This program is a new initiative in St. Jamestown for which we have received three year funding from the Social Investment Fund of TCHC. We were encouraged to start this program by TCHC staff and tenants based on the success of our Bleecker Street program. With this funding, we have been able to bring social/recreational activities and community development initiatives to this building.
In just a few short months, a community of care and connectedness emerged. Early on in the program a senior organized delivery of monthly fresh produce boxes, also called “Good Food Boxes”, to other program participants. Seniors exchange phone numbers and see each other outside of the program. “Seniors have a growing sense of ownership about the program, and it is truly great to witness,” said Avi Zer-Aviv, former Program Director.
In the fall of 2010, Sunshine Centres was approved permanent funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to expand these much-needed programs and designate two of the St. Jamestown program locations as Elderly Persons Centres. This funding has allowed us to offer a total of four days of programming each week between our 460 Jarvis and Bleecker St. locations and to offer a lunch program at 460 Jarvis Street.
