According to a recent report on local health disparities (Closing the Gap), the majority of primary, or “first wave”, Russian
immigrants in Minnesota come as refugees. Author Charles Kemp notes: “Culture shock’ is overwhelming, and, for older
generations with less ability to adapt, unrelenting.”
Refugee and immigrant families typically face a broad spectrum of issues. Research conducted by the Wilder Foundation
indicates that only 13% of the Russian immigrant population believes that they can speak and understand English well.
Apart from this language barrier, other documented sources of stress include: separation from family and friends; social
isolation; health, job and money problems; and homesickness. As a result, Russian-speaking seniors are becoming
progressively socially isolated and increasingly suffering from mild depression, which, in turn, has a negative impact on
both their physical health and extended family unit. The percentage of Russian-speaking patients with mental health issues
residing in several local nursing homes is disproportionately high when compared to the total patient population . The
“Closing the Gap” report notes that community forum participants, from several immigrant groups, identified mental health
services and social services for elders as particular needs.
The Russian-speaking community is spread out through seven metro area counties, and many elders do not drive. For this
reason, lack of transportation has been a major impediment for involvement in activities. SCC overcame this barrier by
establishing on-site programming at local high-rises where large concentrations of Russian-speaking seniors reside.
Seniors benefit from having structured times for social activity in their accustomed language and with subjects that are
culturally relevant to their backgrounds and interests. Poetry, literacy, chess and exercise clubs, discussion of current
events, and intellectually stimulating dialogues, are some of the activities for “Senior Citizens” program. We provide them
an opportunity to celebrate cultural holidays and birthdays with their community, which increases the sense of
connectedness and joy in their lives. Other building occupants are also welcomed in our activities which provides
opportunities for all the building residents to meet each other, learn about each other, and interact in a friendly, fun
environment.
The main benefit of this program is to improve the welfare of Slavic senior citizens by giving them access to these activities
and programs. This program promotes their independence, meets their unique cultural needs, increases their awareness
of other services available to them, as well as connects them with Slavic Community Center and the mainstream
community.
immigrants in Minnesota come as refugees. Author Charles Kemp notes: “Culture shock’ is overwhelming, and, for older
generations with less ability to adapt, unrelenting.”
Refugee and immigrant families typically face a broad spectrum of issues. Research conducted by the Wilder Foundation
indicates that only 13% of the Russian immigrant population believes that they can speak and understand English well.
Apart from this language barrier, other documented sources of stress include: separation from family and friends; social
isolation; health, job and money problems; and homesickness. As a result, Russian-speaking seniors are becoming
progressively socially isolated and increasingly suffering from mild depression, which, in turn, has a negative impact on
both their physical health and extended family unit. The percentage of Russian-speaking patients with mental health issues
residing in several local nursing homes is disproportionately high when compared to the total patient population . The
“Closing the Gap” report notes that community forum participants, from several immigrant groups, identified mental health
services and social services for elders as particular needs.
The Russian-speaking community is spread out through seven metro area counties, and many elders do not drive. For this
reason, lack of transportation has been a major impediment for involvement in activities. SCC overcame this barrier by
establishing on-site programming at local high-rises where large concentrations of Russian-speaking seniors reside.
Seniors benefit from having structured times for social activity in their accustomed language and with subjects that are
culturally relevant to their backgrounds and interests. Poetry, literacy, chess and exercise clubs, discussion of current
events, and intellectually stimulating dialogues, are some of the activities for “Senior Citizens” program. We provide them
an opportunity to celebrate cultural holidays and birthdays with their community, which increases the sense of
connectedness and joy in their lives. Other building occupants are also welcomed in our activities which provides
opportunities for all the building residents to meet each other, learn about each other, and interact in a friendly, fun
environment.
The main benefit of this program is to improve the welfare of Slavic senior citizens by giving them access to these activities
and programs. This program promotes their independence, meets their unique cultural needs, increases their awareness
of other services available to them, as well as connects them with Slavic Community Center and the mainstream
community.
Slavic Community Center
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| Honoring Our Roots Growing Our Future |
Senior Citizens