COVID-19 – FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of programs are you offering online?
We are offering dozens of different programs each week through Zoom and Facebook Live. Be sure to check out the full list of our Virtual Programs HERE. We are offering fitness classes, cooking club, art and recreation programs, discussion groups, concerts and music, languages programs, and more. Programs are in English, Russian, French and Spanish.

What phone conferencing programs are you offering?
Through a teleconferencing program called Seniors’ Centre Without Walls, we are offering a few different programs. Through the use of multi-person, conference phone calls, Seniors’ Centre Without Walls provides the opportunity for participants to join in on programming, all from the comfort of home. There is no special equipment needed (just your average phone) and you are able to hear and talk to one another, learn and have fun! For more information about Seniors’ Centre Without Walls click HERE.

How do I use Zoom to access the virtual programs you are offering?
We are offering many different programs through Zoom. You will need to register for each program. Full programs list and registration details can be found HERE. Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting. Follow the instructions to download Zoom. Once you are in the system, click “Join with Video” and “Join with Computer Audio”. If Zoom asks to access your camera and/or microphone, say YES. You can also use your smart phone to join. You can download the free Zoom app from the App store. For any questions about Zoom, please email marial@betelcentre.org.

How do I view a Facebook Live video?
We are sharing fitness classes and concerts live on our Facebook page. You can visit our Facebook page at the time of the program to view the live video. Like and follow our Facebook page to receive notifications. Did you miss the live program? Not a problem! The video will stay on our Facebook page permanently, and you can view it at a later date. For questions about our social media, please contact Katie Giles at katieg@betelcentre.org.

How can I make a request or suggestion for an online program? 
We would love your input on our online programs! Please email marial@betelcentre.org for any suggestions on future online programs.

Are you continuing to prepare and deliver Meals on Wheels?
Absolutely! Our staff and volunteers are hard at work cooking, packing, labelling and delivering over 1,000 Kosher meals on wheels to the community each week. If you are interested in our Meals on Wheels program, please click HERE.

I am looking for assistance with groceries and other services? Do you have a list of resources that I can access?
We have a COVID-19 Resources page on our website, with over 100 different resources including food services, grocery delivery services, Meals on Wheels providers, call lines, urgent foot care clinics, support services, mental health services, fitness and meditation, arts, culture, entertainment, and lifelong learning. We regularly update this list as more programs and services become available. For the full list, please click HERE.

Will I get my money back for missed programs?
If you had already paid for spring programs before our building closed, you will automatically receive a credit voucher for the full amount paid. This credit voucher will be valid for 1 year from the date when our programs resume. If you would like to convert your credited amount to a donation towards the Bernard Betel Centre, please contact Abey Suwande at abeys@betelcentre.org to do so.

When can I use the credits?
As soon as the Bernard Betel Centre programs are running again, you will be able to use your credits toward these programs. Your credit voucher will be valid for 1 year from the date when our programs resume. Please email marial@betelcentre.org if you have any questions about program credits.

Will I receive any credit or refund for my cancelled day or overnight trip?
All day trips for 2020 have been cancelled. Those who have paid for a day trip will be contacted to arrange a refund. If you have not been contacted by July 1, 2020 regarding your refund, please contact Lily Boltianski at lilyb@betelcentre.org or ext. 103. All overnight travel participants have been contacted regarding future trips. If you have not been contacted, please reach out to Mark Adler at marka@betelcentre.org.

Will I get money back for my annual membership?
We are not refunding memberships, but we are pausing memberships for the length of time that the centre remains closed to the public. Expiration dates for all memberships will be extended, and a new expiration date will be applied to each membership once we re-open.

Do I still have a membership?
Unless you reached out personally and indicated otherwise, then yes, you still have a membership! If you have questions about your membership please contact Yana Dian at yanad@betelcentre.org.

Will cancelled programs be offered when you reopen?
We are actively working with our instructors, volunteers and facilitators to plan programming for when we reopen, with health and safety at the forefront of our plans. A program schedule and guide will be available once we reopen.

When will the Bernard Betel Centre open?
We do not have a reopening date yet, but are actively following guidelines from Toronto Public Health – Chief Medical Officer.

As Toronto enters into Stage 2 of re-opening Ontario, will the Bernard Betel Centre be opening?
We appreciate how eager our members are about returning to the Bernard Betel Centre, however it is essential as we plan for the future, that we have a well-documented plan to ensure the safe transition back to work and the re-opening of the building. The government is still recommending due to the vulnerability of those over the age of 70 continue to remain home. Our commitment to  staff, volunteers, members, and community participants is to implement preventative measures to ensure they are not exposed to conditions which could be harmful to their health and safety while participating in Bernard Betel Centre programs. Until we are able to ensure these practices are in place and the government advises that seniors over the age of 70 can return to their outside activities we will remain closed.

Are you planning to have summer or fall programs?
Since we do not have a reopening date yet, we do not know when we will be running programs from the centre again. We will continue to run online and phone conferencing programs.

What are the plans to protect members and the community once the building is open to the public?
The Bernard Betel Centre has established a committee of staff and board members that are working on a plan and a list of procedures and policies that are needed to be put in place prior to opening the building to the public. The health and safety of our members, staff, volunteers, and the community are of utmost importance to us. More information how we will be protecting our members, staff, volunteers, and the community will be shared shortly.

Is the building open for Shabbat services?
No, the building is not open for Shabbat services. The building is closed to the public, including Shabbat services.

When can I return to my regular volunteer activities?
Our priority is the health and safety of our members, volunteers, staff, and the community. We are thankful to those volunteers who have remained active delivering Meals on Wheels, connecting and visiting with members over the phone, and leading virtual programs. We look forward to welcoming all volunteers back to the centre once programs and services resume. Stay tuned for updates from Cheryl Besner, Manager, Volunteer Services. Please contact Cheryl at cherylb@betelcentre.org if you have any questions about volunteering.

I would like to donate to the Bernard Betel Centre, how can this be done?
Donations are very much accepted and appreciated! You can donate by clicking HERE,  or you can contact Abey Suwande at abeys@betelcentre.org or 416-225-2112, ext. 125.

How do I contact staff members?
The best way to reach out to our staff is through email. Our staff are also checking their voicemail while they are working from home. A full staff directory can be found HERE. If you have a general inquiry, please email feedback@betelcentre.org or call our main line at 416-225-2112 and leave a message on the general voicemail.

I have a question that you missed, how can I send you my question?
Please email any questions you have to feedback@betelcentre.org.