May 22, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada
Thanks to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), seniors who are newcomers to Canada in the Vancouver area will have the opportunity to learn to recognize the various forms of abuse and where to get help if they need it, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) announced today.
The Joyce Station Area Planning Association is receiving more than $22,500 in NHSP community-based funding for its Knock Knock! Who’s There? and Other Questions Seniors Have About Their Safety project.
Through workshops, seniors will have the opportunity to participate in activities involving community groups and organizations. Seniors will learn about elder abuse prevention strategies and about the positive role played by the Vancouver Police Department in helping them to reduce their risk of being mistreated and to seek assistance if needed.
The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding for over 1,770 community-based projects across Canada. These projects, selected from the NHSP’s 2013–2014 call for proposals, will lead to new programs and activities for seniors.
Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
819-994-2482
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.
