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News
The Journey Fall 2025
January 7
Category: Publications
News
2024-2025 Report to the Community
September 23
2024-2025 was a busy and exciting year for Good Samaritan! Together we celebrated 75 years of compassionate care, were awarded Exemplary Status by Accreditation Canada following an intensive survey, launched our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, and broke ground in Edmonton for our new continuing care village. To find these stories and more, read our annual report to the community.
News
The Art of a Lifetime
July 30
Creativity, Community, and Connection at Good Samaritan Christenson Village
At Good Samaritan Christenson Village, art isn’t just a pastime, it’s a powerful expression of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we continue to discover about ourselves. Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush for the first time or sharing a lifetime of creative work, our residents are proving every day that it’s never too late to create, connect, and inspire.
Just ask Irene. At 96 years young, she recently completed a beautiful painting of an owl under the guidance of our talented art program leader and Recreation Therapy Aide, Makiko Kitama. What makes this achievement especially inspiring is that Irene only began painting three years ago. Her journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and a reminder that new passions can take flight at any age.
Down the hall, another inspiring story has taken shape, this one rooted in decades of creativity. Resident Helene, a lifelong painter, recently debuted a stunning retrospective exhibit in our Assisted Living Art Gallery. With the help of her daughter Diane and Makiko, Helene carefully curated and hung up the collection, many pieces of which haven’t been publicly displayed in years. The gallery now glows with her talent, memories, and love for the craft.
The official opening of Helene’s exhibit was a joyful celebration, bringing together family, friends, and community members. In fact, the gallery was the place to be in Gibsons that day! We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Mayor Silas White along with Councillors Christi Thompson, Annemarie De Andrade, and David Croal from the Town of Gibsons, who joined us to enjoy the artwork and visit with residents.
One of those residents in attendance was Tucker—himself a former Mayor of Gibsons—who shared a heartwarming reunion with Mayor White at the event. Their connection added an extra special touch to the day, highlighting just how intertwined our village is with the larger Gibsons community.
These stories—of discovery, rediscovery, and connection—are what make our community so vibrant. From Irene’s fresh passion to Helene’s enduring artistry, and from gallery openings to mayoral reunions, creativity continues to bring us together in beautiful and unexpected ways.
A heartfelt thank-you to Bruce, our Recreation Therapist, for helping bring these artistic visions to life and to everyone who supports our growing art programs.
Here’s to lifelong creativity, cherished memories, and the magic of community.
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
Welcomed. Valued. Loved.
July 21
By Matt Joy, Director Mission, Ethics, Research, and Reconciliation
Imagine entering a room filled with conversation and laughter. There are pockets of people at tables, sharing snacks and playing another game of cribbage. Others are in the throes of conversation as a master storyteller is providing a breakdown of the latest adventure, they’ve been a part of. Still others are scurrying in the spirit of hospitality to make sure everyone has what they need to enjoy this time and space. As you enter and immediately wonder where your place is or if you will be invited into one of these pockets of connection, one of the greatest sounds of all interrupts your thoughts and anxiousness. That sound is someone calling your name and waving arms of welcome into their space, their conversation, into community. We long for that feeling of being welcomed, valued, and loved and we all have an opportunity to be people who allow others to experience it.
What does it mean to truly belong? At Good Samaritan, we believe that every person deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and loved. This belief is at the heart of our vision: “Being and belonging – every person, every home”. This vision has hands and feet, coming alive in the care we provide and in the lives of those on the receiving end of that care. It shapes the way we care for residents and clients, support families, and empower staff. This vision recently inspired a facility administrative assistant at Victoria Heights in New Westminster, BC, to take their break to lead a hymn sing and prayer for residents while the Chaplain was away on bereavement leave. The overflow of that choice was the sound of conversation and laughter overflowing from the chapel, symbolizing the meaning and power of this connection.
For over 76 years, Good Samaritan has been more than a provider of health – it has been a place of belonging. Whether in a long-term care home in Delta, assisted living community in Medicine Hat, or a PPDD home in Edmonton, we strive foster environments where people feel seen and known. While this is supported and driven by leadership, organizational policies & procedures, and accreditation standards, a culture of belonging is truly cultivated in the day-to-day interactions and actions and how Good Samaritan values are reflected in them. It is staff rallying around a 99-year-old resident who has no living family support. I heard recently of a coordinated effort from team members to ensure this individual felt cared for by regularly watering her plants, planning birthday celebrations for her, and making sure she has access to her favourite chocolate. This is the essence of being welcomed, valued, and loved – not mere grand gestures, but small, intentional moments that communicate dignity and care.
This culture of belonging doesn’t happen by chance; it is cultivated through these intentional actions from us all. One team member put it best: “We’re not just providing care; we’re creating a home.” This means honouring each person’s story, respecting their dignity, and ensuring that they feel truly seen.
This vision is not just for those who live and work within our homes—it’s for all of us. Families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners all play a role in shaping an environment where every person is welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or an ongoing commitment to compassionate care, we each have an opportunity to live out this vision.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission. Because when people feel a sense of belonging, lives are transformed. This is what it means to be part of Good Samaritan.
Forward. Together.
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
Good Samaritan Hillside Village Men’s Shed Program
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
New Continuing Care Village Project Work Well Underway
November 20
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.
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.
News
Breaking Ground on the Village
November 19
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.
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.
News
Hitting the Right Notes with Music Therapy
March 15
By Crystal De Jong, Site and Clinical Services Manager, Good Samaritan Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre
Nadine Veroba-Dagg, MTA is a Certified Music Therapist who comes into work at Dr. Gerald Zetter Centre. Music Therapy is the clinical use of music by a certified music therapist to promote the health and wellbeing of an individual. The music therapy program at the Zetter Centre has been running for over two years. Nadine works closely with the Recreation Team to identify residents who will benefit most from the extra support that music therapy provides. Residents who are considered higher priority for music therapy include those who are isolated, who are experiencing higher depression or anxiety, who are having difficulty transitioning to the long-term care environment, have higher amounts of pain, or those who have a strong history of music in their lives. After assessing each resident referred, either individual sessions or small group sessions are provided depending on the goals and needs of each person.
During a music therapy session, Nadine works to develop a therapeutic relationship with each person by offering a connection through music. Interventions may include; singing, playing a small handheld instrument, discussion around music and memories, song-writing, music for relaxation, or receptive engagement with the music. Every music therapy session is unique as it is guided by the responses and needs of the individual. The space is held for whatever the person needs from the music that day.
Feedback from the program has been very positive from staff, families and residents. One of the participants in the music therapy program has said many times, “This is the best thing of my week.”
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.
News
Penguins Come to CHOICE
March 15
By Charlotte Collieau and Heidi Mouris, Recreation Therapists, Good Samaritan CHOICE Program
October 15th was African Penguin Awareness Day, and Good Samaritan CHOICE clients received a special visit from Millie. Millie is one of the Edmonton Marine Life Centre’s African penguins who visits groups across Edmonton to bring awareness and education to those who are interested in learning about penguins.
Stacey, Millie’s handler at the Marine Life Centre in West Edmonton Mall, was a fantastic educator. She taught us so much about penguins; for example, did you know that of 18 species of penguins, only 5 live in colder climates while the rest are all warm weather penguins? We also learned about they use their strong beaks protect themselves, how their eyes have 3 eyelids and how Millie would not close her two major eyelids while she was here in order to learn as much as she could about her new environment.
Stacey also told us about how penguins’ life spans are shortening due to food shortages, and how the Marine Life Centre is one of many organizations developing strategies to ensure penguins’ survival. She also taught us that we can make an impact on the health of all wildlife by keeping garbage and pollution to a minimum and buying fish that are Ocean Wise approved in order to maintain adequate fish levels for marine life.
Overall, clients and residents alike had a wonderful afternoon with Millie. Clients, volunteer and staff dressed in black and white, and we had tasty vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with Penguin toppers (designed by our very own occupational therapist, Ellie). Needless to say, clients and staff learned tons and were enthralled to see a live penguin up close. Millie was an adorable and entertaining guest as she strolled across the table and CHOICE clients learned about her. A huge thank-you to Marine Life Centre for visiting and teaching us about African Penguins.
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.
News
Real-Life Paw Patrol at West Highland Centre
March 14
By Pamela Roy, Recreation Therapy Aide, Good Samaritan West Highland Centre
Good Samaritan West Highland Centre residents and staff welcomed Constable Braylon Hyggen from the Lethbridge Police Service to their care home, along with police service dogs Myke and Bridge. Residents got a hands-on demonstration of how the dogs are trained, as well as how police service dogs work alongside human officers to keep our communities safe.
Both PSD Myke and PSD Bridge are Belgian Malinois, a breed commonly found in police services around the world. While Myke is an 8-year veteran of the force, Bridge is only nine months old and still completing his training. Because police dogs typically retire after 9 years of service, Bridge is effectively training to take Myke’s place in the K9 unit.
West Highland Centre residents were delighted to watch as Constable Hyggen demonstrated how the dogs detect contraband substances. PSD Myke showed resident his uncanny ability to follow a scent around the room, and was rewarded with a spirited game of tug-of-war with his toy afterward. Meanwhile, PSD expertly sought out washers hidden by Constable Hyggen, and was rewarded with treats for his efforts. Constable Hyggen also highlighted the tools officers use to communicate with the animals, as well as the tools given to the dogs themselves (such as collar flashlights) to help them perform their duties. Both police dogs demonstrated their calm, friendly demeanours as they interacted with residents and staff alike throughout the afternoon.
The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for residents to meet members of the Lethbridge Police Service. Thanks to Constable Hyggen, Myke and Bridge, our residents got a great opportunity for the to meet valued members of the community they normally wouldn’t get to see.
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of the Journey. Read this and other issues of the Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the Journey online or by mail.