Impact Story-F.O.C.U.S. on Seniors: Building Community Through “Chai, Nasto, Fun”
We’re excited to share the inspiring story of F.O.C.U.S. on Seniors and their transformative project, Chai, Nasto, Fun. A heartfelt thank you to Rossbina Nathoo for sharing this incredible journey with us!
A Vision for Connection
F.O.C.U.S. on Seniors (FOCUS) has been a pillar of support for older adults in Calgary since its founding in 2007. Although the organization was officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 2011, its commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors through social, educational, and recreational activities has been unwavering.
Over the years, FOCUS has successfully brought together seniors from various cultural backgrounds through diverse activities. However, a new opportunity arose when Rossbina and her team observed that, despite the presence of many seniors at the Genesis Centre for exercise classes, they weren’t interacting with one another. They saw this as a chance to foster deeper connections and inspire volunteerism among the seniors.
Launching Chai, Nasto, Fun
In September 2022, FOCUS, with support from ActionDignity’s GrOW Initiative, launched Chai, Nasto, Fun. This innovative project aimed to create a space for seniors from diverse backgrounds to come together for tea, snacks, and activities.
Thanks to a grant from ActionDignity, FOCUS could cover expenses for renting the kitchen, purchasing snacks, and organizing crafts and games. Every month, FOCUS expanded the existing exercise program at the Genesis Centre by adding chai (tea), nutritious snacks, and unique activities designed to build community and offer learning opportunities.
A Joyful Gathering
The impact of Chai, Nasto, Fun was truly heartwarming. Seniors who previously left right after their exercise sessions began to engage in crafts, board games, and conversations. They learned to communicate across language barriers and started building friendships. As Rossbina noted, “It was amazing to see seniors from different backgrounds interacting, sharing stories, and learning from one another.”
The project also equipped FOCUS with organizational skills. They leveraged ActionDignity’s templates to manage their budget and expenses and developed both formal and informal volunteer roles. As the program grew, they adjusted their approach to manage a larger number of participants and collaborated with partners like MPCN and the Genesis Centre to address challenges like overcrowding.
Looking to the Future
The success of Chai, Nasto, Fun marked a significant growth moment for F.O.C.U.S. on Seniors. Rossbina and her team are now focused on stability and future growth. They are seeking mentorship for succession planning, managing finances, and expanding their reach through new grants and larger donors.
Rossbina’s advice to others working on community projects: “Every day is a learning experience.” She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, seeking help when needed, and continually exploring new ways to build relationships and grow as an organization.
ActionDignity GrOW Initiative:
The Grassroots Organizational EmpoWerment GrOW) initiative was designed to support grassroots groups and nonprofit organizations to grow their organizational capacity, build skills for working together with other organizations, and carry out actions to address priorities in their communities. GrOW received funding support from United Way of Calgary and Area and Suncor.
More info about ActionDignity’s GrOW Initiative: GrOW-Platform – ActionDignity
If your organization is interested in being featured in our story, please contact: Helen.Zhang@actiondignity.org
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