New ideas are emerging!

I went for my tour of the Eden facility in Sherwood Park. What a lovely environment! Much larger than our plan but so much that I could take from it. I spent over 2 hours with their Administrator going over their application of the Eden Philosophy and touring the facility. I was impressed. For a large facility, with a history in the medical environment, they have made great strides in making the environment home like and enjoyable for the elders who live there.

One thing that fascinated me and that I would like to learn more about is the use of "life leases" for the residential units. One of the buildings in this facility is a licensed assisted living home where the residents purchase life leases. I think this may be the way to go for the homes we plan to build. Further investigation is definitely required!

Tour is Arranged

I have a tour arranged for an Eden Philosophy building in Sherwood Park, about 45 minutes outside of my home of Vegreville. Wednesday, July 18th at 4:15 pm. I am now feverishly working on my list of questions!

I also want to work on a vision and mission statement that will help clarify the goals and mandate for this foundation. As well, business cards need to be made up so I can start passing them out and getting more exposure. That is one area where I currently have little experience. I am a great administrator, I know alot about commercial real estate, contracts, negotiations, finance, etc., however I have not been exposed to marketing. I think I will add to my list of things I need next is to find a marketing person to assist me in this regard.

Today's Activities

Well, the weekend was very productive. I now have 3 directors (unpaid) for this foundation and we met for quite some time this past weekend to discuss anything and everything at this point. We have come up with a structure for the organization, both corporate and at the building level; have discussed staffing options and costs; gone over incorporation requirements and forms; policies and procedures that will be required; who our primary clientele will be; and proposed building design should we have to build rather than buy.

The next steps we'll need to take are as follows:
1. Contact lawyer to assist with incorporation and to look into possible purchase of building in town.
2. Determine next Eden Philosophy training (September in Winnipeg, October in Edmonton).
3. Locate a facility that is registered with the Eden Alternative and arrange to tour (found one in Sherwood Park and have emailed to arrange for tour).

I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of seniors, our mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles and good friends. They are the lifeblood of our communities and need to be taken care of when they are not so able to do so themselves. I just know in my heart that by putting this call out to the universe, this foundation will be successful and I thank you all for your support!

Questions Coming In

Today I asked my closest friends to give me feedback on my quest and I received a number of poignant questions. Let me share with you.

• what is the mission of this foundation - I am working on a vision and mission statement but to simplify, the mission is to use funds to buy assisted living facilities for seniors in smaller centres where the need is high and the care is low (so many of them these days) and apply the Eden Philosophy to turn them into homes where seniors would be pleased to live out their days.
• what will I do with the money raised - use the money to buy facilities, renovate facilities, train staff, etc. In Alberta, the province provides funding to seniors facilities on a per resident basis. That funding, along with the rent paid by the residents will be expected to cover the expenses of that facility.
• will there be employees of the foundation - first off, every non-profit must have at least 3 non-paid directors (they can also be paid employees). I have 3 directors, including myself. Until the foundation really takes off, there will be no paid employees. Once we are at the point where buildings are being purchased, then there will be a need for employees. I expect 2 or 3 at that point: a CAO or CEO, a financial/administrative support position and possibly an additional person to scout for suitable locations.
• what kind of changes will I make at the building I wish to purchase - this building is very new but does require an expanded great room and landscaping. My plan is to involve the community as much as possible to keep expenses low (kind of a habitat for humanity type venture). Staffing levels need to change and volunteers need to be added to the mix.

I am grateful for all the questions you have of this venture, without them I would only see my viewpoint. Your viewpoint expands my vision. I look forward to receiving more of them!

First things first!

Today I am getting all the information I require to set up a charitable organization. I would like to be able to issue tax receipts and I know a non-profit is the best way to go as I grow this opportunity. I know I'm starting with only one building but I believe that its success will be the catalyst for more such homes. Don't all seniors deserve to live in a home environment rather than a hospital environment? Just because they are old doesn't mean they should be segregated and treated less than human!

Picking a name has been difficult. I've gone through several options. I think I finally have one that fits - Foundation for Innovative Seniors Housing. I'm going to need a logo and was thinking about something simple that included a heart and a house or perhaps a tree and a heart. I'm not that artistic so if there is anyone out there interested in submitting some ideas, please email me!!