The County of Haliburton has received a 2024-2025 seniors community grant to support Aging Together as Community’s [ATAC] new project, entitled Bridging the Gaps.
County warden Liz Danielsen said, “I am greatly appreciative for this funding from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to help support programming for seniors in Haliburton County.” She added, “this partnership between the province, the County, and Aging Together as Community positively benefits the senior population and County as a whole.”
The Bridging the Gaps project will provide social, health, fitness, educational and digital literacy programming to help rural, low-income, and LGBTQ+ seniors stay active, connected and living independently throughout Haliburton County. The project was awarded $25,000 through the Seniors Community Grant Program.
ATAC steering committee member Paul Moore said, “this funding is perfect timing for ATAC. Our program not only fits with the priorities of the Seniors Community Grant Program of reducing isolation, being connected, accessing services and programs and increasing supports for health prevention and health promotion, but also, is extremely timely overlapping with some of the outcomes and directives from our recent community survey.”
The provincial funding will enable ATAC to continue its goal of bringing more seniors throughout Haliburton County together in inclusive meetings both virtually and in-person. Meetings will also provide an opportunity for participants to hear from speakers on a variety of educational topics such as navigating the healthcare system and understanding digital technology, while sharing a healthy meal and having time to socialize and make friends.
October 27 event
ATAC is hosting an upcoming event, on how to better access the healthcare system in the County at ‘Learn the ropes: a road map to healthcare services’, at the Haliburton Legion, Oct. 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Speakers include Jen Burns-West, chief nursing executive and vice president of clinical and community support services at HHHS; Christine Keenan, project coordinator of the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team; Lauren Wilson, pharmacist-owner, of Haliburton Pharmasave, Chris Parish, commander clinical programs, Haliburton County Paramedic Service; and Kim Ballantyne, senior manager, patient services, home and community care support services. Afterwards, people are invited to enjoy a casual meal of beef brisket or vegetable chili, buns and pumpkin tart. People are asked to register by Oct. 21 by email atachhevents@gmail.com or calling Connie Wood at 705-457-7215.
MPP Laurie Scott said, “the renewed support for Aging Together as a Community is welcome news for Haliburton County. Our government is continuing their commitment to helping seniors stay active and healthy in our community and across our province.”
Haliburton County has a rural population of more than 20,000 residents, with over 35 per cent of residents being 65 or older.
