What began as a spark of an idea to improve transportation for isolated seniors has turned into a generous grant awarded in December 2024 by Age Friendly Manitoba 2.0.
Leading the application process—and now the rollout of the grant funds—is Age Friendly Stonewall/RM of Rockwood.
Other collaborating service groups include: South Interlake 55 Plus Seniors Centre, South Interlake Seniors Resource Council (SISRC), Stonewall and Area Mobility Services (SAMS) and Nav-CARE.
Our objective: Together, we will ensure that SAMS transportation and SISRC volunteer driver services continue to be reliable. Through the coordination of senior excursions within the catchment area, we will encourage seniors and others who may be lonely or socially isolated to come together via reliable, accessible transportation to participate in social and educational activities and events.
The grant aligns with the Social Prescribing initiative by connecting people to community-based supports, services and programs that can assist with improving their health and well-being.
Each of the collaborating service groups offers unique supports to individuals in the southwest Interlake.
Age Friendly Stonewall/RM of Rockwood is an initiative that encourages active aging to enhance quality of life as people age. The initiative aims to meet the needs of seniors in Manitoba by encouraging communities to consider seniors’ needs, including healthy living, community engagement and safety. Phone: 204-461-1699
South Interlake 55 Plus Seniors Centre is a non-profit charitable organization with a mission to encourage all older adults to improve their quality of life by providing educational, recreational, health and social opportunities. Phone: 204-467-2582
South Interlake Seniors Resource Council (SISRC) is a non-profit charitable organization that assists seniors and people with disabilities who live in Stonewall and parts of the RMs of Rosser, Rockwood and Woodlands. The goal is to help them continue living independently and with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible. Trained volunteers assist with transportation, home visits, housecleaning, short-term mobility equipment loans, access to a lifeline program and resource information. Phone: 204-467-2719
Stonewall and Area Mobility Services (SAMS) provides door-to-door transportation to seniors and people with mobility concerns who live in the RMs of Rockwood (south half), Rosser, Woodlands, and the Town of Stonewall. Service is available to individuals with various impairments and disabilities. Phone: 204-467-9446
Nav-CARE is a newer program in the region, sponsored and supported by the South West District Palliative Care Board, a long-established non-profit organization. Nav-CARE is a Compassionate Community Program offering volunteer support to people of any age who may be experiencing loss, loneliness, a chronic health condition or declining health. Support is social in nature, focused on improving quality of life and helping individuals navigate available resources. The goal is to provide early support that helps people live in their homes longer. Phone: 204-404-3030
The first major event to launch the subsidized transportation program will be held at 11 a.m. on May 9: the Let No One Be Alone tea party. Transportation assistance can be arranged for those wishing to attend.
The initiative aims to serve the community by providing enhanced transportation for upcoming events hosted by various groups.
Individuals who are interested in attending an event or activity but are facing transportation challenges are encouraged to reach out for assistance.
By Joie Van Dongen
