At the start of this year, the CCIS Seniors Program proudly launched the Calgary Seniors Ethnocultural Network (CSEN)—a dynamic 3-year pilot initiative designed to address social isolation among seniors and enhance their integration into Canadian society. Thirteen seniors’ organizations have joined forces under CSEN, united by a shared vision of fostering inclusion, connection, and empowerment.
CSEN serves as a collaborative platform where leaders from diverse ethnocultural communities come together to build bridges across cultures. Through monthly gatherings, cultural celebrations, wellness workshops, and informative sessions, seniors are not only connecting with one another but also gaining access to vital resources that improve their quality of life.
Complementing this initiative is the Newcomer Seniors Peer Mentorship Project, a transformative initiative designed to support seniors who are new to Canada by pairing them with experienced senior mentors from similar cultural backgrounds. It pairs experienced seniors (mentors) with newcomer seniors (mentees).
The project recognizes the unique challenges faced by newcomer seniors—navigating unfamiliar systems, overcoming language barriers, and finding a sense of belonging in a new country. Through mentorship, these seniors are not only welcomed but also empowered.
Mentors undergo a two-day intensive leadership training, equipping them with knowledge about local resources and culturally sensitive approaches to servant leadership. These mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support—helping mentees navigate local systems and access essential services. In turn, mentees bring fresh perspectives and energy, creating mutually enriching relationships.
Together, CSEN and the Peer Mentorship Project are cultivating a vibrant, resilient community where seniors thrive through active aging, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. Whether it’s through a shared story, a warm smile, or a helping hand, our seniors are showing that connection knows no age—and that every voice matters.
