We are fast approaching the end of another calendar year when it is often appropriate to look back at the year just ending and make plans for the year ahead.
2018 has been an important and busy year for Bethany. The opening of Bethany Riverview and initiating the move of the Corporate team, from its old “home” to its new location, were big accomplishments; however, they were not alone. There have also been program changes at Bethany Calgary, including the ongoing refurbishment of the North building to expand the Alternate Level of Care program and to prepare for the opening of a much needed Young Adult Program within Alberta Health Services (AHS) Calgary Zone. As well, Bethany Didsbury welcomed a new Adult Day Support Program, operated by AHS, to expand its reach in the community.
Looking forward to 2019, we will see the remaining employees of our Corporate team move into Mikkelsen House and the anticipated opening of a day care centre within Bethany Riverview. This introduces the excitement of having children playing in the midst of our residents, tenants and employees at Riverview Village.
All of these recent events and accomplishments do not occur without appropriate planning and execution. As we enter the New Year, the Executive Leadership Team has started the important work of planning for Bethany’s future direction in a number of ways, including:
- working with the Board of Trustees to prepare a strategic plan that will provide a vision for Bethany well into the next decade;
- gathering internal data to inform us about our current operations and determining the trends that will advise us about our future operations;
- gaining an understanding of the broader environments in which we operate – legally, economically and politically;
- striving to meet the needs and hopes of those we currently serve – our residents, tenants, employees and funders – as well as those who will fill those roles in the future; and
- continuing to meet Bethany’s mission of Creating Caring Communities.
Balancing all of these goals and fulfilling everyone’s desires, wishes and aspirations is a challenging task. It is one that I have confidence will be accomplished through the dedicated work of all of the People of Bethany, who continue to demonstrate the confidence, dedication and resilience to maintain Bethany’s leadership role within our communities.
This is also the time when you can provide your input into Bethany’s future direction. I welcome hearing your ideas, suggestions and any questions that you may have. Please feel free to send them to me at
alasdair.smith@bethanyseniors.com.
Take care,
– Alasdair
Leave a Reply