Even before the COVID-19 Pandemic, there were far too many seniors facing isolation in their retirement years. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada empowering seniors by supporting opportunities where they can stay involved and engaged in their communities.

During an event on Tuesday morning at Nipissing Serenity Hospice, The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming revealed the details of several projects funded through the New Horizons for Seniors program, totaling $101,764 invested for five organizations all based in North Bay.

“Helping seniors in Nipissing-Timiskaming stay active and connected is a priority for the Government of Canada,” says Rota.

“The projects being supported today will provide seniors an opportunity to participate in meaningful activities which nurture their personal growth and foster community vitality.”

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Canada’s Minister of Seniors says, “Seniors deserve to live in a community that values their health and well-being, while actively engaging them. The city of North Bay does just this. I am pleased to support the five organizations based in North Bay, which will continue aiding and supporting seniors in their community with the New Horizons for Seniors Program funding they received.”

The first project is called Seniors Connected: Adult Day Program, run through the Near North Palliative Care Network, which will receive a $25,000 investment.

Lane MacDermid, Hospice Coordinator says, "NNPCN consistently works to offer services and events for seniors to help them age well. Thanks to the funding from the Government of Canada, NNPCN is now equipped to oversee the Seniors Connected program which allows seniors to assist in organizing the activities they would like to participate in."

Nipissing Serenity Hospice is receiving $24,630 for their Grief, Bereavement and Wellness Programs.

Bernadette Lindsay, Fund Development Coordinator, Nipissing Serenity Hospice says, “The Nipissing Serenity Hospice opened in January 2020 with the mission of providing palliative care in a peaceful setting for people of all ages at end-of-life and support for their loved ones. Despite the global Covid-19 pandemic being declared only two months after opening, NSH has served over 215 residents, their families, and caregivers to date.”

Lindsay continues, “The money we have received from the New Horizons for Seniors Grant, will allow us to continue to develop grief, bereavement and wellness programs in the hospice and virtually. Wellness programs such as yoga or pet therapy helps to reduce stress, builds morale and enables people to cope when grieving. These programs also promote volunteerism, support social inclusion and healthy ageing of seniors. Thank you to the Employment and Social Development Canada for this financial support.”

$18,800 will go towards the Victim Services Empowerment Project at Victim Services of Nipissing District.

Kathleen Jodouin, Executive Director, says, “Victim Services of Nipissing District, (VSND) has been supporting victims of crime and tragic circumstances for 25 years. Our mission is to lessen the emotional trauma experienced by victims by providing immediate practical and emotional support in the event of crime or tragic circumstances. Last fiscal year VSND supported over 1000 clients.”

Joudouin continues, “The VSND Empowerment Project is intended to enhance physical and emotional safety for victims of elder abuse by providing training, support and technology. The program’s aim is to increase reporting, knowledge and community connections for individuals who are at an increased risk for elder abuse. Thanks to Employment and Social Development Canada for their financial support of the VSND Empowerment project. This project endeavors to empower seniors to take action towards achieving their own safety goals. The project will also educate stakeholders on the steps to support. Together we can achieve greater safety, security and wellness in our community.” 

And both North Bay Pride and the Unicorn Feather Community are receiving $16,667 each. North Bay Pride will use the funding for Events for LGBTQ2 and Who Identify as Seniors, while the Unicorn Feather Community is putting together a program on How to Avoid Online, Phone, and Romance Scams.

Jason MacLennan, Communications Coordinator spoke about both programs. He says, “Without grants like these, we would not be able to help fight isolation that our seniors face, especially those from the 2SLGBTQ+. It is important to create social circles for our seniors that helps create an opportunity to build friendships so that seniors can live with dignity and full of life. We also know that many seniors become victims of online scams, so we want to help seniors avoid those scams while building their personal support circles. We are here for seniors like they were here for us."

Rota says, “The last two years have been an especially trying time on seniors and we have to do what we can to support them because they have made and continue to make great contributions to our communities here in Nipissing-Timiskaming and right across Canada. These projects are a welcome investment for organizations in North Bay will help us build a strong foundation for our future to meet the needs of an aging population.”