Making Connections at the Cummings Centre

Cummings Centre addresses the unique tastes and interests of the 50+ plus community with a myriad of programs, lectures, services and groups that keep older adults engaged, connected and active. According to Statistics Canada in a 2016 report, as many as 1. 4 million older adults living in Canada report feeling lonely. In fact, a recent study by Brigham Young University has identified that loneliness has the same negative effect on health as obesity, being an alcoholic, or smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Aging is often associated with social isolation as spouses and friends pass away and children get busy in their own lives, however, it doesn’t have to be that way. The Cummings Centre is uniquely positioned to address loneliness and social isolation through its extensive program offering and volunteer opportunities. The Centre brings people together on every level to engage in the many unique options for creative expression, learning, social clubs and support groups. Exercise classes, computers and languages, hobbies and games—bridge, mahjongg, are in place to meet the demand for ways to connect with like-minded people while experiencing something new. Members attend lectures on global affairs, music and art appreciation providing a forum for lively discussion. Programs such as writing your life story, theatre and improv and the ever-popular Rock ’n Soul Choir give members a chance to explore their creativity in a group dynamic. Singing is contagious fun that builds joyful energy and inspires bonds between people and the music. Participants often reminisce about the good old days that the music sparks. Also unique is the Centre’s travel club; a hassle-free opportunity for solo travelers to bond and forge new friendships while sharing novel experiences. “I have seen many of the travelers, some newly widowed, who have never traveled alone, build strong bonds with fellow travelers—it’s empowering for them,” says Erica Botner, Program Manager, “Our recently launched Virtual Learning Program is also designed to create a sense of community by providing individuals who have trouble getting to the Centre, with an opportunity to participate in online discussions and classes.” Tapping into the rise of social isolation amongst older adults, the Centre continues to provide much-needed opportunities for engagement including support groups for caregivers, widows and widowers, as well as a weekly drop-in program for Holocaust survivors, a Day Program for individuals with Alzheimer’s, memory loss or dementia and a Community Mental Health Program that focuses on what people can do and not what they can’t. Volunteering at the Centre provides a unique opportunity for individuals to form strong connections with both fellow volunteers and participants. “We get people whose spouses have passed away and they’ve expressed that the Centre has become their extended family, helping them through their darkest period in their life” says Lynn Gordon, Director of Volunteer Services. “There is a group of men who volunteer in our wood workshop who have built a real camaraderie. They’ve supported each other through retirement, illness and loss, and have formed unique bonds of friendship. On any day of the week, you can find them taking their daily morning coffee break together sharing lives, escapades and foremost each other’s company.” It’s common to see men and women who are recently retired or are empty nesters come in looking for a renewed sense of purpose or new avenue to network. “It is important to us to take the time to understand a person’s interests and needs and match that to their involvement, so that each individual can get the most out of their volunteer experience” says Gordon. Be it, volunteering in the cafeteria, assisting someone in the adapted clinic or advocating for seniors rights in the Social Action Committee, our volunteers are dedicated and are an integral part of the Centre. Cummings Centre distinguishes itself as a true community centre and a proud Jewish organization that welcomes people of every background. The Centre touches the lives of over 10, 000 individuals annually at its main campus facility and satellite centres in Westmount, St-Laurent, Chomedey, the West Island and Florida. Want to broaden your social circle? Reach out and start your conversation with the Cummings Centre. Drop by for a tour, pick up a program guide or learn about volunteer opportunities, call 514.342.1234 x 7209 or visit cummingscentre.org. We are waiting for you!