The Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice
For helping marginalized seniors access basic needs
On Monday and Friday mornings, seniors from Vancouvers Chinatown and Downtown Eastside gather at a cultural centre to socialize and get their bodies moving. The gentle exercise class is put on by the Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice, which connects youth volunteers with low-income immigrant seniors. After the class, they chat over snacks from a local bakery and learn about other ways the society can support their well-being.The loss of legacy Chinese-owned small businesses, the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and pandemic lockdowns have all led to increased isolation for these seniors, many of whom dont speak English as a first language. The staff and volunteers help them get to appointments and find community resources. They read and interpret government documents, help with subsidy applications and act as interpreters for scheduled medical appointments. They even provide culturally appropriate food through a grocery delivery program. All with the aim to help these seniors age in place, with dignified affordable housing and the community connection they desperately need. Rebecca Philps(Related: Why Doctors Should Be Versed in Linguistics and Sociology)