Province invests over $73K in Cambridge community centre's Older Adult Program

A community centre program designed to strengthen connections for older adults who became isolated during the pandemic got a big boost from the province last week..

On June 8, Cambridge MPP Brian Riddell met with the team at Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre (GCCC) to hear more about the $73,200 Resilient Communities Fund they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

The grant funds assisted with staffing, equipment and expertise to help them develop their Older Adult Program and engage seniors isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre has been dedicated to serving area families for more than 35 years and is very deserving of this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” Riddell said in a press release.

“This grant has gone a long way toward enriching the lives of seniors who might otherwise have suffered the effects of living in isolation. I commend the team at Greenway-Chaplin for the great work they’ve done for the senior citizens of the neighbourhood.”

The Older Adult Program is designed to keep seniors active and engaged, helping them to overcome isolation, enhance their technological skills, and foster social connections.

The funding was used to hire an Older Adult Program coordinator in a shared role with Preston Heights Community Group and Silverheights Neighbourhood Association.

The project that aims to improve the lives of older adults aged 50 and above by addressing their unique needs, enhance their quality of life, increase social interaction, promote health and wellness, and empower through education, the release said.

“It has been an amazing opportunity to reach out and connect with Older Adults in our neighbourhood. This Trillium Grant allowed us to explore and pilot a variety of activities for Older Adults over the past year!” said Emily Jaarsma, executive director of Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre.

GCCC is dedicated to maintaining an active schedule of programs throughout the year.

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

“That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre remains at the heart of the community for decades to come."

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province.

Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships.

Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.