Ten years of advocating for seniors in Richmond County has brought plenty of accomplishments for the Seniors Take Action Coalition and now the organization is preparing for one of its busiest periods yet.
The Coalition recently marked its 10th anniversary and was presented with an anniversary plaque from the Nova Scotia Federation of Seniors, recognizing a decade of work in the community.
Executive Director Celeste Gotell says the organization’s success comes largely from the commitment of its volunteers, along with a strong working relationship with the municipality and ongoing staff support.
That work is about to expand significantly.
The Coalition has secured funding for five projects for the current fiscal year, with programs designed around needs identified through its Acted Collectively Project.
Gotell says, “our project grants that we submitted were in direct relationship to the findings of the Acted Collectively Project.”
Here’s what the funding will support:
- Mental Health First Aid: Training for as many as 80 to 100 older adults, along with training for staff at long-term care facilities, continuing care and VON.
- Age-Friendly Communities: Two mental health first aid workshops for community members and community-based organizations.
- Healing Pathways: A major project focused on grief and death literacy, including workshops, death cafes, advance care planning and a conference planned for October 23.
- New Horizons: Efforts to address the digital divide, including recorded presentations, expanded translation services and more accessible publications, including large-print materials.
- Community Health Board Wellness Funds: A connection circle designed to help seniors build social connections while discussing grief, loss, life challenges and transitions.
For seniors in the Strait Area, the projects mean more opportunities to learn, connect and access information in ways that work for you.
One of the Coalition’s major goals is also making sure seniors who aren’t online aren’t left behind.
Gotell says, “we know a lot of older adults are not on the internet and don’t follow social media.”
The organization is responding by using community television to record presentations so they can be viewed from home, while also expanding translation and accessibility.
There’s also a new website, giving the Coalition another way to connect with the community and share information.
But with growth comes some important challenges.
Several longtime board members have decided it’s time to move on, and new members need time to become familiar with the organization. Gotell says sustainable funding is another major concern because so much of the Coalition’s work currently depends on grants.
The Coalition has also established four new committees and is looking for volunteers.
“You don’t have to be a senior to care about issues related to seniors,” Gotell says.
And Gotell herself is looking toward succession planning after a decade of involvement.
She says the organization needs to find ways to continue providing strong leadership while allowing her to spend more time in retirement.
“It is my passion but you know I want to do a few things in my own retirement,” Gotell says.
For an organization celebrating ten years, the message is clear: there is plenty to celebrate, and plenty more work ahead.
