St. Croix Hospice’s Post

We cannot assume that our gentle readers are familiar with the works of Jane Austen, but in her famous work "Emma", the titular heroine is described taking a basket of food to the unfortunates of the parish. Such charitable work was important in rural Regency England, and appropriate for young women of the gentler classes. We don't have Emma Woodhouse. We have Community Care Peterborough and they need help. Organizations that help our elderly or disabled citizens are a lot more important than they commonly get credit for being. In the days before our society became more secular and families stopped living in a multigenerational setting, it was common for the community to look out for those who had less, to keep them going through tough times. We've seen it in our own past, when the notorious Cavan Blazers teamed up to bring in the crop of an injured Catholic farmer. For the most part, family looked after family and neighbours looked after neighbours. Society has changed. It's more likely that someone reaching old age will have no family or family who are not living close. Parents who have raised disabled children find themselves worried for that child's future when their own ends eventually come and there's nobody there to look after a now disabled adult. This is not to say that siblings (if there are siblings) or other family who don't live close don't care what happens to the individual, but personal circumstances or distance can make care for these vulnerable folks a logistical problem. Groups like Community Care help with these gaps, allowing seniors and people with certain disabilities stay independent. By taking care of household chores, bringing nutritious meals, driving the person to appointments or errands, a lot of duties that would otherwise be fulfilled by family are completed with cheer and compassion. It's more likely that, with constant interaction and socialization, any warning signs of health or safety matters will be met before anything unfortunate can happen. Stop by the Community Care page and see what you can do today to help. https://buff.ly/4cRAm9B #CommunityBuilding #CareAndCompassion #HelpingTheVulnerable #SeniorLiving #ThoughtfulThursday Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Peterborough County

Being viewed as poor or disabled above age 50 will QUADRUPLE the frequency of AGEISM: passed over for better jobs, restorative medical help, soul-sustaining socialisation, & more Sarah Wilkinson, Evidence Manager [Research, Impact & Voice] for the Centre for Ageing Better writes that people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods are TWICE as likely to provide 35+ hrs of unpaid care per week than in neighbourhoods with more resources. Carers and people in poorer and difficult conditions have LESS but need MORE age-friendly and inclusive volunteering. Unhealthy, unheard...the cycle continues downward. Sarah also notes that older people create and sustain arts & culture, volunteer to build & fund-raise for specialised housing projects, and are the glue that holds families and communities together with incalculable, yet rarely-recognised hours of assistance, intervention, and love. HAS SOMEONE OLDER THAN YOU LISTENED TO YOU? ADVISED YOU? STOOD BESIDE YOU? ENCOURAGED YOU? Deconstruct #ageism. Don't put up with put downs. #AgingBetterNetwork #AgingEnthusiast #GEROpreneur #seniors #aging #longevityleadership #laterlife #ageingwell #CultureCourseCorrection #PreActYourAge Prompted Journal #CareGRIEVERKit Practical Guide https://lnkd.in/gNdMgeKJ

🌅 **Why Do We Plan for Everything BUT Life's Final Chapter?** 🌅 As we navigate through life, we meticulously prepare for various milestones – retirement, health care, rehabilitation. Yet, one incredibly significant event remains largely uncharted: **the end of life.** It’s a topic often left in the shadows, but the truth is, EVERYONE will need to face the reality of saying goodbye to someone they love. It’s challenging, emotional, and, at times, overwhelming. Let’s change that narrative. 💬 Today, I invite you to engage in a conversation about proactive end-of-life care planning. By addressing these tough subjects now, we can alleviate some of the difficult decisions that come during such an emotional time and navigate the unknown together. Ready to start this important discussion? I’m here to help! Feel free to reach out via email at **strudeau@stcroixhospice.com** or give me a call at **317-617-5119**. Together, let’s create a plan that brings peace of mind for you and your loved ones. 💖 #EndOfLifePlanning #CareSupport #CompassionateConversations #LifeTransitions #EndOfLifeCare

It is week 2 of August Advocacy week! You can help by clicking on the link below and sending a letter to your elected officials asking them to fully fund the housing choice voucher program. The HCV program is me if the most effective ways to house families. Families with vouchers have the ability to choose which neighborhoods they live in, giving them access to schools and community resources that may be otherwise out of reach. With rent prices so high, many housing authorities are not able to fully utilize all of the vouchers they have because there isn’t enough money to subsidize extremely high rents. YOU can help change this by asking your representatives to fully fund the HCV program. It takes less than five minutes to be a housing hero! #nahro #affordablehousing #advocacyweek

Thinking about becoming a CASA volunteer? Ask yourself these five important questions: 1. Can I commit the time needed? 2. Am I emotionally resilient? 3. Can I advocate impartially? 4. Do I want to make a community impact? 5. Do I have a strong support system? If your answer is “yes,” you could be the difference in a child’s life. Learn more about how to get involved with CASA today!https://lnkd.in/gMF7iq-M #Volunteer #CASA #MakeADifference #ChildAdvocacy

In 2023, 166 CASA/GAL Volunteers advocated for 761 abused and neglected children in Summit County. These statistics speak to how powerful and important the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County is to the children of our community. You can read our entire 2023 impact report at the following link: https://lnkd.in/gHYnA6m5

Reunited After 23 Years: A Story of Strength, Family, and village! This powerful story highlights the enduring strength of family bonds and the importance of individualized support in overcoming immense challenges. After 23 years of separation due to family incarceration, child welfare involvement, and various needs, I was finally reunited with my father. Overcoming Obstacles: The journey to reunification wasn't easy. We faced systemic hurdles, mental health needs, substance abuse, poverty, and generational trauma. Yet, with the unwavering support of family, friends, community, and cultural traditions, we showcased our strengths and persevered. Individualized Engagement is Key: Our story underscores the critical role of individualized engagement and culturally competent support in achieving positive outcomes. Unconditional care, respect for natural supports, and a focus on strengths proved to be essential ingredients for healing. Spreading Hope Through Music Matters! #FreedomStandingMusic #NeverGiveUp Spreading Awareness: This post aims to inspire others working in California's child welfare system and around the world. Let's champion the power of family, community, and individualized care in fostering healing and reunification. Call to Action: Share your thoughts and stories of overcoming adversity in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going about strengthening families and communities!

We cannot understate the importance of the YES Shelter for Youth and Families. It keeps some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens off the streets and help them get the counselling or skills they need for a self-sufficient and healthier life than what they left. So when YES says they need help, we're going to put out the call. There are three ways you can volunteer your time and talent, freeing up the shelter employees to help the clients. First, there is the maintenance crew. This is for someone with all-around handyperson skills who can donate a few hours a week, between 9-4, to keep the shelter itself and its satellite houses in good repair. Perfect for a retiree or someone between jobs. The next is a need for gardeners. Keeping the shelter grounds looking tidy and welcoming is important. You (and a friend or two) will be provided the gear necessary, but please bring your own sturdy footwear. It's a morning job during the week. The third is for general shelter crew. Can we give a description of this opportunity? Not really, as it changes every shift. Sometimes you'll be helping sort donations. Other times, you'll be fixing up a new resident's room, making sure the basics are there. It depends entirely on the day's needs. All of these positions require a Vulnerable Sector Check (you know you keep and reuse these, right?) and a separate application form. They are looking for people who are mature, non-judgemental, and able to respect boundaries and confidentiality. If you want do do something to help keep kids and families off the streets (or living in a car or a tent), this is your opportunity. You'll find the agency overview and the links to the positions here: https://buff.ly/3YBnBvK Be part of the change that a young person needs for a better life for themselves. #Homelessness #AreYouHandy #CommunityBetterment #HousingIsARight Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Peterborough County