Program Coordinator’s reports
OTTAWA GOLDEN OLDIES BLACK SENIORS’ CLUB – PROGRAM COORDINATOR’S 2024 YEAR-END REPORT
Friday 27 December 2024
1. Origins of Ottawa Golden Oldies Black Seniors’ club
The club was founded by Godwin Ifedi in October 2024, out of his desire to bring together seniors who identify as African, Caribbean and Black, residing in Ottawa and the national capital region. The goal is to connect seniors to existing programs, services, and benefits available to older adults in our region; initiate new activities and programs to reduce social isolation, and support them in maintaining their physical and mental health and well-being.
2. Black Seniors’ Advisory Committee
This committee meets every quarter, or as needed, to plan activities and field trips for the members. The committee consists of: Godwin Ifedi, Program Coordinator, Chair; Clarisa Sherman; Aba Tsiagbey; Jocelyn Constant; Obasola Bamigbola and Yahi Tahibet. We are most grateful for the diligence with which the committee members have driven the club to the success it has achieved to date.
3. Our sponsors
The club has two sponsors: African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) and Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization of Ottawa (OCISO). The role of each sponsor is to apply for funding to various government and non-government agencies on behalf of the club; manage the funds in compliance with the terms of the funding; and ensure that the club’s activities are aligned with the terms of the funding. Each sponsor is accountable to the funder for the management of the funds. The Program Coordinator sends a monthly report to each sponsor with a summary of the activities of the club for that month. We are totally grateful to our two sponsors for their unrelenting support, without which the club would not have attained its success to date. Kudos to ACAO President John Adeyefa, Resource Coordinator Hector Addison; OCISO Chief Operating Officer, Donnielle Roman and Manager, Yemane Abede.
4. Our membership
Our membership has grown from the original 15 at the inaugural meeting in October 2024 to 105. We range in age from 60 to 100 years. Membership of the club is free. Please note that only those 60 years old and above are eligible for membership.
5. Cost of activities and field trips for members
Up until now, members have not been charged for any of the activities and field trips we have undertaken. However, in 2025, depending on the event, we may have to charge members, if our funding does not completely cover the costs to undertake them. This is the practice of other organizations and agencies serving seniors.
6. Activities in 2024
“Meet and Greet” Social event 4 May 2024 at YMCA
Field trip to Upper Canada Village Emancipation Day, Morrisburg, Ontario: 1 August 2024
Presentation by Ottawa Public Health on “Falls Prevention” and social September 2024 at Sandy Hill Community Centre
Field trip to 55 PLUS Exhibition, Ottawa, 28 September 2024
Presentation on “Estate Planning: Who needs it and why?” and social: 19 October 2024 at Sandy Hill Community Centre.
Basic cell phone and laptop training: This is a 2-hour one-on-one training for those not fully familiar with how best to use their cell phones and laptops. Managed by Obasola Bamigbola, this program is offered every Monday at the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization of Ottawa (OCISO) office. To date 9 members have participated in this very popular program. We are currently exploring the possibility of extending this training to francophone seniors, but this would be subject to funding being available.
Heart Valve Assessment: 21 November 2024, held at the OCISO offices on Wellington Street West, Ottawa. This University of Ottawa Heart Institute mobile clinic came about through a contact supplied by ACAO. Nineteen seniors participated in a clinical screening, consisting of blood pressure check, blood test and heart ultrasound, to detect any hitherto undiagnosed heart defects. Each participant received a written copy of their test results, which were also sent to their primary physician and then followed up by a cardiologist as appropriate. The plan is to hold this clinic once every year at OCISO.
Information sharing: From time to time, the Program Coordinator circulates information on such topics as: health, social services, education, and other info that would benefit our members. He also circulates the monthly online news magazine Black Ottawa Scene https://www.blackottawascene.com of which he is the volunteer Editor and Publisher.
7. Ottawa Golden Oldies Website
Our website Ottawa Goldies website https://www.ottawagoldenoldies.com/about-us/ contains invaluable information about our club, as well as programs and services available to older adults in the national capital region.
8. Our challenges
Our primary means of communicating with our members is by email. However, since some of our members do not have email, or have very limited knowledge of the internet, we have been able to connect with some of them by sending emails to their adult children, who are then expected to pass the messages on to their parents. Also, until a few months ago, we had used WhatsApp to connect with our members. Unfortunately, we were forced to close that account for several reasons:
– many members did not know how to use WhatsApp.
– some members asked that their names be not included in the group WhatsApp account for privacy reasons.
– most importantly, one of the members’ names was hacked by someone who used her name and photo to call and demand money from members.
On a positive note, we have a group of dedicated volunteers who take the time to call all members to remind them of our events. They also help us out in setting up and cleaning up before and after our events, assist our needy members, and serve as interpreters for members who have limited knowledge of English. At the end of each event, the Program Coordinator sends a message of thanks to these amazing young men and women.
Another challenge is finding suitable venues for our events. Due to the nature of our membership, we require places that meet the following requirements:
– centrally located so members don’t have far to travel.
– be accessible to members who have mobility problems (wheelchairs, walkers, canes etc.).
– accessible to public transportation
– have adequate parking.
9. Activities for 2025
The Seniors’ Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on 8 January 2025 to plan the activities for the year. If you have any suggestions for future activities or field trips, please send them to the Program Coordinator before 4 January 2025 to: ottawagoldenoldies@gmail.com.
10. Black History Month Health seminar 8 February 2025
This seminar will be held as part of the February 2025 Black History Month. The theme will be “Staying healthy during your senior years”. The keynote speaker will be a medical specialist with experience working with older adults. There will also be a panel consisting of one senior, one family member caregiver, and two health professionals with experience working with older adults. More details will be circulated later.
Respectfully submitted:
Godwin Ifedi, Founder & Program Coordinator
Ottawa Goldies Oldies Black Seniors’ Club
27 December 2024.