About Us

People of African Descent Seniors Association

A community where older Black adults from diasporic communities are fully supported and engaged, preserving our culture through intuition, wisdom, and knowledge.

Our Story

How PADSA began

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a study into the social relationships of older Black adults, in part to help the Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) identify the support and programs it could offer. Saskatoon's Open Door Society and Global Gathering Place collaborated on the research. Conducted across Dalhousie University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the University of Regina, and led by principal investigators Dr. Vivian Puplampu (Associate Nursing Professor, U of R) and Dr. Judy White (Professor Emerita, Faculty of Social Work, U of R), the study made clear the need for an organization committed to assisting where and when needed.

Based on those findings, the People of African Descent Seniors Association was founded in September 2022 as a social club for older adults of African descent and their friends. Under the leadership of board members Dr. Vivian Puplampu, Dr. Judy White, and Mr. Clyde Boucher, alongside the research team, a New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) grant was secured in March 2023 to promote seniors' social participation and inclusion in Saskatchewan. Today PADSA engages older Black adults through monthly meetings, social events, technology and information training, and support for homebound seniors through phone calls and home visits.

Our Mission

Engage older adults

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 prioritizes its main objective: to engage older adults, preserving our culture through intuition, wisdom, and knowledge.

Our Vision

A community fully engaged

PADSA seeks a community where older Black adults from diasporic communities are fully supported and engaged, taking part in economic, social, and cultural life and having the resources to access the services that promote their inclusion and well-being. We also promote intergenerational interaction through our programs.

Our Four Pillars

Building a strong foundation

Respect

We respect and embrace the diverse experiences and perspectives of the communities we serve. It is core to our values and to providing the highest quality of care.

Commitment to Equity

We challenge and dismantle systemic barriers, creating equal opportunities for everyone regardless of background or circumstance.

Anti-Racism

We are committed to eradicating racism and promoting social justice, racial equity, and unity, working alongside other communities and organizations.

Inclusion

We maintain a warm, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for all, regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

"PADSA adheres to the principles of a village, where everyone knows each other, built on Respect, Commitment to Equity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion."

PADSA is committed to loving, respecting, and promoting equity, diversity, anti-racism, and inclusion. We address anti-ageism by recognizing the knowledge, strengths, and contributions of older Black adults, ensuring 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 adults, Indigenous older adults, and others from the wider community.

Our Founders

The people who began it

PADSA was founded in September 2022 by principal investigators Dr. Vivian Puplampu and Dr. Judy White, together with founding board member Mr. Clyde Boucher and the research team behind the original study.

Our Board

Leadership

Dr. Vivian Puplampu

Dr. Vivian Puplampu

Co-Founder & Board Member

Dr. Vivian Puplampu is a Ghanaian 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. With methodological expertise in mixed method and qualitative research approaches, she holds a doctorate in philosophy and a Master of Nursing from the University of Alberta, amongst others, with 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.

Dr. Judy White

Dr. Judy White

Co-Founder & Board Member

Dr. Judy White is a Trinidadian born registered social worker and Professor Emerita at the University of Regina who 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 honoured through the Dr. Judy White Equity & Inclusion Award, established by her colleagues at the University of Regina. She has served 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. In December 2019 she retired as Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, and she continues to serve on the boards of various organizations 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 2023 Black History Month Gala.

Charles Obeng

Charles Obeng

Board Member

Charles Obeng is a Ghanaian-born pharmacist and owner of Olinc Pharmacy Inc. (Pharmasave) in Regina, Saskatchewan, dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. With over two decades of experience across the UK and Canada, he has served in leadership roles including pharmacist manager at Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd. and positions with major UK pharmacy chains. Since 2014 he has also been engaged in pharmacy consulting through Charleslet Pharmacy Consulting Ltd., providing strategic guidance and operational support to healthcare services. His career began in the United Kingdom, where he trained and worked as a relief pharmacist, building a strong foundation in pharmaceutical care across diverse healthcare environments. Through his work as a pharmacist, business owner, and consultant, Charles continues to contribute to the advancement of pharmacy practice and the improvement of community health outcomes.

Partners & Affiliates

Working together

University of Regina

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Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

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Saskatchewan Council on Aging

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A community with a difference

Connecting seniors of African descent through friendship, wellness, and culture.

PADSA

The People of African Descent Seniors Association

Fostering overall well-being through camaraderie, social engagement, and cultural education.

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