“It is lovely to witness how our members resonate with the prompts, explore their creativity, and build supportive connections that strengthen their ties to each other, themselves, and the community.”
– Janelle Solis, Concurrent Disorders Counsellor, Anishnawbe Health Toronto
In honour of National Indigenous History Month and Seniors Month (Ontario), we are proud to spotlight two of many WCC partners who help us build stronger, better supported communities: Anishnawbe Health Toronto and WoodGreen.
This month, we invited Janelle Solis, Concurrent Disorders Counsellor at Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT) and Kazi Tabassum, Program Coordinator at St. Hilda’s Towers – WoodGreen to discuss the impact of our partnership and why accessible, arts-health programs like WCC’s matter.
Q: Can you describe what your organization is, and who you serve?
Janelle (AHT): Anishnawbe Health Toronto is a non-profit, fully accredited health centre located in Downtown Toronto. We deliver a wide range of client-centred services rooted in Indigenous culture, traditions, and practices. We serve Indigenous communities in Toronto through utilization of Traditional and western approaches to health, well-being and healing. I have had the opportunity to witness and be a part of the longstanding partnership between AHT and WCC for about a year now. However, I was informed that the collaboration started back at AHT’s first location many moons ago.
Kazi (WoodGreen): St. Hilda’s is a multi-faith, not-for-profit seniors’ residence managed by WoodGreen Community Services. It provides affordable and supportive housing for older adults, offering rent-geared-to-income and market-rent units, along with services that help seniors live independently and stay connected to their community.
Q: What does your organization achieve by partnering with WCC for community programming?
Janelle (AHT): The AMHA team works with community members who deal with substance use, mental health, generational trauma, and are working on their recovery journey. The Creative Writing groups are held weekly as part of AMHA’s Day Program, where WCC facilitators provide an accessible space to connect with one another and express themselves through writing. We have a blend of groups consisting of current members and our alumni returning to attend Creative Writing groups.
As both an AHT staff member and participating in the Creative Writing groups, it is delightful to see how WCC facilitators build a safe and culturally-informed space through the inclusion of writing prompts that include artwork and written pieces by Indigenous artists. It is lovely to witness how our members resonate with the prompts, explore their creativity and build supportive connections that foster deeper connection to each other, within themselves, and within the community.
Kazi (WoodGreen): By partnering with WCC, WoodGreen Community Services strengthens its community programming by giving seniors meaningful opportunities for creative expression, social connection, and lifelong learning. Through this partnership, WCC facilitator Helen Kennedy leads a small writing group where seven seniors meet regularly to write and express their thoughts. The program helps our seniors to be confident in sharing their stories, stimulates creativity, and creates a supportive space where seniors feel heard and valued.
Q: June marks both National Indigenous History Month and Seniors Month in Ontario. Can you describe the significance of facilitating brave, community spaces for the clients you serve?
Janelle (AHT): Given the significance of this month being Indigenous History Month, providing such a welcoming space provides Indigenous writers an opportunity to reconnect with community, strengthen their voice and take charge of their narrative. Within the group, implementing the Six Essential Practices ensures members contribute to the safe space by complimenting each other’s piece, uplifting the group.
Members continuously build rapport between one another through building community support, assisting with social skills building, and increasing members’ awareness of their own strengths. Here are some testimonials communicated by some of our members who attend the Creative Writing group within our program:
“This became part of my daily routine to stay on track.”
“I feel more comfortable expressing myself within my community compared to before.”
“Creative Writing has been my rock during my recovery journey.”
“I found my voice.”
Our writers here with the AMHA program continue participating in the Creative Writing groups for the consistent structure and positive collaboration between WCC and AHT facilitators and staff. The writers benefit from the WCC workshop. They act as a safe space that provides members opportunity to find their voice while strengthening connection in community, self-expression, and creativity.
Kazi (WoodGreen): Writing and listening together can help combat social isolation – of which older adults are at an increased risk – by creating opportunities for connection, expression, and understanding among. When seniors write about their experiences, memories, or feelings and share them with others, it gives them a chance to be heard and valued. Listening to one another’s stories also helps build empathy and a sense of community, reminding participants that they are not alone in their thoughts or experiences. Group writing sessions encourage conversation, creativity, and mutual support, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and strengthen social bonds.
Our participants are thriving in the WCC workshops, gaining confidence, creative expression, and social connection. One group of seniors even put together a book featuring their writing, showcasing their stories and achievements. Led by Helen Kennedy, the sessions are engaging and inspiring, and both participants and staff at WoodGreen have seen firsthand the positive impact these workshops have on well-being, self-expression, and community building.
Creative expression and self-discovery are essential for the older adults we serve because they provide opportunities to reflect on life experiences, share personal stories, and express emotions in meaningful ways. Engaging in creative activities like writing, art, or music, helps seniors build resilience, spark joy, and maintain cognitive and emotional well-being. Through self-expression, older adults can connect with others, feel valued, and strengthen social bonds, reducing isolation and loneliness. It also allows them to explore new interests, revisit past memories, and discover talents they may not have recognized before, fostering a sense of purpose and continued growth even in later life.
WCC extends its deepest gratitude to Janelle and Kazi for their steadfast partnership and championing of the WCC program.