Managing Your Money through the Golden Years: A project supported in part by the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors program.

In 2014 Black History Ottawa (BHO) received funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).  This grant was awarded to provide four information sessions to seniors and those approaching retirement on how to manage their finances on a reduced income following retirement, and protect themselves from financial fraud or abuse. An important component of the project objective was the promotion of healthy lifestyles for seniors. 

The planning processes took  a little more time than was anticipated; this was largely due in part to:

  • The recruitment process of the project manager. However, BHO did manage to secure three managers for various segments of the project.  The selection processes provided BHO with a valued learning experience – it is not what you think you want, it is really about what you need.
  • Selection of a venue – Meeting rooms are in great demand and to secure a venue that was accessible for those with mobility-impairments i.e. people with canes or crutches etc. provided some difficulty. As well, finding a venue in the winter that has parking and is close to a bus station can be a timely venure. These necessities were required in the winter because of the simple fact that ice and snow discouraged many from leaving their homes.  BHO’s venue selections were logistically sound.  Members who took the bus were happy and the drivers were mostly contented with the venues.

Although we targeted seniors and other community members from of all races and ethnicities in our promotion and outreach, the majority of the participants were Afro-Caribbean.  With that being said, the seminars also saw Canadians and other ethnic groups as well. This suggested to BHO that perhaps potential attendees assumed (wrongly) that, based on the name (Black History Ottawa), the project was meant for black seniors only. The timelines of the first seminar was very tight thereby reducing some of our numbers.  The down pour of rain did not work in their favour.  With that being said, the participants who attended attained great value from not only the presentation but the yoga session as well.  Moving onto the second seminar, although there were more participants the numbers were still low.  Participants provided the feedback that although bus rides were free for seniors on Wednesdays,  the majority used this opportunity to get there business completed.  In an effort to increase the numbers of participants, BHO looked to other community organizations/agencies to observe and possibly participate in programs that they were hosting.  As luck would have it, as BHO was looking for others, other community organizations were looking for partnerships as well.  Partnerships were developed for the remaining seminars.  This increased BHOs exposure, along with providing a wider outreach within the communities. The joining of the groups provided not only larger and more diverse amount of participants, but several new linkages within the communities.

Highlights of some of the presenters:

  • Canada Pension Plan & Old Age Security – Andrea Seminaro delivered her presentation in two segments, which were very informative and gave way to many questions.
  • Constable Matt Hunt and Constable Dawn Neilly of Ottawa Police Service presented on the various frauds that exist, and how to protect yourself from them. Their presentation highlighted frauds that affect seniors disproportionaltely.
  • The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) presented on estate planning and how seniors can prepare for retirement.
  • Tarrah Mauricette of Caribbean Fitness Fete lead a series of stretches for our yoga components, when she could not attend; Charles and Shyreeta provided us with the exercise components.  All three were excellent addition to the presentations. It was important to incorporate a stretching component, as physical health is important in senior’s daily lives.
  • Deidre Powell, a noteable lawyer in Ottawa’s Jamaican community, who gave a presentation titled “estate planning: leaving lasting legacies” where she provided information on planning the last years of your life.
  • Meiz Majdoub of the Majdoub group – financial planner
  • Verna Nuttal – Administrator of the Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program.
  • Clinton Joseph: Abor Memorial – Are you Ready presentation provided the participants with a view of pre-planning ones’ funeral.

As with most events there were other shortcomings within the project such as venues being available one day and cancelled the next, weather conditions, timelines, availability of speakers etc… but overall BHO was able to successfully fulfill the mandate of the project.

Acknowledgements:

Black History Ottawa would like to acknowledge that this project was made possible primarily by funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors program. Black History Ottawa also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of its Board of Directors, project managers, partners, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers and finally Ottawa’s diverse multicultural community in supporting and promoting this important project.

For more information on Black History Ottawa, visit www.blackhistoryottawa.org.