A familiar name to the Lethbridge region has stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization.
Kaitlyn Weaver has moved into the role after spending a several years working with the Family and Community Support Services in rural communities around Lethbridge. Weaver said she is excited to join the team at LSCO and support them in the work they already are doing, while also bringing in knowledge and expertise she gained from her FCSS work.
“I’m really excited about this position because the organization and the position really fits within my own values of innovation, feelings of belonging, getting people connected through social connection and programs and services, as well as health and wellness,” Weaver said.
Coming into the position she said she has a sheet with numerous goals lined out to accomplish, including applying her previous work in outreach and increasing awareness to LSCO. Part of this includes sharing with the Lethbridge community that LSCO is not just a senior centre, but also a community centre that offers several programs and events for everyone.
“One example is our diner is available to anyone during lunch. So anybody can come stop by and have a meal. It’s really affordable, we have professional chefs [and] it’s an incredible place to eat.” Weaver said. “I think just focusing on marketing, making sure that people know that we exist and that they can come stop by and get something.”
Additionally, she explained there are goals the organization’s Board of Directors have tasked her with, including helping develop and implement a financial sustainability plan. She said the past few years have been tricky working for nonprofits and charities, so moving forward she will be working on building that plan with new and innovative ideas.
Weaver also is stepping into the role at an exciting time for LSCO as the organization plans to celebrate their 50th anniversary in the summer. To mark this milestone Weaver said there will be a handful of celebratory events being held that will highlight “the historical significance of the LSCO.” She said while these events are a celebration of what the group has done in the past it is also a celebration to highlight where it will be going in the future.
The position was previously held by NDP MLA for Lethbridge-West Rob Miyashiro, who won the provincial by-election in December and was sworn into caucus at the beginning of the year.
