Dreaming for Care and Being Cared For
It is always time to dream!
Social interaction and the nourishment of both body and mind are the secrets to living a full life.
At 83 years old, Rick is a vibrant and cherished member of the Gordon Neighbourhood House (GNH) community. His journey with GNH is a testament to the power of connection and community support. Rick participates in the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors (TAPS) Lunch program, a vital support system for seniors facing challenges such as physical or mental health issues and social isolation. This program enhances the physical and mental well-being of older adults with a variety of therapeutic physical and recreational activities, complemented by nutritious lunches, all within a trusted social environment. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Rick joins fellow seniors for a delicious, healthy meal, forging friendships and building relationships that extend beyond the lunch table. These gatherings are more than just meals; they are spaces where loneliness is replaced with laughter and camaraderie, where participants look out for one another, ensuring everyone is safe and cared for.
Sometimes life takes a different path, and you need to find a purpose to continue. Rick told us these programs gave him the opportunity to dream again.
“It’s been more than 20 years since I last saw my family. My best friend lives in the Okanagan Valley, and I was in bad shape, feeling isolated. Then my family doctor suggested I look for a social worker to give me ideas about seniors' programs here in Vancouver. I started coming to the TAPS and QMUNITY lunches. These programs gave me the opportunity to connect with friends, and now I am dreaming again, volunteering…”. Richard Fitzgerald, participant and volunteer - Gordon Neighbourhood house.
Rick also finds a welcoming home in the QMUNITY Social/Lunch program, where LGBTQ2S+ seniors and allies come together to share their experiences. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Rick joins these supportive gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. His involvement in these programs is a beacon of hope, demonstrating how community initiatives can transform lives and create lasting bonds. The Q Lunch (also funded by United Way) held on Wednesdays is similar, except it is aimed at LGBTQIA2S+ seniors in the West End and delivered in partnership with QMUNITY. This lunch aims to create a safe social space for LGBTQIA2S+ seniors and allies while also serving healthy and nutritious food.
“The main benefit I’ve personally seen is the increase in social connectedness and the bonds that have been created through these programs. Participants are very supportive of each other- for example, we have one TAPS participant who is currently in the hospital, and other members of the lunch group regularly ask staff about her and are currently organizing a trip to visit her. This specific senior also does not have strong English skills, and other members of the TAPS program have taken to using Google Translate to communicate with her to make sure she feels included. Personally, I feel there is a real sense of community being developed as a result of these programs and I think that social aspect is the most enjoyable feature of this program for the seniors who attend. However, the importance of the food security aspect of the lunch program also cannot be understated; for several of our seniors who are low income, this lunch is the only nutritious meal they eat in a day”. Makaela Prentice, Seniors' Program Assistant - Gordon Neighbourhood House
Beyond his participation, Rick's dedication to GNH shines through his volunteer work at special events, where he greets attendees with warmth and directs them with a friendly smile. We asked him what motivates him to participate in these events and other programs as a volunteer, and he said:
“I am appreciated and my work is valued here. Also, in these events, programs, and at the Neighbourhood House, I have intergenerational contact with intergenerational people, with stories and different backgrounds. It is important to keep our mind healthy."
His contributions are further enriched by the Farmers’ Market Coupon distribution program, which has provided him with fresh produce, better food security and a deeper connection to his community.
Rick's story is a beautiful example of dreaming together—a vision where seniors are not just supported but celebrated, where community spirit thrives, and where every individual, regardless of age, can find joy, purpose, and companionship.
To learn more and get involved follow Gordon Neighbourhood House along at: Facebook and Instagram.
Visit anhbc.org/donate to help our neighbourhood houses continue to Dream Together.
