Crossroads Community Diverse Seniors 60+ Program is using the City of Calgary’s Neighbourhood Grant to establish belonging and inclusion. Despite ongoing barriers around senior participation , community members are passionate about seeing the program grow.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic many senior residents in Crossroads remained hesitant to engage with the community. Seventy-nine-year-old Brijbala Bakhshi, a resident of Mayland Heights for over 12 years, recognized an opportunity to re-connect seniors to their social networks.
Bakhshi applied for the City of Calgary’s Neighbourhood Grant to fund the Diverse Seniors 60+ Program. The grant is a lump sum payment of up to $1,000 offered to neighbourhood project ideas that build inclusivity, foster truth and reconciliation and increase economic participation.
Bakhshi worked with the Crossroads Community Association to find the money and launch the program, which offers bi-weekly events such as how to get a job, how to crochet, and financial planning.
“We can learn a lot from each other, and we respect each other. I have met some very qualified seniors and I am amazed by [some of their] experiences,” says Bakhshi.
The 60+ Program is hosted at the Cedar Court Hub. Six-to-twelve seniors, most of which are women regularly gather not only to participate in events but to enjoy conversation. Whether it’s sharing life updates, discussing community affairs, or bragging about their grandchildren – the room is never quiet.
The space “becomes like a classroom,” says Bakhshi, “We share knowledge, values and different cultures.”
Despite the program’s goal of facilitating a stronger senior community, both Bakhshi and program-goers acknowledge there are distinct barriers around accessibilty and connection.
Barriers for connection
The Crossroads Community Association has 16 members on their board of directors. Of those positions, seven remain vacant, including the Direct of Senior Engagement.
“I think you need to have a coordinator, someone to reach out to, and say ‘who do I talk to? I want to come but I can’t get there,’” says Crossroads resident Terry Cohan.
Without a main point of contact, such as a director on the association’s board, the Diverse Seniors 60+ Program can only reach so far.
There isn’t a formula for growth and members like Mary Hajdu are often left with unanswered questions.
“How do we involve more seniors in this community? How can we diversify? What can we do to entice people [to come]?” Says Hajdu.
Spreading information about the program hasn’t been easy, especially when there isn’t a direct path. The program mainly relies on word of mouth and the Crossroads newsletter to share information.
Even though there are limitations, those who attend can see how beneficial the program is for seniors.
Opportunities for growth
Inglewood resident, Lynn Sturby is a regular attendee of the Diverse Seniors 60+ Program. Although Inglewood has it’s own Community Association, there isn’t an established senior program.
“I was seeking a connection, and I heard [about this program] from a friend. I think communication is the key,” says Sturby.
Senior programs are essential to neighbourhoods across Calgary, however it’s the nurturing and support towards the programs offered that makes a difference.
By participating in program events, community members can take what they’ve learned and apply it in their neighbourhoods.
“There are no restrictions,” says Bahkshi, who hopes to host community gatherings that will bring neighbourhood leaders out to see what they are doing.
The Crossroads Community and the Diverse Seniors 60+ Program are facing their challenges head on. It’s a unified effort that forms the character of a neighbourhood and fosters community growth.
