28 York Region programs get Ontario grant to support local seniors

Newmarket-based CMHA branch receives $21K to promote well-being of 40 seniors needing mental health, dementia support

newmarkettoday.ca
Elizabeth Keith
Feb. 22, 2022

Newmarket-based Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe is among more than 250 local organizations and initiatives receiving an Ontario grant is support of seniors.

The local CMHA is receiving a $21,400 Seniors Community Grant for a program to help promote health and well-being for 40 seniors who have mental health, complex-care, or dementia-related needs, according to a government of Ontario news release.

Other organizations across York Region receiving funding include:

• The Town of Aurora, $12,300 for a seniors wellness series on fitness, fall prevention and nutrition;
• Bereaved Families of Ontario York Region, in Aurora, $25,000 for grief healing support groups for seniors focused on mental health, relationships, and isolation;
• Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan, $17,974 for zumba, line dancing, and martial arts programs targeting newcomer seniors and those from cultural communities;
• Trentino Club of Toronto, Vaughan, $25,000 for a project to provide virtual and in-person programming to more than 900 seniors, focused on educations, cooking, and fitness;
• Villa Colombo Seniors Centre, Vaughan: $9,819 for two tablets and PPE to run the Zooming across the Galleries initiative in partnership with the Vaughan Library;
• FCSAV, Vaughan, $9,998 for an in-person and virtual multiethnic sing-along for 120 participants;
• Hospice Vaughan, $25,000 to expand a psycho-social model of care;
• FKCA, Vaughan, $15,000 for a project to increase the safety of 200 Korean-Canadian seniors by providing information on anti-racism, how to prevent incidents and what to do if you're a victim;
• Chabad of Maple, Vaughan, $25,000 to create 100 intergenerational partnerships between isolated seniors with disabilities and younger community members;
• KASC, Vaughan, $25,000 for the Korean Artists Society of Canada to provide art classes for 145 seniors, ending with an online art showcase;
• Mauritius Chinese Association of Ontario, in Richmond Hill, $16,260 for the delivery of virtual wellness programs to 70 seniors;
• Young at Heart Seniors Group OLQW, Richmond Hill, $9,987 to provide seniors an opportunity to participate in wellness seminars, exercise, and workshops;
• Strong Play, Richmond Hill, $25,000 for online programs to keep seniors engaged and enable them to mentor youth;
• St. Mary and St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church, Richmond Hill, $18,084 for a pottery project to teach seniors new skills;
• Richmond Hill Social and Bocce Club, $6,000 for social programming for 60 seniors including dancing, bingo and bocce;
• Franca D'Abruzzo, Richmond Hill, $8,000 for 20 classes of activites like yoga or painting for seniors;
• Canadian Chinese Orchestra, Markham, $24,860 to teach seniors how to play Chinese instruments for free leading to a virtual concert;
• Markham Wesley Centre, $16,878 for a virtual program for seniors to learn, socialize, and stay connected, including a tablet loan program;
• Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians, $25,000 to engage seniors in physical, mental health programs and social outings;
• Paradise Seniors Association Markham, $12,894 for a seniors art program teaching water colour, oil, and acrylic mediums;
• Chinese Moving Well Community Centre, Markham, $20,170 to run events to teach Chinese seniors about elder abuse and how to get help
• CEFS Centre, Markham, $22,220 to support newcomer seniors and teach them how to stay healthy, safe, and get engaged;
• Greensborough Tamil Seniors Wellness Club, Markham, $25,000 to teach skills to older adult immigrants;
• Markham Arts Council, $10,000 to target 500 isolated seniors with virtual dance lessons;
• Armadale Ontario’s Seniors Club, Markham, $25,000 to engage 125 seniors in recreational programs in-person and online;
• Town of East Gwillimbury, $25,000 to launch a series of recreational, social, and healthy living programming for seniors;
• Caregiving Matters, King, $25,000 to support 1,790 rural and isolated seniors with virtual networking.

 

In total, $5 million is being invested in organizations that help "keep Ontario’s seniors fit, active, healthy and connected to their families and friends," Raymond Cho, minister for Seniors and Accessibility, said. “Seniors Community Grants provide tremendous enjoyment and personal value to Ontario’s seniors.”

"After several months of increased social isolation, we have seen a surge in demand for targeted and reliable access to programs and services that address the unique needs of Ontario’s seniors,” said Michael Tibollo, associate minister of Mental Health and Addictions and MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge. “With this investment, our government is taking real action to further empower seniors in their own communities and provide them with high-quality supports that contribute to their physical, mental, and social well-being."