Statement of Purpose
As a society, our purpose is to fulfill the needs of the clients that permit them to
be useful, capable, contributing adults even with the restrictions imposed by age, physical,
and mental abilities. We encourage individuals to maintain independence and to function
autonomously in the community regardless of race, religion, age, and disability. Our intent
is to promote feelings of self worth, encourage mental stimulation, and provide support for
those finding it difficult to cope with the aging process, separation and loss, as well as
changes in personal, family, and community roles. Most of our clients are elderly, facing
a variety of social barriers, and striving to remain in their homes. Our success is measured
by our ability to aid them in their endeavors, as noted by their families, staff, medical
practitioners, and other support people involved in the well-being of our clients. In essence,
their success is our success.
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History
Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors' Society was incorporated as a not-for-profit, charitable organization
on October 19, 1976. During its early years, Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors' Society was devoted to
providing recreational, social and leisure activities and services to community seniors. Locating
a constant funding source was a continual challenge, and after an arduous battle, Renfrew-Collingwood
Seniors' Society obtained a contract to operate an Adult Day Program three days per week with secure
funding from the Ministry of Health. The City of Vancouver provided a community service grant to
offset the costs of the other two ‘community days’. Currently Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors' Society
is still under contract to Vancouver Coastal Health Authority for ADC services and receiving funding
from the City of Vancouver. In addition, SMART funds provide for a “Wheels to Meals and Congregate
Lunch” program. During its 27 year existence, Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors' Society has changed homes
four times. Initially located in the vacated nuns residence at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, the Centre
moved to Beaconsfield United Church basement after one year, then to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church
hall on 23rd, and finally to their current location beside Three Links Care Centre on 22nd and Renfrew.
Although this brief history cannot begin to describe the struggles that faced Renfrew-Collingwood
Seniors' Society, its current success can only be credited to the undying devotion and commitment
of many of its staff, board members and volunteers. They are what makes Renfrew-Collingwood Seniors'
Society what it is, and what our slogan exudes – “Taking Seniors’ to Heart”.
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