Voices Of Burnaby Seniors

Voices of Burnaby Seniors Task Force

Voices of Burnaby Seniors Task Force is a seniors-directed, community-based not-for-profit organization comprised of Burnaby seniors and representatives from agencies and organizations that serve Burnaby seniors. Our goal is to undertake activities and projects that will support seniors in being healthy, independent and connected members of our community.

 VOBS membership is open to Burnaby seniors willing to attend general meetings and work on one of three subcommittees that meet three times a year outside of the general meetings. The involvement of a large number of senior members is critical to our success, and we welcome new members at any time.

 Membership is also open to representatives of community agencies or organizations serving Burnaby seniors in a resource, service and/or advisory role. These members provide a professional perspective and keep us informed of the nature and status of existing services and programs.

MEETING AND CONTACT INFORMATION

VOBS meetings are held a minimum of six times a year usually in January, March, May, June, October and November, and are open to all seniors in Burnaby. Voting members must be seniors (55+ years of age) who have attended a minimum of three meetings in twelve months. Anyone is welcome to come as a guest and participate in projects/activities and events.

 For up-to-date information, contact VOBS@bbyservices.ca

The Decision Tree: How You Can Help Address Seniors' Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect

Friday, June 8th

Bill Copeland Centre, Lakeview Room

Laying the Foundation for Successful Volunteer Recruitment

Tuesday, July 3rd with Lindsay Baker

Bill Copeland Centre, Lakeview Room

The Three R’s: Recruiting and Retaining the Right Volunteers

Tuesday, Oct. 2nd at 10 am with Lindsay Baker

Bill Copeland Centre, Lakeview Room

Communication Strategies to Support Volunteer Recruitment

Tuesday, Nov. 13th with Lindsay Baker

Location TBD

Background

Since 2007, we have used the survey information and our awareness of current issues to develop activities and projects that support Burnaby seniors.

We have four subcommittees working in specific areas: Health, Housing, Income Security, and Transportation.

COMPLETED ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS

• Burnaby Seniors’ Needs Survey: In 2006 VOBS, with funding from the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program, surveyed over six hundred Burnaby seniors about their needs with regard to housing, transportation, support services, healthy living and social connections. The results are in a report called “Voices of Burnaby Seniors – A Survey of Burnaby Citizens 55 years and Older.” The report can be found at www.burnabycommunityconnections.com. This information has formed a basis for VOBS and other organizations in their efforts to meet the needs of seniors in Burnaby.

• VOBS Community Resource Cards: In partnership with Burnaby Community Services (formerly Burnaby Community Connections), we have developed Community Resource Cards for seniors. These are distributed by the Outreach Worker, the Ambassadors, VOBS members and people who work with seniors. The cards provide contact information for many community resources and are available in English, Chinese, Punjabi and Japanese.

• Seniors Ambassador Program: With United Way Funding and in partnership with Burnaby Neighborhood House (formerly South Burnaby Neighborhood House), VOBS developed a Seniors Outreach Worker and Senior Outreach Ambassador Program. Ambassadors work to connect isolated or at risk seniors with services and programs. The Ambassadors are volunteers, among whom approximately fifteen languages are spoken.

• Door-2-Door (D2D) Bus Business Plan

• TravelSmart for Seniors Transit Training Program: VOBS worked with TransLink to develop and deliver a program called Travel Smart for Seniors. Developed to assist seniors who are not familiar with TransLink (buses, Skytrain and Seabus), it was designed to help them feel capable, safe and confident when using the transit system. Trained seniors presented the sessions.

• Agency Networking Events: Hundreds of Burnaby seniors have participated in our educational events on a variety of topics related to transportation, health, safety and financial security. These workshops help alert and advise seniors about issues that affect them.

• Safety Superheroes Fall Prevention: VOBS members worked with Burnaby Fall Prevention Society’s “Safe for Seniors, Safe for All”project, a partnership with Fraser Health Authority and the Burnaby School District, funded by the Federal New Horizons for Seniors Program. Using “Safety Superheroes” materials provided by Fraser Health, trained senior volunteers presented the program in 62 classrooms at nine Burnaby elementary schools, teaching 1300 students fall prevention strategies to use at home, i.e., to “fall-proof” their homes for the safety of the seniors who live or visit there.

• Burnaby Better at Home Community Development

• Burnaby Seniors Dialogues

• Pedestrian Audits: With funding from the Union of B.C. Municipalities, VOBS and the City of Burnaby undertook a Pedestrian Audits of the Edmonds shopping area, a part of the city with a significant population of seniors and people with mobility challenges and Cascade Heights, working with senior students from Cascade Heights Elementary School.The “auditors” (seniors and others with mobility issues and City Planning staff) noted such factors as uneven pavement, presence and condition of sidewalks, timing of lights, presence of benches, location and condition of bus shelters, lighting, etc. This audit information will be used by the City’s Planning Department.

These are but a few of the initiatives we have undertaken during the twelve years of our existence.