About Us
People Of African Descent Seniors Association
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a study to investigate the social relationships of older Black adults. The objective, in part, was to enable Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) to identify the support and programs that they could offer to the group. Other settlement organizations in Saskatoon – Saskatoon Open Door Society and Global Gathering Place – also collaborated on the research. The researchers anticipated that information from the study would be beneficial to other interested groups and stakeholders.
At the conclusion of the study conducted by three educational institutions in Canada: Dalhousie University, Toronto Metropolitan
University, and the University of Regina, and led by principal investigators Vivian Puplampu, Associate Nursing Professor (U of R), and Judy White, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Social Work (U of R); the necessity for an organization committed to assisting where and when needed became evident based on the conclusions.
Based on the findings of the Study and the conclusions derived there from, The People of African Descent Seniors Association (PADSA) was started as a social club for older adults of African descent and their friends, in September 2022.
Under the leadership of the board members, Dr. Vivian Puplampu, Dr. Judy White, Mr. Clyde Boucher, and the research team, a “New Horizon for Seniors Program’s (NHSP) Grant” was secured in March 2023 to promote seniors’ social participation and inclusion in Saskatchewan.
Activities that PADSA organizes to engage older Black adults include promoting participants’ social awareness and inclusion through monthly meetings, social events, technology and other information-based training and communication, and also support for homebound older adults through phone calls and home visits.
Our Founders
Vivian
Puplampu
Judy
White
Clyde
Boucher
(In Memoriam)
Our Vision
The People of African Descent Seniors Association seeks to promote a community wherein older Black adults from within the diasporic communities are fully supported and engaged: participating in diverse activities on economic, social, and cultural matters and having resources needed to access services in their communities to promote their social inclusion and well-being. Furthermore, PADSA seeks to promote intergenerational interaction through our programs.
Our Mission
The People of African Descent Seniors Association aspires to support and engage older Black adults and their friends from diverse cultural and diasporic communities in order to create inclusivity. PADSA’s Afrocentric approach will endeavour to prioritize the main objective which is to ENGAGE OLDER ADULTS: Preserving our Culture Through Intuition, Wisdom, and Knowledge.
Building a Strong Foundation:
PADSA - Our Four Pillars
RESPECT
We at PADSA firmly believe in the importance of respecting and embracing the diverse experiences and perspectives of the communities we serve. It is core to our values and our commitment to providing the highest quality of service. We understand that every individual and community is unique, and by embracing this diversity, we are better able to understand and meet the needs of those we serve. Respect and understanding are vital in creating a community that values inclusivity and equity. At PADSA, we strive to embody these values in all aspects of our work and are committed to promoting respect and diversity through our services and programs.
Commitment to equity
At PADSA, We seek to challenge and dismantle systemic barriers to equity and therefore create opportunities for all. We are committed to creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance. We understand that there are obstacles that prevent certain groups from accessing the same resources and opportunities as others, and we are commited to the removal of those barriers. Our team is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are all united in our goal of creating a fairer society. We are constantly looking for ways to challenge the status quo and make positive changes in our community.
Anti-racism
PADSA recognizes the impact of racism on our society and is committed to eradicating it. We will work to promote social justice, racial equity, and unity. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, or culture. Our programs and initiatives will be targeted to raise awareness, build community, and provide support to those affected by racism. We also will work closely with other organizations, communities, and individuals to create a world without racism.
Inclusion
At PADSA, inclusivity is our top priority. We are dedicated to maintaining a warm, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to feel accepted and respected. We will work hard to establish a community that cherishes diversity and promotes inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Building a Strong Foundation:
PADSA's Commitment to Equity and Anti-Ageism
PADSA adheres to the principles of a “village,” where everyone knows each other. It is built on the values of Respect, Commitment to equity, Anti-racism, and Inclusion.
PADSA is committed to loving, respecting, promoting equity, diversity, anti-racism, and inclusion. PADSA addresses anti-ageism by recognizing the knowledge, strengths, and contributions of older black adults, and ensuring that our programs are designed and co-led by older adults to meet their needs. We have a social responsibility to advocate for the well-being of older Black and Racialized older adults, Indigenous older adults, and other older adults from the wider community.
Our Board
Judy White
Dr. Judy White, is a Trinidadian born registered social worker and professor emerita at the University of Regina has dedicated her career to improving the mental health and well-being of immigrant and refugee women and their families. Her impactful community work and academic contributions are widely recognized, and she has received numerous accolades, including the Canadian Association of Social Workers' National Distinguished Service Award. Dr. White's legacy is honored through the Dr. Judy White Equity & Inclusion Award, established by her colleagues at the University of Regina. Serving as President of the Regina chapter of the Congress of Black Women, Board President of the International Women of Saskatoon, and Board President of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, Dr. White has made a meaningful impact on the lives of many. In December 2019, she retired from her position as Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, leaving behind a profound influence on the field and those she worked with. She continues to serve on the board of various organizations, including those that support the growth and well-being of the community. Dr. White recently became the first recipient of the "Black Professional Trailblazer Award" at the Black History Month Gala - 2023.
Charles Obeng
(Pharmacist, owns Olinc Pharmacy Inc.(Pharmasave), Regina Saskatchewan, Canada) .
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-obeng-01553533/?originalSubdomain=ca).
Vivian Puplampu
Dr. Vivian Puplampu is a Ghanian born Associate Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina, whose focus centers on improving the well-being of older adults through healthy aging in place. Her innovative research examines aging in Canadian black communities, seeking alternatives that will support healthy aging. Dr. Puplampu brings extensive academic and clinical expertise, evidenced by her thirteen peer-reviewed publications and two SSHRC funded projects. She is currently leading a timely pilot study that examines the perception of vulnerability and inequity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Puplampu's passion for her research is reflected in her work on topics such as context-based learning and the academic experiences of black faculty members. With methodological expertise in mixed method and qualitative research approaches, she has a doctorate in philosophy and a Master of Nursing from the University of Alberta, amongst others, as well as prior experience as a lecturer at the University of Ghana's School of Nursing and as a registered nurse in western Canadian long-term care facilities.