Baptist Housing Ministries

Seniors Supportive Housing Approved For Baptist Housing

On May 7, the Provincial Government and BC Housing announced that Baptist Housing was among the not-for-profits selected to create Seniors Supportive Housing for low income seniors in BC.  Baptist Housing has two communities participating in this partnership with BC Housing:  Grandview Towers III in Vancouver will be upgraded to offer 55 supportive housing suites, while Victoria’s Marrion Village will offer 24 supportive housing suites.  The program is designed to upgrade existing subsidized housing communities by improving accessibility, safety, and introducing support services.

According to Ray Saucy, COO of Chaplaincy & Seniors Living Communities, "The provision of housekeeping, meals, and wellness/activities to these residents will enhance their lives and allow them to age in place, creating an environment of expanded ministry to seniors who need these services."

Baptist Housing Acquires Three Kelowna Campuses Of Care From The Pacific Sun Group Of Companies - March 10, 2008

Baptist Housing Enhanced Living Communities announced today a definitive agreement to acquire three properties from the portfolio of Pacific Sun group of companies, a well-respected leader in retirement living in the Kelowna area.

Baptist Housing has a vision of growing to serve 2000 residents by 2012, and will expand by more than 540 residents to serve a total of more than 1800 seniors in 13 communities through this acquisition. 

According to Howard Johnson, CEO, “This acquisition is focused on expanding our ministry to the seniors of British Columbia.  We count return on investment in terms of seniors living well, and we are excited to add these communities of care to the Baptist Housing family.”

The portfolio includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, licensed Complex Care, and home support service contracts across three communities:

• The Village at Smith Creek (formerly Westside Care Centre)
• The Village at Mill Creek (formerly the Joseph Benjamin Residence and Still Waters Private Hospital)
• Sun Pointe Village in Rutland

These properties are part of the Kornell family owned business, which has been serving the Okanagan Valley for over 40 years, starting with the vision of Adele Kornell in the early 1960’s.  “We consider Baptist Housing to be the ideal steward of the commitment to resident care and service our family has created here.  Our residents, team members, and the reputation of these three communities are in good hands,” said Tim Kornell.

In a similar manner, in 1964 Dr. Jack Pickford recognized the need for housing among the elderly within their own communities, and founded Baptist Housing to offer service and compassion through housing and spiritual care.  These two similar histories form the basis of a very successful future in serving seniors in Kelowna.

“Baptist Housing has a great deal of respect for the Kornell family and the reputation they have in the Kelowna area.  It is our privilege to carry their vision, similar to our own, of providing compassionate care for seniors,” Johnson said.

There are over 400 team members across the three sites, and the integration of these teams affords Baptist Housing the strategic opportunity to bring together similar cultures, a commitment to excellence in care, and clear focus on values to offer seniors enhanced living everyday.

“Pacific Sun had a motto of ‘Enhanced Living Every Day’.  Our commitment to the team members in Kelowna is to honour the success they have created.  The first step in demonstrating this commitment is to incorporate their core philosophy of enhanced living every day into the name of the new society,” Johnson affirmed. “And it will only grow from there.  We expect to learn a great deal from our new team members, and as we share our successes with each other, our residents will benefit from the resulting innovation and improvements everywhere Baptist Housing serves seniors in BC.” 

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008 subject to the approval of the Interior Health Authority, BC Housing, the Assisted Living Registrar, and the Minister of Health.   

The Pacific Sun group of companies will continue to be involved in operation of the Regency Retirement Resorts complexes of Sandalwood, Missionwood, Westwood, and the proposed Northwood, as well as Lakeshore Place.  Greg Kornell states, “we are not moving away from the passion that seems to be an inherent characteristic of our family, which is to ensure the highest quality in services and housing options to our population of seniors.  Our desire is to take the concept that we have developed in the Central Okanagan to other parts of the province.”

Baptist Housing Enhanced Living Communities is a member of Baptist Housing Ministries.  Baptist Housing Ministries is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is, “while exemplifying Christ-like values, we provide comfortable homes and exceptional care to seniors, assisting them to live well in supportive communities.”  Our purpose is to care for the physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of seniors who make their home in one of our housing communities ranging from rental apartments and Independent Living with support services to Assisted Living and licensed Complex Care.

Shannon Oaks Oak Bay Ribbon Cutting - November 15, 2007
 
Provincial and community partners gathered with us today to celebrate the opening of Shannon Oaks Oak Bay, our new seniors’ residence that has 102 independent living suites located on a campus with assisted living and seniors’ affordable housing.

Residents of this "Independent Living Residence" are able to remain physically active and contribute to life in their new community.  Social & Wellness activities, two meals per day, 24 hour on site emergency monitoring, and housekeeping & linen services are offered to support our residents. 

Read the full news release here.

Marrion Village Ribbon Cutting - September 6, 2007

Provincial and community partners gathered with us today to celebrate the opening of Marrion Village, a new seniors residence that includes 38 subsidized assisted living units, along with market housing suites.

The Assisted Living units are self-contained apartments where residents receive meals, housekeeping and laundry services, a 24-hour response system, and assistance with medications.  This development is close to a seniors’ centre, shopping, recreation facilities, and medical offices.



Read the news release on the BC Housing Web Site.

Howard Johnson named CEO - September 1, 2007

Howard Johnson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Housing Ministries effective September 1, 2007.  Howard has served with Baptist Housing for the past 18 years, most recently in the role of Chief Operating Officer.  His vast experience and knowledge in seniors housing development and operation, coupled with his history of positive collaboration with government, health authorities, and other strategic partners makes Howard the visionary to lead Baptist Housing to achieve our mission.

Larry Nelson, who has served as Baptist Housing CEO for the last 13 years will work in a consulting role to support our leadership team until his retirement on November 30, 2007.  We are grateful for Larry's dedicated service and leadership, and we hope for every blessing for Larry as he considers how to enjoy the next phase of his life.