A small group of volunteers initiated Abrigo’s Life and Hope Group in 2010. They realized the urgent need in the community for a peer-to-peer support group. Since that day, their idea of reaching out to seniors’ living in isolation and offering companionship and support has changed so many lives and has become a huge part of Abrigo’s success.
Membership in the Life And Hope Group numbers over 125 registered participants and is growing rapidly. Held on Abrigo’s second floor, the program runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. On average, 60 to 80 seniors participate in every session and the programming includes a variety of social and recreational activities.
Activities available to participants include exercise classes, computer classes, art classes, dancing, health and financial information sessions, games such as bingo and field trips to local and regional attractions. Perhaps the ingredient most important to the success of this program is the opportunity to spend quality time with peers and build life-long friendships.
Many members of the Life and Hope Group actively give back to the community as well. They make visits to nursing homes during the holiday season to sing, dance and entertain residents. They also perform at local arts events including Portugal Day parade activities.
For more information on the Life and Hope Group, please contact program Coordinator Alice Nunes at 416-534-3434 ext. 225.
Funding Partners
