Programs and Services
EMC provides advocacy for individuals who are 50 years of age and over. We intervene on behalf of individuals who are experiencing roadblocks related to housing, finances, accessing health services or interpersonal difficulties. Our programs are designed to address the social isolation felt by the low-income 50 plus. We create community by providing opportunities for people to interact with their peers.
We ensure that people aged 50 and over have adequate transportation for their health care needs as well as access to government income programs. Services are offered to residents of NDG, Montreal West and the two most disadvantaged sectors of Cote St. Luc (Bailey and Westminster). Several have income, health and/or age-related criteria.
Information and Referral
Individuals are assisted in acquiring information that they may need. Every effort is made to connect them with the appropriate resources as well as to explain the process of accessing government and private services.
Second Family
Seniors participate in this social and recreational program offering stimulating activities and companionship. Participants are involved in the planning of programs and the sharing of skills. Transportation is provided and assistance is tailored to the individual needs of participants.
Boomer Cafe
The Boomer Cafe is a collaboration between EMC and The Depot. It offers a weekly drop-in center for the low-income 50+. This program aims to improve the quality of life of boomers and lift the spirits of its members by offering a healthy meal, yoga, outings, cultural and educational activities as well as monthly bartering of household items and clothing.
The Boomer Cafe gives participants the opportunity to learn new skills and to share their skills with other group members, as well as both give and receive support from their peers.
Caregiver Support
Caregivers are provided with psychosocial support as well as opportunities to connect with others in both small group sessions and larger events.
Funded by:
Healthy Aging Hygiene Initiative
Low-income older adults (50+) can obtain hygiene products for personal and home use free of charge. EMC also provides cleaning services (assessment required) as well as assistance with preparation for moving and pest extermination as well as organization for individuals with accumulative disorder.
Funded by:
Individual Advocacy
Individual advocacy serves as a bridge between seniors and the formal public sector. Whether it is about waiting for a social worker to be assigned or someone in need of an air conditioner or dentures our advocate works towards a solution that is effective, prompt and empowering.
Assessments are carried out and a short-term intervention plan is created. With extensive wait lists for many public sector departments this service provides critical support in a timely and caring manner.
Tax Clinic
Tax preparation is offered by a team of volunteers. It includes in-person appointments and drop-off points as well as a home pick-up and return of documents for seniors with reduced mobility.
Action Transport
Transportation to medical appointments and treatment is provided for people who cannot use public transportation. This service is for individuals who are unable to use regular public transportation and who are ineligible for adapted transport (STM). We also provide accompaniment when required.
Past Programming
Storytelling Workshop
This digital audio project aimed to break social isolation by fostering a space for exchange, dialogue and self-representation among seniors. Click here to listen to the audio capsules.
Connections
Connections provided individual home visits and outings for low-income seniors who are experiencing the impact of social isolation.
Food security- Grocery program
The grocery program was developed during the pandemic with the help of an emergency COVID-19 grant. The service aided older adults who could not leave their homes to get food. Participants of this program were low income, had limited mobility, and little to no outside support.
Gift card program
The gift card program provided a monthly supplementary assistance of $50 for groceries or toiletries.