A Day in the Life: How Leonard Se Brings Seniors Together at Brahm Centre MacPherson
Program & Care Coordinator Leonard Se draws on his own mental health journey to build a community where seniors feel they belong.
For Leonard Se, supporting the well-being of seniors is something close to his heart. Before he started helping others, he had his own struggles with mental health and found himself unsure of where to turn or who to approach for support. That experience never left him — and it now shapes the way he cares for the seniors he works with today.
As a Program & Care Coordinator at Brahm Centre (MacPherson), no two days are the same for Leonard. Over the past eight and a half years, he has spent his time creating activities that bring seniors together, helping them stay active, make new friends, and find a sense of belonging at the centre.
Creating a Safe Space to Be Heard
Through his role, Leonard hopes that residents who may be facing similar challenges know that they do not have to go through them alone. He wants them to know that support and resources are available within the community, and that there is always someone willing to listen.
Whether through a mindfulness session, a simple conversation over a meal, or a group activity, Leonard strives to create a safe and welcoming space where seniors feel comfortable being themselves.
A Day in Leonard’s Shoes
We followed Leonard through an average day as a Program & Care Coordinator:
9:30am — Wellness in Motion
Leading a wellness exercise session that combines mindfulness, stretching, strength and balance exercises.
12:00pm — Lunch Together
Distributing fried rice, hor fun and stir-fried vegetables for lunch — a shared meal that doubles as a chance to check in with residents.
2:00pm — Sing-Along Spirit
Kicking off the afternoon’s karaoke session, one of the centre’s most popular activities.
5:00pm — Planning Ahead
Wrapping up the day by planning next month’s program with his team.
Friendships Built on Shared Experiences
After nearly nine years in the role, Leonard believes the best activities are those shaped by the residents themselves. The friendships that have grown through these shared experiences — including on overseas trips, where many participants have become especially close — are what make his work so rewarding.
“I hope that the residents know that they have a community around them — a place where they can connect, talk and seek support without judgement. Seeing residents who were once strangers become good friends through activities, meals and trips together really gives me work meaning, and keeps me going every day.”
— Leonard Se, Program & Care Coordinator, Brahm Centre (MacPherson)
Building Resilient Minds, Happy Minds
Leonard’s story is a reminder that behind every activity at Brahm Centre is a coordinator who genuinely cares — someone who has walked a difficult road himself and now uses that experience to make sure no senior in our community walks theirs alone.
This feature is adapted from Poppin’ Issue 9, Brahm Centre’s community magazine.
Want to be part of a community like this? Visit our centres to find a program near you, or get in touch to learn how you can support seniors’ mental well-being through Brahm Centre.
