Alppikylä Setlementtiasunnot celebrated its anniversary on Saturday, May 6th, as ten years have passed since the completion of the Alppikylä Nyyttipuisto building.
The residents’ association organized a celebration in honor of the anniversary, which was attended by numerous residents and invited guests.
“We started planning the celebration in the residents’ association about a month ago. The idea was that music and being together are the most essential things,” says Seijamirjami. She has lived in the building since 2016.
The celebration had a warm atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The courtyard was decorated with pennants made from recycled materials and flowers borrowed from a resident’s balcony. Troubadour Vihtori Maijanen performed in the courtyard under the spring sunshine, and the audience sat on benches covered with rag rugs for warmth.
“Everyone in the residents’ committee utilized their strengths in the arrangements. We decorated, baked, and prepared food,” says Seijamirjami.
Residents help each other and participate in volunteer activities
The residents’ common room in Setlementtiasunnot’s Nyyttipuisto building is actively used. In addition to resident use, food aid is organized there every Friday.
“I was involved in establishing the food distribution at Pro Alppikylä, and the residents’ committee enthusiastically joined in,” says Seijamirjami.
The distribution of surplus food bags has been operating in the residents’ common room for a couple of years.
“Last time, 108 people picked up a food bag from us. The number grew especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the war in Ukraine has increased it even further. We assemble the bags with the help of volunteers,” Seijamirjami explains.
Residents also help each other when needed.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, community spirit was emphasized. We have many people living alone. If someone fell ill with COVID-19, there were several people who helped, bringing groceries from the store. They weren’t left alone,” Seijamirjami smiles.
Rinnekoti residents participate in activities
Alppikylä Setlementtiasunnot also includes Rinnekoti supported housing for people with intellectual disabilities. Some residents participate in the building’s communal activities.
– The support needs of our clients are highly individualized. Some of our clients require very strong support in all areas of life, while others are quite independent, states Service Unit Director Eveliina Nyholm from Rinnekoti.
“The goal of housing is to offer residents an individual life tailored to their needs and a service that supports their lives. Practicing daily living skills is one part of participating in one’s own life. Residents are offered sufficient support for doing things, while also practicing more independent daily functioning,” Nyholm states.
According to her, Rinnekoti residents have enjoyed their time in Alppikylä.
“Our clients have the same right to choose their place of residence as any other person. The turnover in the operational unit is very low. Could that also indicate satisfaction?”
