To Everything There is a Season: Reflections from Hamilton and Ottawa on Sustaining Social Inclusion Initiatives in the Community

Date: November 20 2019

Presenters:

• Bonnie Schroeder, Project Director, Keeping Ottawa Seniors Connected, The Council on Aging of Ottawa

• Pat Spadafora Project Director, Hamilton Seniors Isolation Impact Plan Hamilton Council on Aging

“To everything there is a season”

Over the last four years, Hamilton and Ottawa has been engaged in mobilizing their partners to reduce social isolation among older adults in their communities. As the project funding from Employment and Social Development Canada comes to an end, each project is focused on sustaining specific activities partnerships and outcomes. The presenters reflect on concepts of

• Isolation and inclusion
• Universal programs and targeted programs to reduce social isolation among vulnerable populations of seniors (seniors who are low-income, multicultural, at risk for abuse, living in rural communities, living with disabilities, etc.)
• Grassroot and system/policy approaches to sustain the activities and outcomes
• The presentation will conclude with reflections on lessons learned, opportunities and challenges from each community.
  

Key themes: Duality & Sustainability