Sunshine Centres for Seniors Presentation to the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation April 16, 2018

Sunshine Centres for Seniors We provide social, recreational and health promotion day programs for seniors in the Greater Toronto Area. We offer programs at 8 different sites across Toronto with a focus on seniors living in poverty in Toronto Community Housing buildings.

Our Mission To reduce social isolation Improve the health and well-being of older adults Empower them to lead meaningful and connected lives in which they are engaged and participating in the community. Promote independence, a sense of belonging to a supportive community, and foster a sense of purpose in life.

Social Isolation Negatively effects both physical and mental health Contributes to cognitive decline Makes seniors more vulnerable to elder abuse Is a major risk for depression Is linked to long-term illnesses Increases the risk of mortality Is a widespread problem.

Our Programs Reduce social isolation, connect seniors with others Maintain and improve physical health Provide cognitive stimulation Foster a positive outlook Offer opportunities for creative expression Connect seniors with other generations Are meaningful and fun!

Camp Sunshine on Ward’s Island Our Camp Sunshine program on Ward’s Island serves seniors from across Toronto including groups from community organizations, retirement residences, and long-term care facilities. Camp Sunshine was cited by the National Seniors Council in their 2013- 2014 report as an innovative community program to reduce seniors’ isolation. Serves seniors from across Toronto About 70 groups from community organizations, retirement residences, and long-term care facilities attend each year. Seniors living on their own in the community attend as well. Was cited by the National Seniors Council as an innovative community program to reduce seniors’ isolation.

Activities at Our Programs Sing-a-longs Gentle fitness, dance, yoga, and Zumba Crafts Trivia and games Outings Holiday celebrations Educational speakers Gardening and nature walks Refreshments and a nutritious meal Case management, counselling and peer support circles.

Programs in Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) 1st site launched at 325 Bleecker Street in St. Jamestown in 2007 2nd site launched at 460 Jarvis in 2008 3rd site started at 375 Bleecker Street in 2010 Rainbow Bridges Across Generations started in 2012 4th site at 252 Sackville in 2014 5th site at 250 Davenport launched in 2016

Profiles of our TCHC Participants Living in poverty New immigrants such as Bengali, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nigerian, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish. Canadian for many generations LGBTQ People with mental health and physical disabilities Seniors isolated by geography, language and cultural barriers, oppressions such as racism and homophobia.

Key Components of Our Programs TCHC provides free programming space Requested by seniors in their buildings Provided free of charge (we encourage donations) Offered right in the buildings where seniors live Engaging activities and nutritious food Drop-in and offered once or twice per week.

Outreach Strategies Outreach Tables in building lobbies Posting flyers and program calendars in building lobbies Participating in local events such as neighbourhood festivals Email lists and social media Information fairs Participant word of mouth

Successes 190 seniors participated in our TCHC programs in 2017 9,650 visits to our programs in 2017 Average of 25 seniors per day Seniors have become engaged and connected to a supportive community Seniors attend our other programs and events including Camp Sunshine

Benefits of our Programs Participants share with us: They feel less isolated since coming to our program They gain social connections They develop a more positive outlook The program contributes to their improved physical health.

Participant Feedback The morning exercises are a lot of fun and keep me healthy. I was able to make new friends and it allowed me to socialize more with people in the building Through the program I have made many friends. It is very nice to get a home cooked meal from the sunshine Being able to meet new people has made me happier It has educated me to the different people in my building “The morning exercises are a lot of fun and keep me healthy.” “I was able to make new friends and it allowed me to socialize more with people in the building.” “It is very nice to get a home cooked meal from the sunshine.” “Being able to meet new people has made me happier.” “It has educated me to the different people in my building.”

Challenges Reaching new seniors Offering activities to please everyone Complex needs of seniors Addressing conflict among participants Responding to requests for seniors for new programs Funding!!

Strategies to Engage Seniors Offer opportunities to participate and/or volunteer - both are important! Provide food especially nutritious meals Use a variety of outreach strategies Schedule activities at a convenient time Offer flexibility Remove any financial barriers Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere Offer a variety of activities Treat seniors with dignity and respect.

Thank you for your attention!