April 11, 2019
As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Bethany Care Society in 2020, we do so knowing that the pace of change experienced
in our first 75 years is going to be exponential in the decades ahead.
Almost every aspect of the world around us is changing at a rapid speed – advancements in health, medicine and technology; growing risks to our natural environment; and political, economic and social shifts that are reshaping the way we experience the world. And yet, the most basic human experience of living, aging and dying will remain common to all of us. Bethany’s role as a compassionate care provider is going to be more important than ever as the realities, needs and expectations of an aging population challenge us to think about, plan for and provide services differently.
Our previous strategic plan, Vision 2020, saw the principles of Creating Caring Communities embedded throughout our entire organization. Acts of service excellence, large and small, were celebrated regularly across our Bethany communities. We expanded our use of technology to support quality care, improve safety and optimize our efficiency in order to make our biggest investments in direct service to people. Our staff and volunteers lived into our values every day and we committed to a comprehensive approach to leadership development at Bethany. Our multi-faithfulness work affirmed our commitment as a faith-based organization that values the traditions of all, knowing that we are made stronger by diversity.
Together, we accomplished the biggest capital development in our history, Bethany Riverview, while maintaining service excellence in each of the communities we serve. Our ‘campus of care’ model began to take root, showing that it is possible to support people on the continuum of care in innovative, yet cost-effective, ways that value the human experience and give people access to the right care at the right time in the right place. We are excited about the opportunities we see to innovate and adapt our campus model in other Bethany communities.
Through the collective work of our Board and leadership team, our new strategic plan has carefully considered the changing environment that we, and everyone else, are facing. We know that our work will require sharper focus than ever before in order to position Bethany for a sustainable future – one that will enable us to lead the transformation of Albertans aging well in community. That focus will lead us to make strategic choices to invest in what we are best at; to innovate by harnessing technology while remaining committed to care of mind, body and spirit; and to inspire the next generation of continuing care leaders.
We are optimistic about the future of care and our place in it. We invite your partnership as we embark on this important next chapter for Bethany – FOCUS 2025.
Jennifer McCue
President & Chief Executive Officer
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