding, or for more information click here.
|
APPLY NOW: EMERGENCY COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND (ECSF)
Government of Canada (via United Way of the Alberta Capital Region)
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is now accepting applications for the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to help charities and non-profit organizations serve and support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ECSF funding is intended to meet immediate community needs related to COVID-19 and support frontline community service organizations providing services to support vulnerable Canadians, including, but not limited to, seniors living in low income, women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, refugees, Indigenous peoples and members of racialized communities.
Any requests for funding (up to $75,000) must meet all eligibility criteria and all funds must be expended by March 31, 2021. Deadline to apply is October 30, 2020.
|
FALL 2020 CALL: DEMENTIA COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROPOSALS
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is inviting organizations to submit applications for projects and initiatives that address the objectives and priorities of the 2020 fall Dementia Community Investment solicitation.
The objective of this current funding opportunity is to support advanced, community-based projects with a special focus on the current COVID-19 context for people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers. Projects must meet both of the following criteria:
- Virtual (telephone and/or internet-based or alternative) projects: to address the outcomes of physical distancing and other challenges posed by COVID-19.
- Advanced projects: to achieve rapid scale-up of proven virtual interventions into new communities and/or jurisdictions and/or to transform an existing intervention into a virtual intervention and test its effectiveness.
Successful applicants can receive up to $800,000 over two years (beginning in 2021/2022 and concluding in 2022/2023). The deadline for submissions is November 3, 2020.
|
More awards and funding news (links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations and Funding Options web pages) |
|
CHALLENGING RACISM THROUGH COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Centre for Race and Culture
This ongoing series of online moderated round-tables features guest speakers from diverse communities, organizations, academia and the general public, to understand and address experiences of discrimination and exclusion in the Canadian context. By shining the spotlight on different forms of discrimination, such as anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, and discrimination against Asian Communities among other topics, the Centre for Race and Culture hope to encourage solidarity among groups and individuals interested in promoting social inclusion and equity.
This is a community-based initiative which encourages everyone to share their ideas for topics, questions, and suggestions. If you have ideas for a conversation, please share them with Mansoureh ([email protected]) and Myriam ([email protected]).
|
|
(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
|
|
FINDINGS FROM A LITERATURE REVIEW ON SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS AND OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID-19
Centre for Studies in Aging and Health
Oct. 21, 10 a.m. MST
Online
Free
This webinar will discuss the results of a literature review conducted to determine the evidence-based interventions used to address social isolation in community-dwelling older adults, and how the policies and recommendations related to COVID-19 have impacted social isolation in older adults. As well, plans to adapt these findings in an age-friendly communities context will be discussed. The following questions will be addressed:
- What interventions has your community used or know of that addressed social isolation in older adults during COVID-19?
- How can we harness technology as a tool to address social isolation rather than further exacerbate the digital divide?
- What would you like to see included in a guide on implementing and/or adapting interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in older adults?
For more information and to register, click here.
|
PEOPLE, PRACTICE, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE
Tamarack Institute
Oct. 21, 11 a.m. - noon MST
Online
Free
While progress is being made on many fronts, intractable problems are still vexing communities. In launching the Collective Change Lab, John Kania is diving deeper into what it takes to truly achieve deep and durable systems change. The focus of the Community Change Lab will include investing in people, processes and reinventing change practices. Join in the conversation, which will explore the challenges of achieving transformative change and impact. Register here.
|
SYSTEMIC RACISM AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN ALBERTA
Centre for Race and Culture
Oct. 21, 1-2.30 p.m. MST
Online
Free
This session provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges Indigenous communities across the province face regarding discrimination and racism. This session is part of an ongoing effort to create a platform to share experiences, raise awareness, and look at strategies and approaches to work in solidarity with Black communities and organizations in the pursuit of racial justice. For more information and to register, click here.
|
HOW TO INTERVIEW YOUR DATA - AND ELEVATE YOUR NONPROFIT'S MISSION
Stanford Social Innovation Review
Oct. 27, noon MST (approx. 1.5 hours)
Online
$99 USD
As a social sector leader, you could be sitting on troves of data. But if you don't know how to utilize data effectively to navigate and transform your organization, it has little value to you! Key takeaways from this webinar-workshop:
- Learn how to interview, troubleshoot, and parse data to increase organizational effectiveness and drive strategic direction.
- Receive detailed guidance on how to identify the patterns that tell your organization's stories.
- Go deep on how specific case studies can provide templates for visualization and storytelling with data.
- Equip yourself with tools and resources to make data-driven communication easier to achieve.
|
More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page) |
|
Work Opportunities in the Seniors Sector
|
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association (SWESA)
The Program Coordinator supports SWESA's Vision, Mission and Core Values in the development and delivery of senior's programs and events at SWESA. The Program Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and delivery of all SWESA programs at Yellowbird Community Centre, Blue Quill Community Centre and any other satellite sites where SWESA offers programs. This is a fulltime (35 hours/week) position. The deadline to apply is October 26. For application instructions, view the job posting. For a detailed overview of the job expectations, view the job description.
|
|
(links to the ESCC Sector Job Postings web page)
|
|
News and Events for Seniors
|
 THE SHARED MIC PODCAST: SEASON TWO OUT NOW!
Age Friendly Edmonton (AFE)
Online
Free
AFE has been hard at work on the second season of the new intergenerational podcast, "The Shared Mic: Conversations for the Ages." If you're looking for more entertainment options, this podcast is a great opportunity to hear local conversations. Listen to folks from different ages and stages discuss a topic that matters to them, explore differences, and find common ground.
Season two launched on October 5 with an episode featuring father and son musicians, Gord and Travis Matthews. Catch a sneak peak of their conversation here. For the full episode visit thesharedmic.blubrry.net. You can also tune in wherever you get your podcasts: Apple, Google, or Spotify. Help AFE share these intergenerational conversations by liking and sharing posts on the AFE Facebook and Twitter pages.
|
17th ANNUAL LEARNING IN RETIREMENT SERIES
Jewish Senior Citizen's Centre
Various dates and times
Online
*$70 member; $85 non-members (per person, per course)
There's still time to register in courses for the 17th Annual Learning in Retirement Series. Explore the vibrant art museums of New York, learn why keyboard instruments have dominated music history, and examine points of transition in Jewish history in this engaging learning series.
*Because some of these courses have already started, the price you pay will be adjusted to reflect the actual number of sessions you attend. Call 780-488-4241 or email [email protected] for more information.
|
GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEESHIP WORKSHOPS
Sage Seniors Association
Oct. 19, Nov. 16, or Dec. 21
$50
These workshops provide an overview of the process for applying for Guardianship and Trusteeship of an adult who no longer has the capacity to make their own decisions. Your workshop registration includes:
- A mailed out package of necessary documents for the full application.
- Access to a 2-hour group workshop on guardianship, trusteeship, the forms, court process, and your role and responsibilities of a guardian and/or trustee.
To register: call 780-423-5510 or click this link.
|
TAX PLANNING - BE IN CONTROL FINANCIAL ESSENTIALS
Early Onset Dementia Alberta Foundation
Oct. 21, 10 - 11 a.m.
Online (Zoom)
Free
Discuss tax planning tips and preparation for the 2020 tax season with MNP representative Michelle Coleman. To register email [email protected]
|
VIRTUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONFERENCE
Edmonton Seniors Centre
Oct. 23 & 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Online
Free
Join this virtual conference to learn about a variety of essential resources for the 55+ community and gather the tools and information you need to maintain your health during flu season. Register here.
|
DECREASING THE STRESS AROUND DEMENTIA
Caregivers Alberta
Oct. 27, 1 - 2 p.m.
Online
Free
The daily stress around caring for someone living with dementia can be quite challenging to balance. Tune into this online session with Lori Chenger, a Dementia Specialist, to learn about what you can do to better manage stress and help your loved one with dementia at the same time. Click here to register.
|
CPP, OAS, GIS, PENSIONS AND BENEFITS INFO SESSION
Early Onset Dementia Alberta Foundation
Oct. 27, 10 - 11 a.m.
Online (Webex)
Free
This is a general information session presented by Service Canada on the Canada Pension and Old Age Security benefits and includes information on the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Involuntary Separation.
|
GRANDPARENTS WHO PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Seniors' Centre Without Walls and Sage Seniors Association
Oct. 29 - Dec. 17 (Thursdays), 10 a.m.
Online
Free
This support series is for grandparents who are parenting their grandchild or grandchildren. Some of the topics covered include identifying the impact of family histories, healing practices and skills, understanding your "complex" role, building healthy boundaries, exploring legal issues, and promoting hope. Register for the program by calling Sage Seniors Association at 780-446-3569, or Seniors' Centre Without Walls at 780-395-2626.
|
PHONE PAL PROGRAM
Strathcona Place Society
Ongoing
Free
Connect with representatives from Strathcona Place Society for conversation and compassion. The Phone Pal Program links seniors with youthful volunteers and like-minded peers who can lift their spirits, build resiliency and strengthen their ability to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The phone calls also provide an outlet through which seniors can share concerns or issues which, depending on severity, may be referred to the Outreach Department for resolution. More information is available on the Strathcona Place Society website.
|
2020 VIRTUAL SENIORS FORUM
Sage Seniors Association and Age Friendly Edmonton
November 18-21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free
The telephone information line for the 2020 Virtual Seniors Forum is now open. The upcoming Forum will provide a safe space for seniors to connect, celebrate, access resources, and have questions answered. No computer? No problem! All the sessions for this four-day event are accessible by phone. Call 780-701-9020 to get more information. To receive an event program, please leave a message with your name and address. The program will be mailed out in the second week of November.
|
GROCERY BAG® PROGRAM
Edmonton Meals on Wheels
Ongoing
$15-$100 per grocery order + $5 delivery fee
Do you have trouble getting to the grocery store during the winter months? Try Meals on Wheels' Grocery Bag® program, which offers the convenience of a corner store delivered to your door! The Grocery Bag® Program offers a wide variety of foods chosen to provide a healthy diet based on Canada's Food Guide. Grocery orders are delivered on Wednesday and Thursday evenings by volunteers. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org or call 780-429-2020.
|
|
(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
|
|
Volunteer/Work Opportunities for Seniors
|
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED
Drive Happiness is in need of volunteer drivers! With winter fast approaching, seniors will need help getting to appointments and the grocery store. This opportunity is flexible with your schedule as you can pick the day, time, area, and how often you volunteer. You even receive a gas reimbursement! Volunteers must have a Class 5 drivers license, a clean drivers abstract, and a clear police check.
|
CREATE SMILES WITH HANDMADE CARDS
Edmonton Meals on Wheels is looking for help to create handmade cards for clients: birthdays, holidays and 'just because' are all great subjects for cards. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to the city's seniors and those with mobility issues. If you can help create handmade cards, email [email protected] or call 780-429-2020.
|
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: RESEARCH PROJECT ON THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF OLDER ADULTS
HelpAge Canada is seeking older adult interview participants. The purpose of these interviews is two-fold: to contribute to a research project by HelpAge International on older peoples' rights and to assist HelpAge Canada in communicating the needs of older Canadians. Interviews will be conducted via videoconferencing software (i.e. Zoom, Teams, Skype) and take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Interviews will take place between October 19 and 27. If you'd like to be interviewed, contact Nicole by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-850-3019. This project only requires a small number of participants who will be included on a first come, first serve basis, however, all expressions of interest will be well received and kept in mind for future opportunities by HelpAge Canada.
|
|
(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
|
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:
|
STAY CONNECTED  
|
|
|
|
|
