CORNER BROOK, N.L. — A few months ago, Quinn Jesso reached out to The Western Star to help spread the word about a project she was working on as mental health promotions co-ordinator with the Community Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) in Corner Brook.
Jesso was intent on reviving the organization’s Connect and Reach Every Senior (CARES) program to make sure seniors are able to maintain a connection with the community. Something, she said, is important to their mental health.
She reached out again recently to talk about the success she’s had since then.
Jesso has two groups who have been active since just before Christmas who meet once a week. Those meetings are on hold for a bit due to COVID-19. Each group is comprised of one senior and two volunteers.
She said the setup is a good one that’s been working for everyone involved according to the feedback she’s been getting.
“It’s exactly what we were looking for. The goal is to open this way for the senior to be able to communicate, to again connect and reach every senior.”
Neither of the groups was willing to talk with The Western Star. Jesso said the seniors are enjoying the company and the volunteers are just doing it to help and are not looking for any recognition.
“They get the experience of the senior, their kind of lived experiences.”
She said in one of the group’s the senior has a hard time reading, even big print, and wanted someone read the Bible to them. For the first couple of visits they just read the senior’s favourite Bible passages to them. Something they probably haven’t heard or seen in years.”
During recent visits they’d been reading retired Anglican Archbishop Stewart Payne’s “Cut From the Cloth,” about growing up in Fogo and his life in the ministry.
“It’s just wonderful,” said Jesso, who’s been told by participants they hope the program is going to be around for years to come.
Jesso said some of the groups have developed really good friendships. With the success, Jesso is now hoping to expand the program.
“We do have other seniors on a backlist but we need volunteers to be able to go.”
Once the program resumes Jesso is hoping she’ll be able to get some more groups going.
She’s looking at an April 7 restart but that will depend on the COVID-19 situation.
Seniors interested in taking part in the program, or anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, can call Jesso at 634-4321 or email [email protected].
Twitter: WS_Diane Crocker
