OSCC55+ Notice: Leading transformation culture into the technology age
Celebrating the success of a 1-year OTF Grant
On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC55+) held a wrap-up event to celebrate the success of a $63,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). OSCC55+ partners joined Oshawa MPP Jennifer French, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, and Stephanie Ball, an OTF volunteer, as they congratulated OSCC55+ on rebuilding and recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 by launching a hybrid model of online programs.
The one-year OTF grant was awarded in 2021 and allowed OSCC55+ to enhance its business model to continue to deliver programs and services to seniors during the pandemic through the increased use of technology; specifically with the leisure programs (continuing education courses, recreation and special events) and the volunteer program. OSCC55+ also implemented an agency-wide training on change management giving staff and the Board the tools to embrace and lead a transformation of OSCC55+’s culture into the technology age.
Key Priorities Achieved:
- ‘Branch Studios’ fitted with technology allowing course instructors to livestream classes to seniors virtually from Branches
- ‘Volunteer Tech Hubs’ fitted with technology allowing volunteers to track hours and volunteer activities within the branch.
- Staff, course instructors and senior volunteers trained in technology. Hybrid livestream model of business launched in conjunction with the Fall & Winter Activity sessions.
“I am so impressed by the work the Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC55+) have been able to accomplish with the Resilient Communities Fund grant they have received. Being able to deliver programs online has been vital for keeping seniors connected to their communities during these difficult times. OSCC55+ has a long history of dedicated service, and I know that they will continue to adapt to meet the needs of older adults in our community,” said Jennifer French, MPP for Oshawa.
“Through this grant even more seniors have been provided the opportunity to stay active and socially connected. We continue to be a leader in the provision of programs and services,” said Sandy Black, OSCC55+ Executive Director.
OSCC55+ provides programs and services to more than 7,000 seniors annually at five Branches in Oshawa.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more