Front Row: (L to R) mouse over each name to see their title
John Pray, Johnathan Greig, Honourable Mary Anne Jablonsk, Rev. Gus Wentland, Dr. Lili Liu, Chair, Corinne Schalm

Back Row: (L to R)
Rev. Stephen Hertzog, Kurt Feigel, Sr., Ron Hayter, Rev Gary Taitinger, Doug Elniski

June 02, 2010 - Construction is well under way!

June 18, 2010 - Progress is steady

Shepherd's Care Foundation Goes High Tech ~ December 9, 2009 ~ A construction launch ceremony officially started Shepherd's Care Foundation's next phase of innovative seniors living in Edmonton. With completion expected in 2011, the Shepherd's Care Vanguard facility will contain 141 multilevel care units and be constructed adjacent to the existing Vanguard College grounds at 12140 - 103 Street.

Innovative features of this residence include leading edge technology such as wireless electronic sensors as assistive devices within the units. The use of unobtrusive technology such as this to help seniors maintain independence and safety within their homes is a joint project in partnership with The University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Computing Science.

This residence will be a teaching-learning-living site where student practicums from the University of Alberta, Vanguard College and other educational institutions are part of the day to day life of the building.

Research on the use of the technology, Master's student projects in Occupational Therapy and field education assignments with Vanguard College students will enrich the life of the seniors living in this building. They will also be able to take advantage of opportunities to use the college facilities next door such as the library, gymnasium and taking classes should they so choose.

Shepherd's Care Foundation thanks Honourable Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister Alberta Seniors and Community Supports for their confidence in this project by awarding $10.4 million in grants and is very appreciative of their other partners: The Pentecostal Assemblies of Alberta and Vanguard College, Alberta Health Services, the City of Edmonton, Servus Credit Union, Stuart Olson Construction and PGA Architects.

Shepherd’s Care Foundation holds the distinction of being the first organization in Canada to be accredited for its aging services network by CARF International. The accreditation is for three years, the highest level available. CARF was chosen because its aging services network standards coverShepherd's Care Foundation's housing, home care and assisted living services, as well as the long term care stream. Shepherd's Care Foundation believes it is important to demonstrate accountability and excellence for the organization as a whole, not just in one area. CARF’s standards were designed for application in organizations like SCF that provide a continuum of services to seniors.

The faith-based Shepherd's Care Foundation, supported by three founding churches ~ Millwoods Pentecostal Assembly and Southside Pentecostal Assembly in Edmonton and Bethel Pentecostal Assembly in Barrhead, is a not-for-profit provider of accommodations and services that allow seniors to access support and healthcare as they age in place and has been a leader in providing affordable age-in-place care for seniors for 40 years.

Most moving during the launch ceremony was the blessing pronounced on this new innovative project by Rev. Gary Taitinger, Shepherd's Care Foundation Board Director and Senior Pastor at Millwood's Pentecostal Assembly:

BLESS THIS HOUSE

May life here become a crossroads of the generations.

May young and old cherish the reasons for our interdependence.

May community here reflect your command to love our neighbour.

May the service here reflect our love for a God who cares about people.

May its theme be the strong helping the weak.

May this place stand as a thanksgiving for Alberta’s abundance.

May our work be done with the strength that God provides.

May the efforts for quality of life here reflect our hope of life hereafter.

May this home be a blessed place, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.