Ontario Keeping Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Seniors Healthy, Active and Connected
December 1
The Ontario government is investing in its older population in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston by funding three organizations in the area that will help seniors stay safe, active and socially connected.
Recipients for the Seniors Community Grant include the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre ($25,000), the Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation ($18,623) and the Township of Tay Valley ($6,250).
“These investments make a huge difference in the lives of Ontario’s older adults here in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston,” said MPP John Jordan. “Staying connected close to home lets our seniors keep active with friends, family and the community.”
The Mississippi Mills Youth Centre is using the grant to bring youth and seniors together to learn, explore and experience something new.
The Centre started by talking to youth and seniors in the community about what skills they would like to learn through the program. With high interest in new cooking techniques, improving technological literacy, and discovering music, MMYC wanted to get started right away, by inviting guest speakers to teach the group about making jam, drumming, and more.
Executive Director Lilli Nothnagel, along with the Project Coordinator said that starting in January, the funds from the grant will provide them the opportunity to take seniors and youth on field trips together to participate in square dancing, nature conservation and some of the area’s local history. They are looking forward to the foundation the program can build to help launch the way for future intergenerational programming, because “the more connections we build, the stronger our community will be.”
“Social isolation continues to be a big issue for our seniors,” said MPP Jordan. “That’s why we must make sure that all of our older adults stay connected. Our local, community-based investments help our seniors remain a part of the community with services and programs that are tailored to meet their unique needs.”
Heather Rogers, Director of Operations of South Frontenac Community Services, said they were extremely excited to receive the news about the Seniors Community Grant. She says it has already begun to have an impact, as they have been able to start a few new programs and are building on that success to add new ones each month.
“Everyone at the Southern Frontenac Community Services was thrilled to have the Provincial Government support our work building programs within the rural communities to engage seniors in physical and social activities. While these sorts of initiatives are important for youth, they are also essential to healthy aging. Our Seniors programming not only focuses on physical and mental wellness, it also builds community, nurtures connections and develops friendships among many rural seniors. The Community Grant enables us to offer a wider variety of activities and engage more participants,” said Executive Director Ken Foster.
Rogers said that Southern Frontenac Community Services is dedicated to the senior population and it is nice to see that is a value the Provincial Government shares.
The Township of Tay Valley will be using its funding to support older residents to connect with their wider community. They’ll develop new social connections, access outdoor nature-based spaces and improve mobility in an accessible, outdoor and pandemic resilient environment. The Living Well Naturally Project will facilitate the installation of accessible exercise equipment at Forest Trail Park.
To learn more about the recipients of the Seniors Community Grant, click on the links below.
https://www.mmyc.ca/
https://www.sfcsc.ca/
https://www.tayvalleytwp.ca/