Despite her health issues, Renfrew-Collingwood resident Barbara Federici was able to maintain her independence through her active participation in programs at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) like the shuttle trips, food hub, grocery delivery, community lunch, frozen meals, and the seniors’ club. With so many of the programs currently on pause, Barbara feels frustrated about what the lack of support services can do for that independence.
Giving the frozen meals program as an example, she notes: “It was really frustrating and challenging. It’s really hard for me to cook–I get exhausted with the prep work, the cooking, and then the cleanup.”
In addition to having access to many seniors’ wellness programs, an added benefit to her participation was the opportunity to socialize. Thanks to the seniors’ wellness programs, Barbara was able to connect with other community members, making friends and meeting with them outside of CNH.
Barbara’s daughter Sabrina Bantog, who is the manager of childcare human resources at CNH, also highlights how helpful these programs have been for seniors and other community members.
“She’s very limited in where she can go on her own because of her medical nights. By coming to CNH, she’s able to make connections with other seniors that she wouldn’t necessarily be able to do so,” Sabrina says.
Barbara observes that a common motivator for seniors’ participation in the wellness programs are loneliness and the desire to connect. By regularly attending programs, she has been able to make friends with other seniors, often meeting them outside of the neighbourhood house for coffee.
“It’s important to have friendly faces to look at, to vent. A lot of seniors don’t have a family close to them and they rely on the neighborhood house as being part of their family. It just reaches so many different people, so many different lives,” she says.
In addition to befriending other seniors, Barbara has also made connections with the seniors’ services staff and praises their compassion and dedication to ensure that their needs are met.
“They’re absolutely fabulous with us. They’re all dedicated and devoted to helping. Their hearts are all in the right place. If you’re going through a rough time, you get a hug,” she adds.
With the reduction in many of its services, Sabrina encourages people to donate so that CNH can continue providing essential services not just to seniors but other vulnerable populations in Renfrew-Collingwood.
“Collingwood Neighbourhood House really helped her to gain independence and to have a social network. She doesn’t have to go all over town to seek the different supports she needs… [CNH] has been able to support her health and mental well-being,” Sabrina shares.
To learn more about Seniors’ programs at CNH, visit cnh.bc.ca/seniors or call 604-435-0323.
