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RCRG is hiring for a new position called Seniors Community Connector.

Photo courtesy Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives

In partnership with the City of Richmond, RCRG is hosting an education symposium for parents and early learning professionals.

Photo courtesy Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives

RCRG reflects on this years National Volunteer Week.

Photo courtesy Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives

RCRG: A new full time position, learning symposium, and reflecting on National Volunteer Week

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:33 PDT, Mon April 22, 2024

Last Updated: 2:34 PDT, Mon April 22, 2024

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We’re Hiring A Seniors Community Connector

Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG)’s Seniors Community Support Services department is growing. The organization is hiring a new, full-time position, called Seniors Community Connector, a role that combines information & referral, client support, and partnership development.

As a social prescribing professional, the Seniors Community Connector will help bridge the gap between healthcare and social care, identifying older adults in need of support, and then linking them to appropriate community programs and resources.

Social prescribing stems from the idea that health and well-being—especially among older adults—can be enhanced by non-medical community supports. While doctors can address immediate and acute healthcare issues, link workers—like the Seniors Community Connector—can help older adults access services that reduce loneliness, support independence, and promote healthy, active aging.

It's a holistic, collaborative approach to seniors' health that draws on the resources and expertise of the entire community.

In addition to maintaining an active caseload of clients (including their referral history), the Seniors Community Connector will work to build and strengthen relationships within Richmond's seniors' services sector.

The Connector will also collaborate with healthcare professionals and community agencies, exploring ways for older adults to more easily access resources and support.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services-related field, or possess an equivalent combination of education and experience. The candidate should be comfortable working with seniors from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and have detailed knowledge of Richmond’s community services landscape.

If you or someone you know is well-suited for the role, a complete job description, including salary range, is available on our website, along with instructions on how to apply. The closing date is April 26.

Annual Early Learning Symposium kicks off child care month in Richmond

May is Child Care Month, and to celebrate, RCRG’s Child Care Resource & Referral Centre is once again partnering with the City of Richmond to host an educational symposium for parents and early learning professionals.

Taking place Saturday, May 4, at Richmond City Hall, the Supporting Richmond's Families symposium will begin with a keynote presentation from Elder Shane Point. A member of the Coast Salish Nation and the Musqueam Indian band, Shane will share insights on building strong, resilient families, approaching the topic from a First Nations perspective.

Following the keynote, attendees will get to choose among a series of workshops, participating in two sessions throughout the morning. Topics include building bridges with newcomer families, providing child care with a multicultural lens, and incorporating diversity into storytime.

The entire symposium runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., giving plenty of time afterwards to visit the Richmond Public Library's Brighouse Branch, which, beginning May 3, is hosting a fantastic Children's Art Exhibition.

Richmond has a vibrant and welcoming early learning community, and during Child Care Month, it's on full display. See for yourself by signing up for the Supporting Richmond's Families symposium.

Cherishing every moment of National Volunteer Week

Just like that, another edition of National Volunteer Week is in the books. We're sad to see it go, of course, but there are plenty of memorable moments to look back on.

The week started with a longtime RCRG tradition: we mailed over 230 handwritten thank you cards to our own volunteers. Does it take a lot of time? You bet. But it's well worth the effort to share a personalized message with each volunteer, letting them know how much we appreciate their contributions.

We also worked to recognize volunteers beyond our organization. To that end, we created a public art project, which has been on display at the Richmond Caring Place. The artwork features an illustrated map of Richmond—designed by Cartoon Katie—along with photos of local volunteers.

We shared the photos on social media as well, highlighting some of the countless volunteer moments that strengthen and brighten our community.

Finally, for the first time since the pandemic, the RCRG team got together to volunteer at the Richmond Food Bank. It's something we'd done annually prior to COVID-19, and it was awesome being back. The Food Bank is a vital community organization, and we're grateful for the opportunity to support their work.

This year, National Volunteer Week reminded us that, when giving your time or sharing your skills, Every Moment Matters.

Never underestimate the value of volunteering, because its impact is all around you. Moments of kindness and generosity, purpose and passion, commitment and connection: these are the building blocks of community, created through every act of volunteer service.