Roots Community Services (RootsCS) offers culturally-appropriate programming for the Black, African and Caribbean Canadian community in Peel Region. They offer a variety of programs and services for all ages. With New Horizons Seniors Program (NHSP) funding, RootsCS was able to provide 96 seniors with a hot Caribbean meal either once or twice a week. The feedback they received was overwhelming. Some of the seniors exist on a very low fixed budget and they were most appreciative to receive a balanced, nutritious meal at least once a week.

One 84-year-old program participant is the primary caregiver for his 84 year old wife, who suffers from dementia. Prior to COVID-19, he would take her out to the senior’s weekly forum where they participated in workshops, shared a meal, and connected with their peers. The social isolation that resulted from the pandemic has been mentally taxing on this elderly gentleman.

Thanks to the NHSP funding, he received daily calls from the seniors’ group coordinators which helped reduce his feelings of loneliness. When he and his wife were selected to receive meals through this program, he cried. He said it was a great help to him not having to prepare meals every day and it meant so much to him to be included in this program.