July 25, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) announced today New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding for over $52,000 to the Japanese Community Volunteer Association, known in the Greater Vancouver area as Tonari Gumi, for its Lighthouse Project for At-Risk Japanese Seniors.
The project aims to promote volunteerism and engagement of seniors, including those who are at risk, in the Vancouver community. These programs will increase social inclusion and participation of seniors with dementia and will provide outreach services for seniors who are isolated and without family support by involving them in various community activities.
A toolkit will be made available to other community organizations across Canada so they can replicate the project.
The Government of Canada has provided more than $1.7 million in NHSP funding support for 24 NHSP pilot projects across Canada that will lead to new programs and activities that help reduce social isolation of seniors.
Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-716-5422
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.
NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues such as social isolation and intergenerational learning.
Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.
Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud. These projects help community members recognize elder abuse in all its forms and improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Projects focus on developing tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada. These projects may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.
Pilot project funding provides support to help address seniors’ isolation by establishing better social support networks and resources and initiating community interventions. It also supports intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others. These pilot projects are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, which will be matched with funding from other sources.
For more information on the NHSP, visit esdc.gc.ca/seniors.
