Back to SearchThe City’s Kitchener Connects program, which supports social connections among older adults, has received $25,000 in funding through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This investment is one of several federal measures taken to support seniors in coping with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re grateful for the federal government’s investment in the Kitchener Connects program, which helps to reduce isolation and maintain social connections for older adults in our community,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “By addressing the technology gap, we’re reducing barriers to communication and providing seniors in our community with greater opportunities to stay connected to family and friends.”
The Kitchener Connects project will be a welcomed addition to existing technology-based programming for older adults. In April, the City launched the Kitchener Connections program. This interactive, social, and recreational program allows older adults to stay active and engaged in their community while at home. City staff have engaged with more than a thousand older adults to date.
“The ability to stay connected to family, friends, and the community plays an important role in creating a sense of belonging and community,” said Kitchener Centre MP Raj Saini. “Empowering older adults with the knowledge, tools, and resources to support social connections will have a tremendous, positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.”
With the success of current programming, the additional government funding will be used to provide one-to-one and small group technology training to seniors to help support them during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. Training will be focused on enabling older adults to access information and programming necessary to improve social connections and digital literacy.
“This investment will help our seniors use technology to be and stay connected, especially during this pandemic. We really appreciate it.” said Councillor Dave Schnider. “We can use technology to help our seniors be part of a supportive social network and connect them to the information and resources they need now and in the future.”
For more information or to register for Kitchener Connects, call (519) 741-2200 ext. 7228. For a full list of programs, view the older adults events calendar.
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For more information:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing
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