Seniors at Home Program welcomes new staff

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Theresa Fritz

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Changes at the Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home Program have positioned the organization well heading into 2012.

The agency, founded in 1980, delivers a variety of home support services to encourage independent living and enhance the quality of life of seniors and those with special needs. It recently saw the addition of two new staffers and the shift to a new position by an existing employee.

Nancy Peck began her duties as a seniors' transportation driver Nov. 21. Her job involves driving residents from the Town of Arnprior and the Township of McNab-Braeside who are 60 years or over, as well as the disabled and those with special needs.

Her former career involved working in the international development sector, in the deployment of Canadian civilians, professional and judicial dignitaries, overseas.

Peck admitted she "loves being with people" and tries to help out whenever she can. A dedicated hockey mom, she and her husband are involved with their three sons' hockey teams in town.

Having called the Ottawa Valley home for 50 years, Liz Wall joined the Seniors at Home team Dec. 7 as the organization's development co-ordinator.

She brings to the organization 35 years experience working in the media, advertising and editorial, in print, radio and magazine.

She has served on many local boards in Arnprior and is an avid sports enthusiast, known for her local involvement in figure skating, softball, fastball, basketball, volleyball and speed skating.

When it comes to fundraising, a key component of her new job. Wall was the director of the Ottawa Valley Bridal Show, and each year the funds raised went to a different charity.

"I am thankful for this new opportunity in my working career and look forward to working with and for the community seniors' service agency," Wall said.

"I am anxious to meet all the volunteers who are responsible for the success of agency and, of course, the seniors whom the agency serves."

Wall's role will include not only fundraising for the Care Coach Para Transit Service, as well as develop and implement strategies and public relations activities, while also being an ambassador of the program.

The third staffer in the mix is not new to the organization, but new to her job. Deborah Miller has worked for the agency for 11.5 years and is now the program co-ordinator.

As she describes it, her role is to "co-ordinate the programs that the agency offers: home maintenance, telephone security, friendly visiting, foot clinic, frozen and hot meals, seniors shopping, Diners Club, friendship days and community garden."

She started in her new part-time position Oct. 11 and with experience in various capacities with the organization already, she is looking forward to co-ordinate the services it offers.

For agency executive director Dennis Harrington, the staffing changes bring a smile to his face.

"I'm confident, I'm happy and I'm relieved," he said. "Personality-wise, I think we have three great individuals who will represent the agency well."

Harrington said the focus for the agency moving forward will be "developing opportunities within the community" as well as developing business opportunities.

One of the key components this year will be, says Harrington, expanding fundraising and educating the public.

"A lot of times we are overlooked. We are overlooked until people need our services," he said.

Harrington has been with the Seniors at Home Program for 17 years, having been its executive director since 2002.

"Compassion, understanding, patience, confidentiality and loyalty are the basis of how we approach our duty to serve the seniors and disabled in our community," he concluded.

The Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors At Home Program is located in the Town Centre at 106 McGonigal St. West, Unit A1. Call 613-623-7981 or visit the website at www.cssagency.ca.




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