LINK LETTER CONTINUING ON BIWEEKLY BASIS
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a slightly lower-than-average amount of seniors' programming information to communicate. Because of this, Link Letter will continue on a biweekly publication schedule moving into the fall season.
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REGULAR OFFICE HOURS TO RESUME AT EDMONTON SENIORS COORDINATING COUNCIL
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council
ESCC staff have been working from home throughout the height of the pandemic but will be returning to the office following the Labour Day long weekend. Starting Tuesday, September 8, the ESCC office (located at #255 8330 82 Ave inside Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre), will resume regular hours from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Staff will be working out of the office Fridays on an as needed basis.
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MASKS FOR ORGANIZATIONS: NEW ONLINE ORDER FORM
Edmonton Coordinated Pandemic Response Group
The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council has created an online order form for organizations seeking masks for seniors. Currently, ESCC is allowing up to 4,000 masks per organization. Please place your order in advance and indicate your preferred pick-up time. An ESCC staff member will get back to you with more information.
ESCC is in the process of setting up mask distribution centres for seniors, working with local seniors-serving organizations. In the meantime, seniors seeking masks can contact Sage at 780-701-9007. Leave a message with your name and number and a Sage employee will call you back to coordinate a delivery.
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(links to the ESCC News for Seniors Organizations web page)
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RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE: A PSYCHOLOGICAL TOOLKIT FOR HEADING BACK TO WORK
Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Works and BounceBack Ontario
This toolkit provides guidance on how to support the mental health of individuals as they plan safe transitions back into their workplaces and to help employers as they develop policies and procedures for supporting staff returning to the work environment. This toolkit also helps to unpack the common emotions people may be feeling as they think about returning to their workplace and guides readers through coping strategies.
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FUN ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Sixty and Me
Free
Most Scientists agree that exercise, social activity and nutrition are key factors in keeping your brain healthy, and that when it comes to the aging brain the rule of "use or lose it" applies. Stay mentally fit with thirty-five brain games that will keep you entertained whilst giving your brain a great workout!
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(links to the ESCC Resources web page)
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TURNING UNCERTAINTY INTO BOLD ACTION
This is a fabulous learning opportunity for leaders venturing into the unknown during these strange times. Learn how play, humour, curiosity and creativity, empathy, boldness and fluidity need to be woven into our leadership capacities if we are to effectively navigate uncertainty. Please note this is a pre-recorded webinar. Following your registration you will receive a copy of the webinar, along with supplementary resources, on the September 9 webinar release date.
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CULTURAL COMPETENCY VIRTUAL FAIR
Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Every Saturday and Sunday in September, 7 p.m.
Location: Online
Free
Have you ever wondered about the history of African braids? Or what a Sikh turban symbolizes? Come and learn during this virtual fair for Alberta Culture Days! This interactive fair will help Canadians of all ages and backgrounds gain insight into, appreciate and interact with different cultures and belief systems they might not normally have a chance to connect with. With eight cultural workshops and guest lecturers, you're sure to leave with a greater knowledge of the diversity in Canada. The workshops will include tutorials and the opportunity to ask questions.
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Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long Term Care (CLRI)
September 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Free
This webinar will help long term care homes nurture an inclusive community among residents and team members, even in the age of COVID-19. Presenters will share practical and quick steps you can take right now, without spending hours planning and preparing.
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Strategies to get to know residents' unique identities
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Easy tools to train team members
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Tips for hiring, recruitment and retention
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SCENARIO PLANNING: A PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR MANAGING UNCERTAINTY
Stanford Social Innovation Review
September 16, 2-3:30 p.m. (Eastern)
$69 USD
COVID-19 has had an outsized impact on the nonprofit sector. Rather than trying to predict the future, organizations need to strengthen their abilities to cope with uncertainty. In a volatile world, scenario planning-a technique that uses stories about the future to change the minds and actions of teams so that they are better prepared for tomorrow-equips you with the skills and tools to deal effectively with potential opportunities, threats and challenges. This webinar will:
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Introduce scenario planning, outlining the principles and benefits of the approach
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Elaborate on the reasons why scenario planning can help leaders make strategic decisions in times of uncertainty
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Explore how scenario concepts are being used to help social sector organizations understand how the COVID-19 pandemic could reshape our world in the years and decades ahead
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Empower you with a step-by-step toolkit for using scenario planning within your organization to make flexible long-term plans
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More learning opportunities for staff/volunteers in the seniors sector (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page) |
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GRANTS COORDINATOR
The Grants Coordinator position recognizes the inherent interconnectedness between research, program development and refinement, evaluation, grant writing and reporting, and knowledge mobilization. Sage values these areas of focus as an essential foundation to support the achievement of our vision of a community where all seniors are valued and have the opportunity to live according to their beliefs, abilities and aspirations. In particular, the Grants Coordinator will drive Sage's grant procurement, writing, and reporting activities, while also supporting and informing data collection, knowledge mobilization, program development and refinement, and research.
View the full job description for additional information and application instructions. The deadline to apply is September 4.
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SAFE HOUSE COORDINATOR
The Safe House Coordinator works collaboratively with the staff team of the Sage Seniors' Safe House, a shelter for older adults who require safety from abuse. It is responsible for providing trauma informed support within an anti-oppressive framework. In addition to conducting intake and risk assessments, this position coordinates services and provides system navigation as required by program clients. Along with case management and safety planning, this position will assist in informing potential referral sources about the service, coordinating the services provided by the participating agencies and working with the various agencies to ensure the needs of the clients are met.
View the full posting for additional information and application instructions. The deadline to apply is September 10.
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ASSESSMENT, SUPPORTS AND HOUSING COORDINATOR
The Assessment, Supports and Housing Coordinator provides assessment, information, referral, support and system navigation to older adults addressing basic needs as well as social and emotional needs as identified by the individual. This includes assisting the older adult in becoming familiar with housing options, providing support when making a decision to downsize homes and offering referrals in regard to landlord tenancy issues. Other tasks include helping older adults prioritize their needs and make informed referrals as necessary, as well as responding to calls from families of older adults, community members and professionals regarding available resources.
View the detailed posting for additional information and application instructions. The deadline to apply is September 15.
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PROGRAM MANAGER
ElderCare Edmonton is a non-profit association that serves more than one hundred concurrent clients and families with approximately sixty seniors attending programs daily. ElderCare is seeking an ambitious, motivated and qualified individual to manage one of their three therapeutic-recreation wellness day programs for seniors. The successful candidate will sustain a continuous quality improvement mindset and be responsible for staff and content management for a therapeutic day program provided to seniors affected by social isolation, dementia, and/or other conditions.
The Program Manger is relied upon for decision making, staff supervision, qualitative and quantitative reporting on program statistics and outcomes, and ensuring the program site is in compliance with all policies, procedures, records management standards, and applicable regulations. For the full posting, click here.
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More job opportunities in the seniors sector (links to the ESCC Learning Opportunities web page) |
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News and Events for Seniors
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IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING RETURNS AT SELECT SENIORS CENTRES
Several local seniors' organizations are resuming in-person programming for the fall. Centres resuming in-person programming are following strict safety protocols, including limiting class sizes, practicing social distancing and observing stringent cleaning standards. The following centres are offering in-person programming this fall.
Mill Woods Seniors Association: Fall programs being September 14 | View fall program guide
North Edmonton Seniors Association: Fall programs begin September 14 | View fall program guide
SouthWest Edmonton Seniors Association: Currently open in reduced capacity with classes operating out of Blue Quill Community Centre only | View registration page
Strathcona Place Society: Fall programs begin September 14 | View fall program guide
Westend Seniors Activity Centre: Fall programs begin September 14 | View registration page
Many of the above centres are also offering online programming options. In addition to these centres, Sage Seniors Association, South East Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA) and Edmonton Seniors Centre (ESC) have live, online programs.
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FALL PHONE PROGRAMMING
Seniors Centre Without Walls
Various dates and times available
Free
Seniors Centre Without Walls has released their calendar for the next 3 months! Please note that they are asking new participants to register with the program before calling into sessions, so they know who is in the program and get on the mailing list for the winter schedule. Feel free to get in touch with the SCWW at scww@espcn.ca if you would like to send a referral or to get more information about upcoming sessions!
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DON'T GET SNOWED IN THIS WINTER!
Seniors Home Supports Program
While it may seem early to be thinking of winter flurries, it's important to start booking winter snow removal services now. Local businesses offering snow removal book up fast! To make sure you don't get left in the cold, contact the Seniors Home Supports Program. Through the program, you will be provided with quotes from screened local businesses offering snow removal. View the map on the SHSP website to find the contact information for your nearest home supports coordinator.
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WIZARDS OF ODDS 'N ENDS SALE
North Edmonton Seniors Association (7524 139 Avenue)
September 4 and 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free admission
Visit your friends from NESA at this socially distanced sale. Pick up one-of-a kind handmade goods, including quilts, mittens, scarves jewellery and more. The sale will take place in the NESA parking lot (weather permitting). In the event of bad weather, the sale will move into NESA's auditorium. Call 780-496-6969 for more information.
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FUNDRUM FOR ALL!
JB Music Therapy
Various dates and times available starting in September
Location: Online
$99 for 14 weeks or $199 for an unlimited pass
Have you explored the therapeutic benefits of music? In this class, channel your inner Jon Bonham and rock out! Bring your drum, a pot or a pan, an empty garbage can or sticks for your coffee table. This class will teach you how to improvise on any instrument, play music to evoke positive moods and connect with others. To take part in this class, you will need a laptop or mobile/tablet device with stable internet connection and video.
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FAMILY CAREGIVER WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
NorQuest College
Various dates and times
Location: Online
$15 per workshop
NorQuest received funding from the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund, distributed through the United Way (Alberta Capital Region). This funding has allowed the college to offer their fall Family Caregiver Workshops at a subsidized rate. Take advantage of this great opportunity to hone your caregiving skills. Go to norquest.ca/family-caregiver to learn more.
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FUN ONLINE ACTIVITIES
CNIB Foundation
Various dates and times
Free
With "back to school season" in full swing, it's a great time to try something new. The CNIB Foundation has you covered with live sessions offering tech training, cooking classes, book clubs and more! These virtual programs are guaranteed to keep you entertained. Programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Remember to register at least one business day before the program start date. If you can't make it, register anyway! If the session is recorded, the CNIB Foundation will send you a recorded copy of the session.
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PRO BONO LEGAL CLINICS
Indo-Canadian Women's Association
Two Sundays a month, from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Free
The Pro Bono Family Law Consultation Clinic at ICWA will provide one time, free legal consultation to women about their challenges related to Gender-Based Violence and Family Law. The clinic will start on September 6, 2020 (on two Sundays a month, from 12 pm to 2 pm). For further information please email info@icwaedmonton.org or call 780-490-0477.
Please note that participants will need to partake in necessary COVID-19 screening questions before the appointment
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(links to the ESCC News and Events for Seniors web page)
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Volunteer Opportunities/Jobs
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HUNGRY FOR VOLUNTEERS
Edmonton Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer drivers and kitchen helpers! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for services has increased. Help Edmonton Meals on Wheels prepare over 700 meals each weekday by chopping, peeling, dishing and packaging food, baking, and more. Or if you like to drive, help deliver nutritionally balanced meals and groceries to people from Edmonton and area who cannot prepare adequate meals or shop easily for themselves. Do good, feel good one meal at the time. Sign up to volunteer, or call 780-429-2020.
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(links to the Volunteer and Work Opportunities web page)
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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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