Community Response Networks (CRNs) are actively raising awareness, educating, and preventing abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable and older adults. Through a variety of events, workshops, and ongoing programs, they foster connection, inclusion, and empowerment for participants. Highlights of their work include interactive wellness workshops, creative and artistic activities, intergenerational events that bring youth and seniors together, and accessible social drop-in groups designed to reduce isolation. These initiatives demonstrate how collaboration with community partners strengthens local networks, connects people to vital resources, and creates safer, more supportive environments for older adults.
Mt Waddington CRN hosted a community event at Quatse Campgrounds featuring workshops on home safety, chair exercises, and falls prevention, along with interactive activities like painting and a BBQ. A locally made green bench sparked conversations and encouraged community engagement. The event introduced new participants to local initiatives and fostered discussion about wellness, safety, and independence. By providing education and opportunities for engagement, the CRN supports prevention of neglect and empowers older adults to make informed choices. Community partners included Better at Home, North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre, Island Health, Mt Waddington Regional District, and the PH Seniors Centre.
The West End CRN’s year-long program, Engage & Explore: Science, Creativity, and Community for Seniors, provides older adults with opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. Participants engage in science workshops, artistic activities, and guided neighborhood rides that combine exercise with local history and public art. By fostering inclusion, reducing isolation, and providing safe spaces for social interaction, the program strengthens community networks, builds trust, and empowers seniors. These connections increase awareness of available resources and promote environments where older adults are supported and protected.
The APNI CRN hosted a wellness and education session for South Asian seniors, featuring guest speaker Sri Deshraj Gupta, renowned for talks on chronic disease management and yoga. With approximately 60 seniors attending, the event promoted health, dignity, and safety while educating participants about abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. The session empowered seniors with practical tools for wellness and created a safer, more compassionate community. Community partners included the City of Surrey, Voice Newspaper, Cloverdale Seniors Group, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, and the Indo-Canadian Seniors Group.
The Sparwood CRN raised visibility and awareness through a vinyl banner on local arena boards, ensuring the presence of the CRN is visible to residents and visitors alike. With exposure at hockey tournaments, figure skating events, and community gatherings, the banner promotes safety awareness and encourages connection with local support networks. Community partners included the Sparwood Recreation Centre staff, who coordinated the banner placement and logistics.
Kitimat CRN’s Intergenerational Week brought youth and older adults together through activities such as a Pancake Dinner with Haisla cultural performance, Seniors Movie Night, Family Swim, Bingo, Fashion Show and Tea, and a Tree Planting Ceremony. By fostering cross-generational interactions, the events reduced social isolation, encouraged empathy and mutual support, and strengthened community cohesion. These opportunities for engagement help prevent abuse and neglect by promoting respect, understanding, and belonging for older adults. Community partners included the District of Kitimat, LNG Canada, Kitimat Community Development Centre, Delta King Place, Kitimat Legion, and the Kitimat 50+ Centre.
Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie CRN
The Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie CRN hosts monthly programs to connect community members and reduce isolation. Coffee and Connect (first Thursday at Home Restaurant) and Brunch with the Bunch (last Tuesday at Ricky’s Restaurant) provide welcoming, informal spaces for discussion, resource-sharing, and support around issues affecting older adults. By offering programming at both ends of the district, the CRN increases accessibility and strengthens community connections. Community partners include the Legion, Kiwanis, MR, PM Seniors Network, Ridge Meadows Seniors Society, and local volunteers. These ongoing groups help participants access local services, build social networks, and foster environments where abuse and neglect are less likely to occur.
The Renfrew-Collingwood CRN hosted It’s Not Right, a presentation by Regional Mentor Joanna Li, engaging 130 seniors and community members. Participants received resources, enjoyed refreshments, and learned practical strategies for recognizing and responding to adult abuse. The event raised awareness, strengthened local networks, and highlighted the CRN’s role in fostering safer, informed communities. Community partners included Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Collingwood Community Policing Centre, and the Collingwood Business Improvement Association.
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