Susan Quach Coordinator Community Development City of Kingston Revitalising Failing Clubs Changing to a Community Hub: How do you ensure the needs of seniors are met? Susan Quach Coordinator Community Development City of Kingston

Transitioning to a Community Hub Chelsea Senior Citizens Centre to the Chelsea Activity Hub

Background Senior Citizens Club Struggling Membership numbers decline Members in key positions struggling eg. President, and no volunteers to take on these roles Incorporation obligations too much Senior Citizens Centres Large old facilities that are underutilised by seniors groups Demand for community meeting space

Transitioning to a Community Hub Context Chelsea Community Renewal Project (CCR) Long term community development 6 years Infrastructure $$ Process Stage 1 – Building trust / Trying to revitalise Club Stage 2 – Wrapping up and celebration Stage 3 – Centre redeveloped into an Activity Hub Stage 3 – New working group arrangement in the new shared Activity Hub with support from Council

Transitioning to a Community Hub Success factors Resources and trust from CCR $50K from Club Recruitment process to new committee Working group members committed equally Planning resources – guides and templates Challenges Staff time commitment beyond CCR Ongoing staff resources from Libraries and Community Development New position created to support seniors clubs

Transitioning to a Community Hub Outcomes 3 years later working group going strong 5 days per week programming for seniors activities More seniors and more activities provided to the local community Vibrant Community Hub