Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, Aims to provide participants/audiences and the communities at large with an understanding of how to develop social connections and nurture a sense of communal belonging through the co-existence of Arts, cultural diversity,   We network locally, regionally, and globally with international partners in terms of resources, services, referrals, advice, and or volunteer to realize the Vision and Mission of the Society, which enables us to support and empower communities to attain the UN Development goals.  And now we are mainly focusing on the current situation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which continues to leave its mark and taking its toll on businesses, food security, health care, employment, education, etc. where communities are experiencing overwhelming challenges.  We thrive to strengthen partnerships, collaborations, advocacy, mobilization, lobbying, research, surveys, fundraising, civic education, dialogue, workshops, and training. 

Bridging of the generational gap between children connecting with elders.  It’s not always easy to get people of different age groups to see eye to eye, and that’s especially true of children and the elderly.   What could a seven-year-old possibly have in common with a 75-year-old?  Some of us might be pleasantly surprised, when it comes to interaction between elders and children, however, many adult caregivers of aging parents are quick to warn children away from Grandma or Grandpa for fear that the child will disturb or upset the older individual.  In many situations, the elderly crave the attention and interest of young children and would love to sit and talk with older children and teens as well.   Wide gaps in age, beliefs, traditions, and habits contribute to communication barriers between the two; however, the benefits of encouraging relationships between youngsters and the senior community include but  not limited to: Opportunities to learn  new skills and methods of doing things; we encourage young people to accept people of all ages, capabilities, and limitations; provide both young people and adult with direction and purpose.  Alleviate isolationism for elders; In many cultures, more households are multigenerational and involved in some type  of senior care.  During COVID “19.   We were privileged to get help and support from the young people aiding the seniors with new technology, especially those from the black community who are from the continent of Africa.  The young people showed them how to use the phones, tablets and computers to communicate with their loved ones, reducing isolation and letting the seniors feel respected, supported and included  

HIV and Aging – Both the general Canadian population and Canadians living with HIV are aging.    As a result of these circumstances, the intersection of HIV and aging is becoming stronger than ever, there are specific physical and psychosocial issues related to HIV and aging that present particular challenges to effective prevention, care, treatment, and support.  Inclusivity, Black Seniors programs –  Our practices, policies, and procedures include people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those with physical, mental disabilities, and or the homeless.  The aim is Inclusivity, that seeks to break the barriers of stigma, fear, and loneliness.  HIV, AIDS, and Older people – Like most people, may probably have heard a lot about HIV and AIDS, they may have thought that these diseases aren’t their problem and that only younger people have to worry about them.  however, anyone at any age can be infected with HIV, or born with it.  LGBTQ+  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, or Questioning.  We support the above with paperwork to claim Refugee status, search for Lawyers, referrals, and companion to the Refugee hearing board, if they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on a particular social group, especially the LGBTQ+, Women, HIV-positive people, and those involved in LGBTQ+ activism, or even HIV activism, on the basis of political opinion.     AT-RISK YOUTH – are those who self-identify as being part of groups that are under-represented or have additional barriers to the labor market. These include recent immigrant refugee youth (“recent” is defined as having arrived in Canada in the past five years);   At–risk children are often witnesses of, or engaged in, behaviors that are of a high-risk nature such as victims of abuse, neglect, and maltreatment; substance abuse; premarital sex;  teen or family suicide; school dropouts; teenage pregnancies; victims or witnesses of violent crimes; and domestic violence.   Adolescence is an extremely challenging time for a child, and when a child is at risk of jeopardizing his future by making poor choices and creating chaos at home, it impacts the entire family and or community.  Timely intervention is what an at-risk youth need.  If we do not act now, the problems the teenagers may be having could get worse and it will have a profound effect on their future life and on our country