Newcomer Workshops

The City of Brantford and the YMCA Employment and Settlement Services partnered to meet a growing need in the community by hosting a series of seniors workshops aimed at newcomers to the City.

New Year’s Celebration Meet and Greet

Over 100 newcomers, including seniors, their children, and their grandchildren, joined us for a New Year’s Celebration Meet and Greet in January 2019. This event was an opportunity for seniors to go out with their families and learn about resources available in the community, including EarlyON Centres, opportunities through the Grand River Council on Aging, and membership at the Laurier Brantford YMCA. 

Living a Healthy Lifestyle 

Over 30 seniors from the newcomer community joined us at the Laurier Brantford YMCA to hear about nutrition from a Brant County Health Unit Dietician and participate in exercise classes led by YMCA Fitness Instructors. Seniors learned to prepare healthy recipes, including the Indian traditional dish, Papdi Chaat, and perform balance exercises safely from their homes.

Seniors’ Safety 

Over 30 seniors from the newcomer community joined us for a presentation on Elder Abuse Awareness and Fraud Prevention. Following the presentation, we were joined by the Program Director of Safe Zone who delivered a Falls Prevention course specifically developed for the aging population. 

Picnic in the Park

Over 40 newcomers, including seniors, their children, and their grandchildren, joined us for a Picnic in T B Costain Community Centre. We had a number of fun activities including Random Acts of Play facilitated by Parks and Recreation for the kids, a visit from the Brantford Fire Department, a Falls Prevention course from Safe Zone, and an instructor from AIM Dance Studio to teach salsa dancing.

To learn more or register for any of the workshops, call the Health and Human Services Department at 519-759-3330.