I would like to thank Dorothy Farish for her article (Thank you to EPSI, June 30) on the closing of ESPI (East Prince Seniors Initiative for those who are not aware of what ESPI stands for).
This closure will be devastating for many of our fellow seniors who have come to depend on this organization and the smiling face of its “heart and soul” Gloria Schurman.
Many years ago, Summerside was declared as a senior-friendly community and one designed to support seniors with programs and events to help enrich their lives after many years of careers and raising families and who, for many years, supported this great community of ours. This became more important during this period of the coronavirus and how it forced us all into isolation and separation from families and friends. Many seniors were not able to socialize. This feeling of isolation is how many seniors find themselves with the closing of ESPI and the loss of their very efficient and popular leader.
I know that many closures of this type of organization are financially based, but I ask the persons responsible for making this decision to sit back and think about what has been lost here. We are not talking about a lot of money. What if seniors suddenly lost their daily focus and support network?
As a past chairperson of this wonderful organization, I realized just what a valuable tool this organization could be for our seniors and our city. That's what was supposed to happen. We had a great organization composed of a wide variety of personel who realized just how valuable a tool this organization could be for the community. As Dorthy Farish pointed out, the organization’s brochure states ESPI is truly a "home away from home " for many of our seniors. To many, it must feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under them. Where will they go now for advice, compassion, support and all sorts of things that they have come to depend upon daily? For many of them, their often daily visit to the ESPI office and the friendly personality of Gloria made their day. It perked them up and gave them a reason to go on. Often, it was just for someone to talk to and a little friendly advice and a pat on the back and maybe a hug.
When we, the EPSI board, were initially looking for a manager, one of the major requests from government at the time was that we wanted someone who was from Summerside, grew up here and had a feeling for our city. We were exceptionally pleased and fortunate to have had Gloria fill this position. After 10 years of service, June 30 being her last day, not a word from anyone involved with the city saying, “great job, really appreciated you”, etc. Nothing, nada. Quite disappointing!
Also, nothing has been put forward from our city officials as to what might replace these very valuable services to our seniors in our supposed “senior-friendly city”. Several of our city personnel and councillors ran for election on the “senior-friendly” promise. What happened, except finances? Money is not everything — especially when it comes to providing a great support system for our vulnerable senior citizens who have helped make this city what it is today. Now is not the time to desert them.
Perhaps an amalgamation of our three seniors’ organizations could take place?
I ask the parties concerned to reconsider the cancellation. I wonder how many even know where ESPI was located and if they have ever visited the office and met Gloria or viewed the valuable services that ESPI provided or even read the brochure. Perhaps a conversation with Gloria would expand, excite and increase their knowledge as to just what ESPI and other senior organizations actually provide for our older population on a daily basis.
I am not sure, but was there ever a public discussion regarding this matter and to get ideas (from the seniors themselves) what is needed?
Thank you to the members of the great board and those who have supported ESPI over the years.
Dr. John R. Robertson is a past chairman of the East Prince Seniors Initiative in Summerside.
