New Executive Director appointed

Old Forge welcomes new executive director
Posted Nov 17, 2011 By Janice Thiessen

EMC News - Some people refer to the Olde Forge as a lifeline for seniors in the Ottawa west community.

They are, in fact, a non-profit charitable group that is run by staff and volunteers. They provide information, referrals and a community support program to seniors and adults living with physical disabilities living in the west end.

They recently hired new executive director Anita Bloom who is more than thrilled to be a part of a service that enriches senior’s lives.

“I just started so I’m very excited,” Bloom said.

She has substantial amount of experience, close to 20 years in the non-profit sector, having held such positions as president and chief operating officer (COO) of Soloway Jewish Community Centre and executive director of Breast Cancer Action Ottawa.

“The Olde Forge is a vital organization to the community and I’m thrilled to be able to offer my services and work with a great group volunteers and staff to help make the life of seniors and community better,” Bloom continued.

“I’ve been in Ottawa since ‘92 and have two children. I’m an active volunteer in community because I feel it’s good to give back to a community that’s been so good to us.” The Olde Forge also provides other services for the Ottawa west community such as a weekly foot clinic and annual tax clinics.

Helping the community is what The Olde Forge is all about.

“I want to provide the community with the best care that we can,” she said. “We have a large seniors population and many are isolated. I want to ensure they maintain a healthy, active, vital and vibrant lifestyle they deserve. Some get lost as they age, I don’t want to see that, everybody counts.” Volunteering and giving back to the community is a large facet of Bloom’s character a part of the message she sends to the community and to her family.

“I always want to be in an environment where people want to make a difference,” she noted. “We need to put our energies where they are needed.

“The Forge is a long-standing community support service resource centre that’s vital to the community and very aware of giving back. I want my kids to know that too, to give back to the community that we love.”