When Finding Home took its first steps, the United Way of the Lower Mainland . was one of the very first funders. Now, three years later, the United Way invited me to present Finding Home in an impact session to their staff. I invited Frieda Hogg, a participant in a recent Finding Home seniors dialogue series from Seniors Services Society , to present with me. Frieda shared stories about what home has meant to her through war-time, the depression and now as a senior. Afterwards, we all went out for a celebratory lunch. Read more…
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During Finding Home™ South Asian Punjabi seniors’ dialogues at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, participants explored the root cause of Elder financial abuse in their communities. They all agreed one of the root causes was raising boys to be selfish. As they explored the different ways girls and boys are treated and taught in their community, they realized there are several ceremonies to celebrate boys and men’s long lives and health but not the equivalent for girls and women. Consequently, this dynamic group of seniors hav ...... read more
In July, a dedicated group of seniors from Vancouver Island gathered for a Finding Home™ seniors' dialogue series hosted by Eldercare Foundation, Vancouver Island Health Authority and Saanich Parks and Recreation. Dialogue participants explored the meaning of home, making connection with others and life transitions. They decided to turn their new awareness into action and have started Conversation Cafes for ...... read more
Our first Finding Home™ seniors dialogue series on Elder Financial Abuse was with a multicultural seniors group. The dialogues were hosted by North Shore Neighbourhood House and John Braithwaite Community Centre. During the dialogues participants explored the meaning of home, ways family members can take advantage of seniors, and strategies to prevent elder financial abuse. Out of the dialogues they have started a phenomenal Victims To Champions Seniors Speakers Bureau ...... read more
The ways in which we respond to personal, community and global challenges are rapidly changing. Whether it is loss of language; a lack of affordable housing; displacement through war or flood; or fundamental institutional changes, many people from across cultures and sectors are yearning for belonging, connection and safety or a sense of home.
We are certainly in a time of transition and change. Some conceptualize our current situation as being within humanity’s cyclical patterns. For example, Arnold Toynbee argued that, prior to the rise of a new era, violence increases and people tended to respond to stress, conflict, and change with less creativity and more rigidity. In addition, peo ...... read more
I was invited to give key the keynote address at Alberta’s provincial restorative justice conference “Fostering A Restorative Worldview.” As part of my preparation, I researched the origins of each “restorative” and “worldview.” I first drew from my research in Worldview Skills and started with the root of the word ‘worldview’ which comes from the German word “weltanschauung” and means “a comprehensive conception or image of the universe and humanity’s relationship to it.” This understanding of ...... read more
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I was invited to give a keynote address today at the Forum for Seniors Food Service Providers hosted by The Centre for Health and Community Partnerships at Douglas College. Using the Rattlesnake Lessons for Change metaphor we explored what is the nature of the current change process with regards to seniors and meal service providers. We then explored everyone’s memory of a good meal in small groups. Each small group synthesized the common elements that create a good meal. It was interesting that not one small group identified the details about food as an element that creates a good meal. Things like good conversation, good company, and a beautiful environment were the majority’s experience of what creates a good meal. In addition, we explored the transitions that most seniors undergo that need food service providers and what best supports them during these, often difficult, times. In exploring these themes new ideas began to be generated about what is needed to enhance seniors food services. For a final report, contact The Centre for Health and Community Partnerships. To learn about our keynote addresses contact us
