A Letter on the State of the LEARN Program
Former Elder Abuse Case Manager, Amy Cook on March 1, 2024
As of February 29, 2024, LEARN was advised by the Government of Alberta that they will not be providing ongoing funding to support those experiencing elder abuse in Lethbridge. The current contract for LEARN Case Management services ends effective March 1, 2024.
The services offered by LEARN to those in need have impacted many, from older adults themselves to service providers in the city. As a result of this loss of funding, I am so saddened to have to advise that referrals to LEARN can no longer be made. For this, I am so incredibly sorry. This unfortunately leaves Lethbridge and area without elder abuse services of any kind, resulting in putting so many at risk of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, financial and medical abuse, as well as neglect.
Although funding from the government has ended, LEARN will be applying for funding offered by the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council in the Spring. We are hopeful we will get funding, but of course cannot confirm. This would also mean case management services would not be reimplemented until the fall of 2024, which leaves Lethbridge without support for up to 6 months, if not longer. This thought is both incredibly heartbreaking and scary.
Despite the Alberta Government not deeming it to be so, elder abuse services are necessary, valuable and life changing for those who have accessed them thus far and would have been for those who will need them in the future, but won't be able to be connected.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rob Miyashiro, LSCO Executive Director at 403-320-2222.
We encourage you to reach out to our funder, the Government of Alberta, using this advocacy letter. We also encourage you to reach out to your local representatives whose information can be found below.
To Contact the Alberta Government:
Ross Nairne
Assistant Deputy Minister
Strategic, Support and Integrated Initiatives Division (SSII)
Public Safety and Emergency Services
Office of the Assistant Deputy Minister
Strategy, Support and Initiatives
9th Floor Brownlee Building
10365 - 97 Street
Edmonton Alberta T5J 3W7
Lethbridge-East MLA
Nathan Neudorf
MLA for Lethbridge-East
319 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Lethbridge-West MLA
Shannon Phillips
MLA for Lethbridge-West
5th Floor
9820 - 107 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7
What is LEARN
The Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) is a dedicated network of professionals and community partners working together to prevent, identify, and respond to elder abuse in Lethbridge
The Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) is a collaboration of human service organizations that are invested in addressing and supporting those experiencing elder abuse. LEARN responds to and provides education, awareness, and advocacy for those at risk of or already experiencing elder abuse, as well as the community at large. LEARN consists of a full-time case manager as well as a program manager, a network of approximately 15 different local agencies and a steering committee.
Community Partners
LEARN fosters partnerships among diverse organizations, such as law enforcement, health care providers, and social service agencies, to strengthen the collective response to elder abuse and improve the overall well-being of seniors in our community.
How Can We Help?
The LEARN Case Manager is responsible for addressing and responding to reports or concerns of elder abuse within Lethbridge and surrounding area.
Intervention and Support
The LEARN Case Manager will contact suspected victims, assess risk, safety plan, provide emotional support, create a service plan, and connect with other community resources.
Prevention and Education
Through workshops, training sessions, and community outreach, LEARN actively educates professionals, caregivers, and community members to recognize the signs of elder abuse and prevent its occurrence.
Our Impact
"I can't thank the LEARN Case Manager enough for her response and support when my mom became a victim of financial abuse. She provided us with counseling, connected us with legal assistance, and helped us access community resources to ensure my mom's safety and well-being. Her dedication and expertise made a significant difference in our lives during a challenging time."
- Sarah M.
"As a caregiver, I attended one of LEARN's educational presentations, and it opened my eyes to the signs of elder abuse. The workshop was informative and empowering, giving me the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent abuse. I now feel confident in protecting the seniors under my care, and I'm grateful to LEARN for their commitment to educating the community and making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable seniors."
- Eleanor W.