60 years for Baptist Housing.

People are the heart of our ministry. 

Marc Kinna, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Housing, says “our ministry exists following after the compassion and love of Jesus for the world, compelling us to do likewise in loving those who need housing, care, and restoration of their souls.” Some 2,750 seniors reside comfortably in the 21 living communities located in Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Victoria, Kelowna, White Rock, West Vancouver, Salmon Arm, and Armstrong. The rental housing covers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care.

In 1964, Jack Pickford launched Clarendon Court in the Killarney area of Vancouver. It had 8 staff and 172 residents. Since his departure Jay Perkins, Lorrie Thomson, Larry Nelson, and Howard Johnson have taken the helm of this ministry. 

The society has embraced values using the anacronym CHRIST. These include Compassion, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Teamwork. Somewhere in the midst of it all, the 838 care aides, 2,500 team members, and numerous volunteers have added fun to the list. 

Lorrie Wasyliw, director on the board since 1995, and current chairperson, reflected on five highlights of her time with Baptist Housing: 

“In 2001, we opened the doors on our first independent living community. Shannon Oaks was designed to provide a community where seniors could continue to live independently and enjoy the community benefits of daily activities, fine-dining and weekly housekeeping. Then in 2005, we completed a redevelopment of Clarendon Court shifting it to assisted living housing – a first in our history.

“In 2008, we marked Baptist Housing’s expansion into Kelowna, with the purchase of three campuses, each offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Long-Term Care. The addition of the Kelowna campuses, Mill Creek Village, Sun Pointe Village, and Smith Creek Village marked significant growth in Baptist Housing’s history.

“In 2014, Mt. Edwards Court and Central Care Home residents (in Victoria) were moved into the The Heights at Mt. View (in Saanich). Next door to The Heights at Mt. View, Carey Place had opened in 2012. With 55 one-bedroom suites, the affordable senior’s residence was developed in partnership with Capital Regional District, BC Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“In 2015, Linwood Court, a senior’s rental community previously operated by the Linwood Foundation, joined the Baptist Housing family. Baptist Housing committed to keep Linwood Court affordable housing with the future desire to redevelop. This month, Linwood Court re-opens as a brand-new, affordable rental community on the land where the previous one sat – offering 97 one-bedroom suites in a vibrant neighbourhood.

“In 2019, Evergreen Baptist (White Rock and South Surrey) completed a legal transfer with Baptist Housing so that Evergreen Heights, Evergreen Manor, and Evergreen Terraces and Pointe joined the Baptist Housing family ministry, providing Long-Term Care, Assisted Living and Affordable Rental for seniors living in the area.”

Kinna says that “this year, as we continue to focus on people, we have invested more emphasis on the people serving the people. It has not been enough to say thank you. We have recognized the burden and strain – the weight and the impact – of serving in our sector over these last few years. The issues we face are real and our team is on the front-line of impact. Therefore, team wellness as a strategic ministry priority has been and remains an essential focus for us.”

In addition to team wellness, the top priorities for Baptist Housing include ministry modernization, equitable government funding, positive resident experience, sustainable staffing, redevelopment, affordable housing renewal, prayer, and end of life ministry.

The Mission of Baptist Housing.

Compelled by the values of Jesus Christ, Baptist Housing provides exceptional holistic care as assisting seniors to experience life well in supportive communities. Attention is given to physical, social, mental, and spiritual well-being for all team members. Wellness-centered resources, overseen by chaplains, “help team members understand compassion fatigue and navigate and process the grief that is an inevitable part of our care for seniors.”

Baptist Housing partners with other ministry agencies such as Fellowship Pacific, New Hope Community Services Society (serving refugees), Northwest Seminary, Women in Need Gaining Strength (WINGS), Vancouver Urban Ministries (tutoring for marginalized children), and camps like Qwanoes and Sunnybrae. Educational partners include Royal Roads, Sprott Shaw, UBC, University of Victoria, and Camosun College. Dozens of other partners focused on senior care also from part of the vast network.

Volunteers, over 15 years of age, can gain new skills, get affirmed in the use of their gifting, build meaningful relationships through shared experience with residents and team members, and learn the unique histories of so many experienced travellers. One team member noted that “caring for residents here is much more rewarding than having the changeover of patients in the hospitals. Senior care is rewarding as we care for the residents to the end of their lives.”

Chaplains respect individual faith commitments and journeys while acting as a key part of the spiritual and wellness care team. Their physical presence adds to the comfort and encouragement during vulnerable moments. Through prayer, chapels, visitation, grief support, and spiritual discussion, these vital team members add to the wholistic focus of Baptist Housing.

Independent living suites allow for affordable apartments while allowing access to nutritious dining, social events, spiritual care support, lounges, activity centres, gardening, and common patios. In addition, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) Subsidized Housing provides opportunity for those over 55 years of age, while Seniors Supportive Housing (SSH) provides modified rental units to low-income seniors and those with disabilities who need assistance.

In the past year, Baptist Housing was awarded the FortisBC Energy Conservation Leader Award from the BC Non-profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) for its unwavering dedication to energy efficiency and conservation. Not only that, but Moira Cameron, a valued team member was the recipient for the BC Care Provider of the Year Award in Assisted Living. “Her personalized care, fostering of independence, and compassion embody Baptist Housing’s core values.”

Baptist Housing advertises itself as a community dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to seniors across British Columbia. They are “actively seeking compassionate individuals who share our values and are eager to make a difference in the lives of others.”

As they look back on 60 years of compassionate service and look forward to the future, Baptist Housing leaders and staff remain focused on their mission of creating supportive environments where seniors can thrive and experience an enhanced quality of life. 

https://www.baptisthousing.org