SCHC is a community health and social services organisation. It delivers a comprehensive range of culturally competent holistic health and social services to meet the diverse needs of the communities of Scarborough, cultivating vital and connected communities. On 17 March they suspended all group programmes and services provided by volunteers, and all events were postponed. In their dedication to meeting the needs of the Scarborough community support shifted to virtual workshops and health support, and services were modified to adhere to safety protocols and public health recommendations. Health related training and education programmes are being delivered virtually, the Food Bank moved to prepackaged hampers, and medical services continue to be delivered but only at selected centres through a combination of virtual and face to face appointments.
The donation from the Scheinberg Relief Fund is enabling the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) to provide support to combat isolation and loneliness amongst seniors and address food insecurity, which is affecting an increasing number of members of its community. Funding has been used to purchase much needed supplies for SCHC’s Food Bank, so it can continue to service the community through its food markets, and has facilitated the opening of a new ‘Pop-Up Food Bank’ in an additional high need neighbourhood. To combat isolation and loneliness, seniors with no access to virtual supports have been provided with a cellphone or tablet and wireless access so they are able to participate in SCHC’s “Active Living” platform and take part in virtual workshops and groups. Additional support has also been provided for the most vulnerable elderly through weekly telephone check-in calls, mental health counselling and support, transportation and personal support services and Meals on Wheels. June is “Seniors’ Month”. Unable to celebrate in person, as they usually do, funding was provided for the creation of a Seniors’ Month Package that was mailed out to 150 seniors and caregivers to work on throughout the month of June 2020. The package included brain teasers, craft activities, wellness exercises and adult colouring activities.
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