Lapointe announces $3M for new WHOLE Seniors program
Program will support agencies that provide services for Sudbury seniors
The WHOLE Seniors program announced back in May has received a $3-million funding boost from the federal government.
Then funding was announced by Sudbury MP Viviane Lapointe on June 3.
Overseen by the Sudbury Women’s Centre, the WHOLE Seniors initiative supports the work of five Greater Sudbury non-profit organizations which will provide “innovative programming and meaningful volunteer engagements for seniors” in the Nickel City.
Co-ordinated by the Women’s Centre, the five groups involved are Independent Living Resource Centre, the ParkSide Centre, Spark Employment Services, Thriving African Families and United Way Centreaid Northeast Ontario.
“Supporting seniors in our community is important for many reasons,” Lapointe said in a news release. “When we create opportunities for social inclusion and reliable access to programs and services, we are providing meaningful support that enhances the quality of life for seniors.”
The release said the five organizations will work together on developing programs “that move beyond traditional service delivery models, actively engaging seniors as volunteers, mentors, and peer leaders.”
The partners will each recruit and train senior volunteers to help deliver programming aimed at strengthening social connection, emotional well-being, physical health, financial confidence and leadership skills among older adults.
“The WHOLE Seniors Project represents an important step forward for our community. By strengthening collaboration between local agencies, we are building greater capacity to support seniors in meaningful ways,” stated Chantal Makela, CEO SWC.