Second time, the charm
VON program receives funding from 100 Women Who Care
The VON was named recipient of funding from 100 Women Who Care during a gathering this week at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre for their Colchester East Hants VON Adult Day Program. It will amount to at least $10,000.
The second time proved to be the charm for the Colchester East Hants VON Adult Day Program.
The organization was named recipient of funding from 100 Women Who Care during a gathering this week at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.
“Over the moon,” said Monique Natividad, adult day program coordinator, as she reacted to the announcement.
It was the second time the program presented at the 100 Women Who Care event, after doing so in December 2015.
“We’re just thrilled to have the opportunity to come back and we’re so excited,” said Natividad, whose organization received a minimum of $10,000.
The adult day program meets three days a week at Johnson Manor on Church Street and provides clients with a safe place to go during the day.
Staff and volunteers coordinate activities, such as exercise classes, card and word games, communal outings and crafts for seniors and adults living with a disability or with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or cognitive impairment.
“It’s life changing for these people,” said Natividad. “They really look forward to coming back and it gives their caregivers a bit of relief knowing that their loved one is going to be having a great day and taking part in meaningful activities.”
Natividad said the program has blossomed during the past five years, and there’s even a waiting list of eight to 10 people per day.
She said a program for younger adults could be in the works and the most recent funding could support that cause.
“It’s not a promise, but it’s something that we’d love to look into, so that money is going to be set aside for right now until we can see if that’s a viable option, to start a program for the younger group.”
Other local organizations that presented at the 100 Women Who Care gathering were the Boys and Girls Club of Truro and Colchester and the Hubtown Cobequid Arts Council.
The 100 Women Who Care program was started in Truro two-and-a-half years ago and has raised more than $150,000 for local groups.
“This is such a great initiative, it’s such a great initiative in a small town,” said co-chairwoman Melissa Stone. “One of the things we enjoy is that every cent of the money stays here in Colchester County. So that, in itself, is just thrilling to us. We love to see the reactions and we love to hear the stories of what good it can do.”
The next 100 Women Who Care meeting will be held in December.