The regional district board listened to a request from the South Okanagan Seniors Wellness Society for a $30,000 grant at the Feb. 2 regional district director’s board meeting.
SOSWS Executive Director Kelly Smith and Board Director Lynn Jackson told the RDOS board that the society was having difficulty providing services to all parts of the regional district. The society’s budget had been trimmed for the past two years, from $197,000 in 2010 to $134,000 for 2012, a 35 per cent decrease in two years.
The SOSWS would like to expand services to Princeton and rural areas, in addition to Cawston, Osoyoos and Osoyoos rural areas. Smith noted that out of the regional district population of 32,615, 43 per cent of those were seniors 55 years and older.
Emphasizing strong fiscal management, Smith told the board that SOSWS would focus on high value services, avoiding duplication of services and partnership development with other organizations to use their dwindling budget more effectively. Reference was made to improving credibility and accountability within the organization as well.
Current programs being sponsored by the SOSWS includes a “friendly visitor / tele friend” outreach service, monthly learning sessions and information and referral services. New programs for 2012 include a seniors support program, elder abuse prevention and a program to identify seniors at risk within the community.
Board reaction to the funding request was mainly focussed on the lack of budget information provided. It was agreed that a full budget statement would be made available prior to the request coming back to the board during budget discussions to take place in late February.