Vancouver
Additional meeting locations may be arranged based on senior and volunteer comfort.
“Compassion is kindness and support without judgment — a skill that can be developed.”
The Immigrant Seniors Wellness Hub provides compassionate, one-on-one emotional support for immigrant and refugee seniors aged 55+. Seniors are paired with a trained Walk-Alongside Companion who offers deep listening, non-judgmental presence, and culturally sensitive support.
The Hub helps seniors feel less alone, more grounded, and connected through meaningful human relationships.
Seniors of all status who need more one-on-one support to improve their overall wellness can check out CARES for Seniors.
1. What is the Immigrant Seniors Wellness Hub?
The MOSAIC Immigrant Seniors Wellness Hub is a relationship-based support program for immigrant and refugee seniors who are seeking connection, grounding, and emotional support. Rather than a physical location, the Wellness Hub is created through trusted relationships. Seniors are paired with trained Walk-Alongside Companions who offer warmth, understanding, and deep, non-judgmental listening.
Many immigrant seniors face loneliness, cultural stress, grief, and disconnection — especially when navigating life in a new country. The Wellness Hub provides a safe and soothing place to talk to someone who truly listens.
2. What Makes the Wellness Hub Unique?
Over 18 months, MOSAIC trained a cohort of Wellness Support Volunteers in compassion-based practices:
Safe Soothed Space: Volunteers learn to create a calm, respectful emotional environment where seniors feel relaxed and supported.
Self-Awareness & Compassion: Volunteers explore personal biases, self-reflection, and the foundations of compassion. “Compassion is a skill that can be cultivated, developed, and grown.”
The Walk-Alongside Model: This approach emphasizes deep listening rather than problem-solving or advice-giving. Volunteers hold space for seniors’ stories and support them in discovering their own insights.
3. How the Support Works
A Walk-Alongside Companion will:
• Meet the senior at MOSAIC or another mutually preferred location
• Listen with patience and respect
• Provide comfort without judgment
• Hold space for emotions, life transitions, and personal stories
• Support the senior’s own decision-making
• Offer consistent presence and companionship
The Wellness Hub is ideal for seniors who feel lonely, overwhelmed, grieving, or simply need someone safe to talk to.
“Everyone deserves a compassionate companion.”
Over 18 months, MOSAIC trained Wellness Support Volunteers in:
Safe Soothed Space
Volunteers learned how to create a safe and calm emotional space where seniors feel relaxed and at ease.
Self-Awareness & Compassion
Volunteers explored self-compassion, biases, and perspective-taking. “Compassion is a skill that can be cultivated, developed, and grown”
(ISWH Manual, 2024).
The Walk-Alongside Model
Deep listening and reflection without advice-giving.
“Being heard with nonjudging and supportive openness helps us see what remains hidden from ourselves” (ISWH Manual, 2024).
Additional meeting locations may be arranged based on senior and volunteer comfort.
This program is supported by TD Ready Commitment.
