Health and Wellness

Creation and promotion of ‘Health, Hope and Happiness’ for seniors as essence of active and graceful aging at home has been Human Endeavour’s mission since its inception in 2005. Over the years, it showcased innovative approaches in community participation, creative programming, optimal use of resources, grassroots/mainstream partnerships and maximizing the use of existing services and resources. Healthy Outcomes of Preventive Engagements (HOPE) is Human Endeavour’s innovative program through which it serves 700+ seniors at eight locations in York Region. HOPE is funded by United Way Greater Toronto, York Region, and the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care.

HOPE was declared a winner for Innovation Award 2010 for Evidence Based Practices by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and Ontario Hospitals Association. Positive health impact of HOPE had been recognized by 3M Canada & Health Nexus through the 3M Health leadership Award 2012. HOPE was also recognized among the Top 5 Best Existing Age Friendly Initiatives in the world at the International Istanbul Initiative on Ageing Conference and Competition in 2013.

Under the umbrella of HOPE Seniors Wellness and Preventive Engagement Programs are run at many locations mainly for the South Asian community but members from other ethnicities are also our regular clients and participate in the weekly programs.

Human Endeavour also offers HOPE Adult Day Program (HOPE-ADP), a community based program for frail seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke related conditions. It provides structured and supervised activities to provide social, mental and physical stimulation.

During COVID-19, due to online programs and in absence of traditional barriers of distance, transport and catchment areas, we extended our membership to isolated seniors (referred by community members, doctors and social workers) residing in other municipalities. HOPE was able to offer more program days through Zoom which had a significant impact on reducing the isolation of seniors and keeping them physically & mentally active and healthy by providing opportunities of socialization, exercise and information. We kept the seniors updated and informed about the COVID-19 precautions, vaccine status and helped them with vaccine bookings due to which there was very little or no vaccine hesitancy. All programs and activities continued uninterrupted throughout the year. We even celebrated all main events together as Canada Day, Diwali, Christmas, and many musical events.

We have returned back to in-person group activities post-COVID but we continue to offer several other activities (that started during COVID) through Zoom because technology and online services reduce many traditional barriers for seniors.

HOPE is funded by the United Way of Greater Toronto,  and The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term care.