Community services and housing provider, St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The agency’s 3 decades of service to the community will be celebrated over 2 days with an official ceremony for staff, volunteers, current and past board members and special guests on Friday November 21st and an Open House for residents, clients and the general community on Saturday, November 22nd. What better way to introduce the general public to the quality programs and services that St. Paul’s offers than to open its doors to the community. The purpose of the Open House is to highlight the agency’s programs and services through exhibits and activities. The Open House will be held from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, November 22, 2008 and promises refreshments, food samplings, prizes, and program demonstrations.
“Our vision for 30 years has been to provide a services and housing environment for seniors that allows them to live independently in their community with wellness and dignity and to provide this environment regardless of culture, language or ability to pay. We look forward to continuing to meet this vision for the coming 30 years” stated Larry Burke, St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Centre, Executive Director.
Originally, a gift of land for the seniors in the area, St. Paul’s began serving the community in 1978. Growing from very humble beginnings in the early 70s, today St. Paul’s assists over 6,000 multicultural seniors, their families and caregivers. The agency’s support services assist older adults and seniors to continue living independently in the community. In addition to housing, its programs and services span home support, supportive housing, day programs, transportation, meals on wheels and food services, support groups, counseling, and health promotion. The Recreation department alone boasts more than 200 programs such as social, leisure and education programs; day trips and special events.
St. Paul’s has not only been a leader in seniors’ housing and services but also a hub for research. The agency partners with academic institutions, community partners and local businesses to continually develop innovative projects and produce vital research that enhance and contribute to the field of healthcare and the needs of seniors.
In early 2008, St. Paul’s received accreditation from Accreditation Canada. The accreditation report highlighted St. Paul’s successes in its 30 year history: dedication of service; a celebration of volunteers; innovation and creativity; commitment to accreditation; health and human resources; and service needs. The hallmark of St. Paul’s has always been commitment to quality care and continuous quality improvement.
After 30 years, St. Paul’s is still leading the way in innovate responses to the need for senior housing with programs and services. In a unique partnering of the private and not-for-profit sectors, St. Paul’s has partnered with City Core Developments & Invar Building Construction, to begin development of Harmony Village- a 55-plus retirement residential building and community centre offering an upscale lifestyle condominium-like setting that features an array of services and amenities catering to older adults. Harmony Village is also poised to be Canada’s first green retirement community by applying for LEED Gold Certification. This process means Harmony Village will be rated for environmental leadership and advancement, including water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and innovative design.
St. Paul’s has been a pioneer in senior housing and health care. Looking back on its accomplishments and forward into the future, St. Paul’s will continue to be a model of combining housing and services to promote independent living for seniors.
