The menu is always appetizing and the conversation wholesome for Wednesday’s Lunch and Chat at the Lloydminster Public Library, including a visit from Catholic Social Services (CSS).
With programs for newcomers to the community, Senior Connections, Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS), and Border Bridge Counselling, there’s a lot of support for various community needs.
Border Bridge Counselling is a partnership with local mental health professionals to fast-track the more immediate clients on the wait list at the Lloydminster Hospital, get them the help they need, and ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Fees, availability, and accessibility will not be a barrier states the brochure, and eligibility has been updated for the program that is funded by the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation and the Lloydminster United Way. More information is available by calling 780-875-9084, or online.
Programs for seniors are available whether they have retired happily or struggling financially. On the Gateway for Newcomers side, the group notes a lot of seniors are now coming to Lloydminster to be with their families. CSS partners with several groups including the City of Lloydminster as it seeks to build inclusive spaces for everyone.
On Jun. 13, CSS and Lloydminster Elder Abuse Prevention (LEAP) will host the Seniors Food For Thought Breakfast sponsored by Synergy Credit Union at the Legacy Centre. The event begins with breakfast from about 9 a.m. and will include info sessions to coincide with Seniors’ Week, Jun. 3-9 with the theme Aging is more…let’s enjoy the journey together. Organizers are hinting that along with a hearty breakfast, lots of laughter, door prizes, and a feature presenter, the intent is to learn and bring awareness to issues affecting seniors like elder abuse among other topics. To register, please call 306-825-3301.
CSS sees over 200 seniors at various community events and programs and offers help with things like the transition from work to retirement, and filling out the paperwork. The list includes things like CPP and OAS applications and more. The help is literally whatever is required to transition into retirement.
Another program that is becoming a game changer for newcomers and their children is the Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS). This program has about 60 families being helped and is free to help students get settled in a new country. The program worker helps with school registration, parent meetings, and making community connections for supports and social programs. The support connections include things like learning English and overcoming barriers to set the newcomers up for living in their new home.
There are opportunities for volunteers to be part of programs that help people to settle in Canada. More information is available from Catholic Social Services via its social media.