silver linings
more about it
For many people, a nursing or retirement home could very well be the last stop of their life journey. Increasingly people enter these homes with physical disabilities, mental health issues and broken relationships. But despite the difficulties of old age, we believe there’s also a silver lining! This hope we have is based on Isaiah 46:4
We know God has a heart for seniors. Come and join us in showing His love to them. And trust that through us, they will meet Him!
Isaiah 46:4
I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (NLT)
Christmas Carols Event
Join a bunch of citygaters in singing Christmas carols this year! (2021)*
Date: Thursday, Dec 16th
Time: 6pm
Location: Winbourne Park Long Term Care
*must be double vaxxed
We are looking for volunteers! *
- Do you have a heart for the lonely?
- Do you have a heart to reach out to those that are isolated?
- Can you give an hour of your time once a month to visit with the people at Winbourne?
- Optional: Are you a musician and can play some old songs from the 30’s and 40’s?
If your answer is YES to questions 1-3, please consider serving on our team!
* You must be double-vaxxed against Covid and upon entry do a rapid test each visit
THE 4 COMPONENTS OF OUR MINISTRY TO SENIORS:
1. MUSIC
Music has a way of reaching us and tapping into emotional memories, cutting through dementia and bringing joy. We gather a bunch of residents and sing familiar songs with them – dating back several decades – accompanied by either a piano or guitar.
You don’t have to be musical; just be present and help residents turn pages, and have simple conversations. Feel free to bring your kids and encourage them to interact and help too.
Time: The 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 6pm.
2. PERSONAL VISITS
Some residents choose not to participate in any activities offered at the home, and only come out for meals. Therefore, we also go to their rooms, as many do appreciate these smaller visits! This is great for kids to participate in as well.
Not sure what to say? No problem! We provide resource material which you can use to spark conversation and better engage with residents.
Time: The 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 6pm.
3. CHRISTMAS GIFTS & VISITS
A number of the residents will not have any family visiting them during the Christmas season. The nursing home provides us with a list of such residents, their clothing sizes, and their possible gift preferences (for eg. sweaters, shampoo, or sugar-free treats). We purchase these items, wrap them, and deliver those to the residents on Christmas Day while spending some time with them as well. We have seen this event impact residents tremendously.
Volunteers will be reimbursed up to $50 per resident by City Gates. This can be done as an individual, a family, a class, or a group of friends, and is not limited to #citygaters at all.
Time: Purchase gifts before Christmas, and deliver them on Christmas Day.
4. ALPHA
This provides higher functioning residents the opportunity to have conversations with volunteers on the bigger questions of life: Why am I here? What’s the meaning of Life? What about faith? etc. Training will be provided. For more information about Alpha, click here.
Time: The 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, at 7pm.