In partnership with Ottawa Senior Pride Network (OSPN), The Good Companions Senior Centre (TGC) welcomes Amanda Kristalovich to its team on January 28, 2021. Amanda is the first Program Coordinator at the Centre dedicated exclusively to supporting two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, plus seniors.

TGC and OSPN worked together to seek the funds to establish this unique and much needed position and extend thanks and gratitude to the City of Ottawa for its leadership in providing the necessary financial support for the coming year.
For many years, TGC has made concerted efforts to deepen its understanding of and capacity to work with the LGBTQ+ senior population. TGC credits OSPN in supporting the development of its LGBTQ+ cultural competency. This work, led by OSPN’s Training Committee, advanced the Centre’s determination to be inclusive and welcoming. The positive steps TGC has taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Ottawa’s queer seniors has enabled the community to feel at home at the Centre, which now supports various LGBTQ+ programming options.

Members of OSPN have been hit especially hard in managing the current Covid crisis. Cancelled in person events and support have left an already socially isolated group more vulnerable. The pandemic necessitated new approaches to be tested by OSPN with great success, particularly for online programming reaching LGBTQ+ seniors in their homes. Once restrictions on gatherings are lifted, programming is expected to also be offered in person at the TGC. This is an exciting opportunity to support the continued development of programs and services that meet the evolving needs of our senior LGBTQ+ population. OSPN welcomes Amanda enthusiastically to assist in responding to our community’s needs.

Amanda is a graduate of the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Social Work and comes with experience working with seniors, newcomers, and volunteers. She was an active member of Space Kenora, an LGBTTQ+ Youth Group. Amanda is relatively new to the Ottawa area and eager to meet community members and organizations. Her passion is community development and outreach and we have confidence that these skills will build relationships that will benefit our senior LGBTQ+ population.

Amanda will commence outreach activities in the coming months to strengthen relationships with organizations serving members of Ottawa’s seniors and LGBTQ+ communities.

Amanda’s email address is, AKristalovich@thegoodcompanions.ca

For more information about OSPN, email ospn.rfao@gmail.com

Monique Doolittle-Romas, Executive Director, The Good Companions Seniors’ Centre