Helping to build healthy communities.
Leah Krikun came to Canada six years ago. Thanks to the programs at Jewish Family Services, she has been able to learn English and become part of her community.
Jennifer McIntosh
When Leah Krikun came to Canada six years ago she couldn’t
speak any English.
Now, thanks to courses at Algonquin College
and Jewish Family Services, the 73-year-old Russian immigrant feels at home in
her adopted country.
“Thanks to the courses and the trips we have made friends
here,” she said. “We are no longer alone.”
Krikun said the tours across the city and the ability to
meet with people who have similar backgrounds has really helped her integration
into the city and the country.
“I really love it here,” she said.
It was programs like the Jewish Family Services Engaging
Immigrant Seniors Project the federal and provincial governments came together
to announce funding for on Oct. 29.
“We realize how important the grassroots community
organizations are,” John Baird, MP for Ottawa West-Nepean, said. “We know that
$12,900 in the hands of an organization like the Carlington Community Health
Centre is going to be well spent.”
Other organizations were also able to take advantage of the
$87,930 in Healthy Communities funding to help seniors — both new to this country
and life-long residents — stay connected to their community.
“Local organizations like Jewish Family Services, Ottawa
Community Immigrant Services Organization and Somali Family Services work every
day to strengthen our community,” Bob Chiarelli, MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean,
said. “This funding will help them reach more seniors from many different
cultures.”
HelpAge Canada, a charity based in Ottawa’s west end and
dedicated to improving the lives of seniors both at home and abroad, will
receive $25,000 for a program that uses theatre to reach out to isolated
seniors.
“We found that people are uncomfortable with the idea of
getting older and talking about some of the issues that impact seniors,”
Marjorie Milloy, project officer at HelpAge Canada, said. “So we act out
scenarios— and mime them—for those who don’t speak English or French — so that
we can talk about issues in a compassionate and often humorous way.”
The Healthy Communities grants will enable 90 physical
activities and mental health programs over a two-year period.
Across the province, more than 500,000 Ontarians are
expected to benefit from the support provided by the fund this year.
jennifer.mcintosh@metroland.com