Good Samaritan Hillside Village Men’s Shed Program
Articles, Community Support, News, Publications
July 8
By Vikki Marrs, Chaplain, Good Samaritan Hillside Village and Good Samaritan Pioneer Lodge, Salmon Arm, BC
Dementia care continues to evolve and be more inclusive than ever before. This often means creatively responding to the changing demographics of individuals and creating ways to improve their quality of life in a care environment.
In 2024 the word “enrichment” was added to my chaplain’s vocabulary and here at Hillside Village my question-to-self for the year was “how can I move beyond activity-based regular programming to provide a space where the men could play a greater role in what they did and how they interacted with each other?” In the community, men usually get together informally and just talk or do something as a hobby. After talking to the men and having a meeting with them, the Hillside Village Men’s Shed program was started.
Our Men’s Shed is an enrichment program for the men and created by the men who determine what they would like to do. Both myself and rec-coordinator, West, help facilitate the gathering and each person is welcomed, valued, and loved within the group. Homemade muffins and fresh coffee are the order of the morning. So far, the men have refurbished the curling sticks and are in the process of finishing some cutting boards and charcuterie boards to sell at the Spring Fling event to raise funds for future projects. Thanks to a grant from Men’s Shed Canada and supplies from a local hardware store, the men now have the supplies and tools they need for future projects and are bringing their ideas and opinions to the table and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Journey. Read previous issues of The Journey and other publications here or subscribe at the bottom of this page to be the first to receive The Journey online or by mail.
News
Awards of Distinction
Awards, News
May 6
Employee Award Categories
Each award is open to one employee across Good Samaritan.
Mission Award
The mission award recognizes an employee who best exemplifies extending Christian hospitality in a meaningful and creative way. They embody the organization’s mission statement.
Criteria
This employee:
Demonstrates Christian values in actions and decision-making
Demonstrates integration of Good Samaritans identity as a faith-based, not-for-profit care organization in their actions and decision-making
Advocates for vulnerable and diverse populations
Fosters an inclusive approach to team and community
Vision Award
The vision award recognizes an employee who continually supports our vision of being and belonging – every person, every home.
Criteria
This employee:
Fosters relationships between residents and their family, friends, community and other employees.
Promotes inclusion and collaboration.
Promotes environments that support meaningful experiences.
Promotes safe and security environments.
Nurtures the spirit, health and wellbeing of others.
Actively fosters an inclusive environment where individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities feel welcomed and valued.
Excellence Award
The excellence award recognizes an employee who consistently exceeds expectations by delivering outstanding experiences to those they serve. Through their innovative approach to service, they not only meet needs but also anticipate them, leaving a lasting impact on recipients. Whether through groundbreaking solutions, creative problem-solving, or pioneering methods, recipients of this award exemplify a commitment to going above and beyond in their dedication to exceptional service.
Criteria
This employee:
Demonstrates a track record of developing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance the quality of service delivery.
Showcases creativity and originality in their approach to problem-solving and service delivery, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to overcome challenges and meet diverse needs.
demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing needs and circumstances, adjusting their approach as necessary to ensure continued excellence in service delivery
Collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to develop and implement innovative solutions, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve shared goals.
Inclusion Award
The inclusion award recognizes an employee that fosters an organizational culture that accepts and nurtures the individuality of others and represents all people within our communities. Through their actions, they inspire others to embrace equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and actively contribute to building a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Criteria
This employee:
Fosters environments that are inclusive, comfortable, and welcoming for all.
Role models expectations and behaviours in embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, and Reconciliation.
Promotes fairness and justice by addressing systemic barriers and, providing resources and support based on individual needs.
Embraces our opportunity and responsibility to move in the path of reconciliation.
Healthy Relationships Award
The Healthy Relationships Award recognizes an employee who works in supportive partnerships and opens their heart to others by affirming their goodness and potential. They make it a priority to develop and foster every relationship they are a part of.
Criteria
This employee:
Shows respect to others
Is eager to partner in shared responsibilities
Communicates openly and sincerely
Shows compassion to all
Upholds dignity and encourages the growth of everyone around them
It makes those around them feel truly part of the Good Samaritan family
Actively promotes the work of Good Samaritan
Servant Leadership Award
The servant leadership category recognizes employees who continually demonstrate the core values of the Good Samaritan through exemplary servant leadership qualities. They lead through the giving of themselves in service to others, by acting with courage in a trustworthy and ethical manner.
Servant Leaders are
Accountable for all their actions
Demonstrate integrity
Are good stewards of resources
Demonstrate fairness
Criteria
This employee:
Leads by example and inspires leadership though action and results.
Demonstrates accountability for their actions and decisions.
Leads by managing resources in the most efficient manner and devises plans that reflect the current and future needs of those they serve.
Knows the resources they have been entrusted with and works towards improving services with these resources.
Excels in open and honest communication with others.
Believes in continuous learning and assisting in the growth of others.
Each award is open to one team across Good Samaritan.
Administrative and operational teams, including interdisciplinary teams, are eligible.
A team must consist of a minimum of 3 people.
Resident/Client Experience Award
The resident/client experience award recognizes a team that has implemented a change or made an improvement to how residents/clients and their families experience healthcare services. This team continually prioritizes all aspects of person-centered healthcare service delivery to stay focused on those we serve. Demonstrable improvements in or positive impact on culture, quality, safety and/or financial indicators will be used to determine the recipient of this award.
Quality Improvement Award
The quality improvement award recognizes a team that has demonstrated a relentless focus on driving forward quality improvement. . This team is a strong advocate of quality improvement: leading, influencing, motivating and engaging others in improvement efforts with an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for resident/clients. This team has implemented a quality improvement initiative(s) focused on a single issue resulting in a measurable, positive impact within Good Samaritan.
Celebrate excellence with our Awards of Distinction—nominate a Good Samaritan employee or team today! Nominations are open to everyone.
News
Seeking Nominees for the Board of Directors
Announcements, Board of Directors, News
March 24
The Board of Directors of The Good Samaritan Society, Good Samaritan Canada and Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre (Good Samaritan) seek to maintain a Board comprised of talented and dedicated Directors with a diverse mix of expertise, experience, skills and backgrounds. The skills and backgrounds collectively represented on the Board should reflect the diverse nature of the business environment in which Good Samaritan operates. For purposes of Board composition, diversity includes, but is not limited to, geography, age, gender, and ethnicity.
Good Samaritan is currently seeking nominees to join a diverse group of members who collaboratively contribute to the well-being and sustainability of the organization. Recognizing the importance of Indigenous voices, we are actively seeking a candidate from an Indigenous background to join the Board of Directors.
The Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada are leading faith-based, not-for-profit, registered charities in Western Canada that provide quality accommodations, health, and community care services and programs to aging individuals in need. With over 75 years of experience providing specialized health and community care services in innovative and caring environments, our operational effectiveness and overarching culture of service and care make us the provider of choice for individuals and their families seeking a supportive place to call home.
The Board of Directors is a governance board of twelve (12) directors (ten laypeople and two clergy).
The Board of Directors define the organization’s mission and sets its strategic directions and priorities but delegate responsibility for staff and the day-to-day management of activities to the President and CEO.
The Board meets quarterly, for two days, plus Committee meetings to:
Establish policy;
Exercise fiduciary responsibilities, including investment strategies;
Monitor, advise and support the achievements of the strategic plan; and
Focus on visioning for the future in an ever-changing healthcare and service delivery environment.
The Board is seeking to fill one position. We are interested in candidates with:
Demonstrated ability to communicate the mission, vision, values and strategic priorities of Good Samaritan to its partners, stakeholders and broader community;
Willingness to take an active participatory role in board meetings, committees and projects;
Previous board experience, in particular on not-for-profit governance boards; and
Demonstrated ability to understand and contribute to business processes, including financial and strategic planning in a meaningful, constructive way.
Ideal candidates will bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Legal: Experience in legal advisory, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Labor and Union Negotiations: Skilled in labour relations, union contract negotiations, and conflict resolution.
Communications and Fundraising: Background in strategic communications, public relations, and leading major fundraising campaigns.
Term(s) of Office: Directors are elected for a three-year term and may sit for a maximum of three consecutive terms.
All directors shall be voting members of The Good Samaritan Society and must reside in the province of Alberta or British Columbia. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please forward your resume to Paola Gatica, Director Communications and Board Support, at pegatica@gss.org.
Application deadline is April 30, 2025
News
Friendship in Supportive Living
News
November 22
Recreation is an important part of Good Samaritan residents’ daily lives. Donate to our 2024 Christmas Appeal today to support meaningful, enriching recreation on our care homes and programs!
Recreational therapy provides people in continuing care a chance to take part in activities and to meet new people and form new relationships.
Recreation is an opportunity to get people out of their rooms, to socialize and make friends.
One of the best parts of my job as a Recreation Therapy Aide at West Highlands is to watch the friendships blossom and grow. I get to see these friendships blossom from day one when a resident moves in. There is always one person who introduces themselves and invites others to an activity. From there, the residents start socializing on their own, going for walks together, sitting on the deck, having coffee, etc. They lean on each other through good times and bad. They are happy for each other when one gets a Bingo, sad for each other when they lose a loved one, and support each other through the bad days.
I am fortunate to see firsthand people build each other up, encourage each other to get out to activities, and support each other in their times of vulnerability and it is truly beautiful.
Friendship becomes a strong bond for our residents, and it is an honour to watch these friendships develop. It is one of the reasons that I am so happy that I get to work where I do and will continue to until I am the one looking for a friend.
Hopefully, I will find someone who is as loyal and caring as the people in these photos.
By Pam Bertrand, Recreation Therapy Aide, Good Samaritan West Highland Centre & Estates
The Good Samaritan Society proudly launched its inaugural Wellness Conference on October 7, focused on the theme Uplifting Care for Staff: Mind, Body, Culture. This landmark event at the River Cree Casino and Resort was created to enhance the well-being of our dedicated staff, providing them with valuable tools, resources, and support to prioritize their mental and physical health. Attendees experienced an enriching environment where they could learn, network, and engage in hands-on workshops to improve their self-care practices.
At the heart of the conference were insightful keynote sessions delivered by distinguished speakers who addressed critical aspects of wellness and mental health. Highlights included the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Michael Green speaking on psychological health and safety in the workplace and the art of self-care, introduction to The Working Mind training program by Kristi Lee Newton from the Continuing Care Safety Association, and Athabasca University’s Dr. Deborah Foster presented a session on tackling the challenge of time management in the workplace.
The conference was possible through a Government of Alberta grant called Care for Staff, specifically to support the mental and physical health of continuing care employees. Approximately 150 continuing care employees attended, most were Good Samaritan staff with some from other providers and students from Norquest College. The grant made it possible to deliver the sessions virtually, so about 25 staff who could not attend in person could still participate.
In addition to the keynote sessions, participants engaged in interactive workshops aimed at stress management, physical wellness, and creating a positive work environment. Guided meditation, yoga sessions, and nutrition workshops offered practical introductions to fostering a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
The Good Samaritan Society’s 2024 Wellness Conference was a resounding success, reaffirming our commitment to uplifting the mind, body, and culture of our valued staff. This event marked the beginning of a lasting focus on health and wellbeing in the workplace.
News
New Continuing Care Village Project Work Well Underway
Work on Good Samaritan’s newest continuing care village is progressing. The new village will be on Lewis Greens Drive in the Stewart Greens community in Edmonton’s west end. We have not decided on a name yet, and we hope that will come after discussion with community partners and stakeholders.
This new continuing care village is currently being designed with seven floors and will house 280 residents in 20 houses, each with 14 residents. There are four houses per floor (Floors 2 to 6). The main floor will house site administration, a rehabilitation gym, kitchen, cafeteria, gift shop, and hair salon. The 7th floor is being designed for Good Samaritan’s head office.
Timeframe
A groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the project’s official launch was held on October 8, 2024.
Schematic Design—This phase allows the project team to work with the architects and various engineers to flesh out the vision of the building design. It provides a multitude of design proposals to assist with creating the vision and ensures that flow and synergies of spaces are considered when selecting the placement of each space. The schematic design began in January 2024 and is nearing completion.
Design Development—During this phase, an advanced schematic design was selected. This will remain the basis of the design as it progresses to include the specifics of each space…from hand sanitizer locations to the number of chairs. We are progressing with the design phase and are also applying for a development permit with the City of Edmonton.
A Capital Fundraising Campaign will begin in 2025. Watch for opportunities to support!
Innovation and technology options are being explored to provide efficient and supportive care for our residents.
Construction—Once the final design has been solidified, the architects will create blueprints and send these specifications through the Good Samaritan’s project bidding process to allow qualified contractors to bid on the work. Once a contractor has been selected, construction of the Village will begin. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025.
Updates are being made to Good Samaritan’s ‘Being and Belonging’ Model of Care to best support our residents. At the same time, we are also working on reimagining the Small Home Model— philosophy, which is based upon Good Samaritan’s experience with current Small Homes and a review of global models.
Building completion is scheduled for fall 2027, with further developments to the property in the coming years.
On October 8, Good Samaritan officially broke ground on the Good Samaritan Continuing Care Village, a future care home in Edmonton’s west end. The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Alberta Minister of Health the Honourable Adriana LaGrange and Edmonton City Councillor (for Tastawiyiniwak) Karen Principe. Both officials praised the initiative for addressing the growing demand for continuing care in the province.
The Government of Alberta committed $126 million in capital funding to the project, which will add 280 beds for residents who require specialized medical care and cannot remain safely at home or in alternate care settings. The Continuing Care Village (to be formally named in the future) is designed to reflect modern, personcentered care principles. It will consist of 20 independent households, each with 14 residents living in private rooms. It will offer a personalized and home-like living environment that prioritizes dignity, choice, and individual preferences.
Expected to be completed by fall 2027, the Village will be purposely designed to create a culturally appropriate space for Indigenous residents, families, and employees. From the physical design of the building and property to the programming and care within it, Indigenous peoples will feel safe in the Village.
At the groundbreaking President and CEO Dr. Katherine Chubbs described the project as Good Samaritan’s largest capital project to date and Edmonton’s largest new continuing care project.
“Our Village will be an integral part of the Stewart Greens community,” she said. “We will open our doors to local schools and community groups to promote intergenerational understanding and experiences. In the coming months, you will see and hear more about our Village project as we seek broad community support for our capital campaign to furnish and enhance services at the new site.”
Good Samaritan is thrilled to embark on this exciting project. As construction progresses, Good Samaritan looks forward to working closely with the community and Indigenous partners to ensure this innovative facility meets the needs of future residents and sets a new standard for compassionate, inclusive care.
Good Samaritan marked a significant milestone on October 5, celebrating 75 years of compassionate care and community service with a spectacular Anniversary Gala at the River Cree Resort and Casino. The event brought together supporters, staff, and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration, reflection and entertainment.
Former Good Samaritan Matt Joy served as Master of Ceremonies and set the tone for the night with a wonderful sense of gratitude and living the Samaritan spirit. Our President and CEO Dr. Katherine Chubbs, along with Board Chairperson Marlene Raasok, delivered greetings highlighting the organization’s rich history of providing high-quality care to seniors and vulnerable individuals and emphasized the role that dedicated staff, volunteers, and the broader community have played in its success.
“Like the Good Samaritan from the parable, we support the people in our care and rely on others to help us and our residents,” said Dr. Chubbs. “That is the Good Samaritan way – service for others, above all else.” Dr. Chubbs thanked the event sponsors and auction donors who made the evening possible, particularly CareRx, Silver Group Purchasing and Spark Event Collective.
Entertainment for the night featured the vibrant and moving performance of the Maskêkosihk River Cree Drum & Dancers. Their drumming and traditional dance captivated the audience and brought cultural richness and honour to the evening’s proceedings, celebrating Indigenous heritage and community.
Dinner was a time of celebration and reflection, as attendees enjoyed a delectable meal while sharing stories of Good Samaritan’s impact over the decades. Following dinner, guests were treated to a lively dance party hosted by Revolution Entertainment.
Everyone was invited to hit the dance floor and continue the celebration into the evening. As the night concluded, it was clear that the Good Samaritan’s 75th Anniversary Gala was more than just a celebration of the past—it was a reminder of the organization’s lasting commitment to care, compassion, and community for years to come.
Here’s to the next 75 years!
News
Celebrating Good Sam: The Second 25 Years
News
July 10
This year, Good Samaritan is celebrating its 75th anniversary of providing care to those who need it most. As we reflect on our remarkable journey, we must acknowledge and celebrate the vision and generosity that laid the foundation for our success today. Read on to learn more about second 25 years (1974-1999) of our history, an exciting period of growth and expansion for our community.
Expanding Care to New Communities
The very first Good Samaritan PPDD group home, located in the Meadowlark neighbourhood in Edmonton.The 1970s were a decade of great change within our organization. We officially changed our name to The Good Samaritan Society (A Lutheran Social Service Organization) to better reflect the organization’s mission during this period: to “engage in all manner of Christian Welfare.”
This new mission was taken to heart, as Good Samaritan began looking at extending its services to new and diverse communities. In 1976, Good Samaritan took over management of Pineview Centre, which housed 42 residents with developmental disabilities. By the end of the decade, Good Samaritan formally expanded its care beyond the elderly, infirmed, and physically disabled to also include those with “cognitive impairment, brain injuries, and developmental disabilities.”
As the 1980s began, Good Samaritan continued to cultivate new communities for persons with developmental disabilities. In 1981, Good Samaritan opened its first Program for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PPDD) home in Meadowlark, with more community living homes opening the following year. In 1986, we introduced an innovative new program in partnership with the University of Alberta to develop individualized patient management plans for brain-damaged residents. By the end of the decade, Good Samaritan had begun working with the Alberta Association for the Dependent Handicapped in developing a vocational program to serve the severely disabled. “Options Unlimited” was the first of its kind in Edmonton and offered individuals volunteer projects in work settings.
Providing Choices
The doors opened for the CHOICE Program on February 5, 1996
While Good Samaritan blazed new trails in care for persons with developmental disabilities during this time, we also continued to pioneer new and innovative care options for the elderly, including non-institutional options for those seeking a higher level of independence.
In 1981, Good Samaritan began offering care in dedicated seniors’ apartments, allowing seniors to receive the care they need while still enjoying an independent lifestyle. Good Samaritan Place opened in 1983 in the Bonnie Doon community in Edmonton, laying the groundwork for our modern-day Independent Living program. In 1987, we began offering Lifeline, a personal electronic emergency response system which evolved into today’s nationwide TeleCare service. In 1991, we began offering Home Support services for Good Samaritan clients who live in their own homes. The next year, Good Samaritan created an Adult Day Support program for people living with dementia started after staff identified a need for individuals waiting for appropriate placements. Finally, 1996 saw the first CHOICE (Comprehensive Home Option for Integrated Care of the Elderly) program in Canada open at Good Samaritan Mount Pleasant Care Centre.
Building (and Footing the Bill!)
Groundbreaking for the new Good Samaritan Auxiliary Hospital (later the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre) on November 10, 1975.
As the demand for long-term care increased, Good Samaritan continually expanded to meet the needs of the people we serve. By the early 1980s, it had become clear that the old Good Samaritan Auxiliary Hospital would need significant improvements. Although the initial idea was to simply remodel the original wing of the hospital, it was ultimately decided that a brand-new home would be the best option for new and current residents. Good Samaritan officially broke ground on the new Auxiliary Hospital in 1985, welcoming its first residents fall 1988. Years later, the care home was renamed the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre to honour Good Samaritan’s Chief of Medical Staff from 1974-1999. Even today, the care home continues Zetter’s legacy by providing innovative, complete, and compassionate care to all those that call it home.
In addition to the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre, Good Samaritan constructed new care homes throughout the 1990s to keep up with the demand for care. In 1994, Good Samaritan opened Wedman House, the first assisted living care home of its kind in Canada, followed by Good Samaritan Mill Woods Centre in 1995. 1997 saw the opening of Spruce Grove Centre and George Hennig Place, ensuring seniors in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain had access to the care they need.
Although the Province of Alberta provided much of the funding needed for the construction of these new facilities, there was still work to be done (and funds to be raised) to provide the high level of care that has become Good Samaritan’s hallmark. Just as it is today, Good Samaritan relied on the support of donors to provide funding for many critical equipment and program needs in our care homes. In 1992, Good Samaritan offered a new and fun way for donors to give back to our communities: The Spirit of Caring Golf Classic! The golf tournament attracted community support and sponsorship dollars, and has remained a successful fundraising event for our organization for the last 30 years. Today, the two Spirit of Caring Golf Classics (in both Northern and Southern Alberta) are a critical component of our fundraising efforts, having raised millions of dollars in support of resident comfort and care.
News
Prime consultant selected for an innovative new care home in Edmonton
Announcements, News
April 24
EDMONTON, AB – Good Samaritan has selected START Architecture as the Prime Consultant for Good Samaritan West Village (to be formally named later), a new, innovative care home to be constructed in Lewis Estates, in Edmonton’s west end. The prime consultant oversees all the planning, design, and contract administration.
The Government of Alberta allocated $113 million in capital funding for the project, adding 280 beds for residents with complex medical needs who cannot remain safely at home or in alternate care settings. West Village will be designed as a collection of 20 independent households; each household will house 14 residents in private rooms, promoting a personalized living environment. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
West Village will provide a safe, inclusive environment and person-centred care that respects dignity, choice, and individual preferences. It will be purposely designed to create a culturally appropriate space for Indigenous residents, families, and employees. From the physical design of the building and property to the programming and care within it, Indigenous peoples will feel safe in West Village.
The West Village project will combine innovative design with our evidence-based approach to care, which will become the standard of care for the future in Alberta and across the country. We are pleased that Good Samaritan has been given this great responsibility and are eager to begin the design and construction.
-Dr. Katherine Chubbs, Good Samaritan President and CEO
We are committed to getting Albertans the care and support they need when they need it. The Continuing Care Capital Program supports innovative projects like the Good Samaritan West Village. This project will provide new continuing care spaces for Albertans in a priority area and will be designed to promote community and provide a high quality of life.
-Adriana Lagrange, Minister of Health
START Architecture (START) was created in 2020 with the merger of HFKS Architects and ONPA Architects, proudly carrying on the tradition of decades of service. START offers comprehensive professional services for various large institutional projects, including academic buildings, schools, healthcare, long-term and seniors’ care, mental health, and cancer care. Christopher Filipowicz will lead START’s team of architects, engineers, and designers.
Thank you to Good Samaritan for putting confidence in START Architecture. We look forward to advancing this project and creating a caring home and supportive environment for the residents.
As Alberta’s largest not-for-profit care provider, Good Samaritan provides safe, comfortable communities and inspires involvement where people can experience a sense of caring, belonging and purpose. We serve over 6,000 residents, clients and individuals in more than 60 homes in 20 communities in Alberta and British Columbia.
Good Samaritan is committed to living its Mission, Vision, and Values in serving individuals and people in need through Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
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For media inquiries, contact:
James Frey Communications and Fund Development 587-370-3590 or jfrey@gss.org
