Report to Community
M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
My Silvera Your Silvera Our Silvera
CONTENTS
Who We Are 4 Message From the CEO and Board Chair 5 Active Learning Each Day of Your Life 6 A True Friendship 7 My Silvera 8 A Conversation Café 10 Investing in Seniors 11 Where We’re Going 12 Financial Report 14 Locations 15
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR
Arlene Adamson & Kirk Morrison
Catherine Madriaga pouring coffee for resident Patricia Tetz
Who We Are t is a time in your life that is special and like no other; welcome to the “Silver Era.” For 54 years, Silvera for Seniors has been supporting seniors to live rich, meaningful lives, filled with purpose and dignity. We are steadfast in our resolve to create affordable housing and dynamic communities that offer programs and support services of the highest calibre to more than 1,500 lower-income seniors across 26 communities in Calgary. Silvera's strong communities are not isolated from the broader community, but places where seniors are valued members of an integrated neighbourhood. We are an organization that over the years has built the highest level of trust with our residents, staff, volunteers and funders, who know we operate our communities with integrity and care. 4
“There are a lot of nice people here. I feel safe. I came here with the idea that I didn’t want my kids to worry about me. They can go and know that I’m being looked after.”
Everyone ages – it is the common thread that ties us all together. Whether you are now reaching, are well into your “Silver Era”, or you have a family member that is; at this time of your life you know that the value of life does not deteriorate with age. The importance of living a full life only grows with each year lived! Our staff are deeply committed to our residents and their quality of life. They are simply the best at understanding and supporting the complex issues our residents face. This is our Silvera for Seniors story, a glimpse into our caring culture. It captures the heart of our commitment and that of our staff to support seniors in making their life with us the best it can be.
Silvera for Seniors is about both people and place. Our residents and staff team are the fabric of a vibrant community that needs to be valued and supported by our broader city. For more than 20 years, we have been hearing about the tsunami of seniors from the baby boomer generation that is heading our way. There has never been a more important time to recognize the need of our aging population and the need for affordable housing and support. We need to pay as much attention to the generation going out as we do the generation coming in, and we care deeply about this work. Our community benefits from the high level of care and diverse services we provide. The land we have acquired, the buildings we have secured and
Kirk Morrison, Board Chair and Arlene Adamson, CEO
the future growth we are aspiring to has put Silvera for Seniors in a great position to support the growing need for seniors' affordable housing in our city. As an organization that has grown with Calgary for 54 years, we have built a strong and trusted reputation with our residents, funders and our partners from all levels of government, the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. We embrace this collaboration in order to effectively support the seniors’ community moving forward. Silvera is proud to be one of the nine partners of the “Resolve Campaign” – an agency collaboration to raise funds for affordable housing and supports for Calgarians. Silvera for Seniors is in a strong position to meet the growing needs and complexity of seniors as they age in our communities, and to build more housing options to meet their future needs. We are excited about our future as a leader in this sector, and are committed to advocating for this and the next generation of seniors.
Kelly Ogle, Incoming Board Chair M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
Active Learning Each Day of Your Life
A True Friendship
CHRISTINE’S STORY
ELSIE & MARGARET ’S STORY
81% of Silvera’s employees feel their jobs have meaning and their work is important.
The sound of laughter rings out from a table in the indoor courtyard at Silvera’s Westview Community.
the friendships formed between residents and between residents and staff. “They have a lot of activities here, and I try to do everything,” says Margaret. Some of their favourite activities include games played on the Nintendo Wii and a popular horse racing game – just a couple examples from a full schedule of activities at Westview. Margaret says the work done by staff like Westview’s Active Aging Assistant
Christine Payne is very important to the atmosphere and vitality of the community. “I think it’s absolutely essential,” Margaret says of Christine’s work. “I am happy here,” says Elsie. Meeting newcomers and building friendships are really important; sharing the little things like a laugh in the hallway or a greeting in the morning, it all makes a difference.
Christine Payne
“We have 13 residents who had never read music learn to play from sheet music. That was one of my biggest accomplishments, and it was something residents felt very proud of,” shares Christine Payne. “You’re never too old to learn,” she says.
And this is why Christine loves her job. For the 330 full and part-time staff at Silvera for Seniors, it’s not just a career or a job working with residents – it's a relationship. Christine has been a part of the Silvera team since 1980 and is now an Active Aging Assistant. Her role is focused on community engagement, participation and inclusion with physical, cognitive, spiritual and social activities every day. Our staff take the time to learn the life stories of our residents. Understanding who they were and — more importantly — who they are
today and even tomorrow is at the heart of our work. Christine’s story is one of many at Silvera for Seniors. Offering a diverse workforce, a broad range of nonmedical staff positions from cooks and housekeepers to social workers, and job upgrading opportunities with lots of support – Silvera cares about its team. “They believe in you,” Christine says of her employer. “They know what you’re capable of and they let you do it.”
“We laugh a lot at this table,” shares Elsie Santucci, 90, as her friend Margaret Roberts, 85, lets out another infectious laugh. Elsie came to Westview last September after relocating from Silvera’s Queens Court Community, and soon found a friend in Margaret. When asked what she remembers about meeting Elsie, Margaret turns to her and says, “You walked into the room laughing, which made me laugh too,” she says. It’s all about positive attitude, and for Margaret and Elsie a lot of that comes from the atmosphere that’s been created at Westview through the activities and Margaret Roberts & Elsie Santucci
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M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
Marie Taylor, Silvera Resident “I came here because I don’t want to be alone. There’s always somebody you can talk to if you want to talk. There’s a number of activities – you can be busy all day if you want.”
My Silvera
“This is my second home. I’m more educated than when I started working here and I’m very grateful and proud to work here.” Imelda Simpelo, Dietary Aide
“You learn a lot from your colleagues from the other communities. All of us have the same values. I love this job.”
TC Lamoureux, Silvera Resident “I like the scenery and it’s lively. There’s always something going on. I like meeting nice people.”
Daniela Stuleanec, Housekeeper
81% of Silvera’s residents are happy to call Silvera home “I like the freedom we’re given and our input is taken seriously. Everyone is really cooperative and friendly – there’s a community within a community. I love everything that Silvera stands for and what the company is doing for the seniors.” Leon Shukys, Maintenance 8
Helga Bunjes, Silvera Resident “It’s clean and tidy. When new people come, I help them a little bit, show them what we do.”
“I’ve got a lot more friends. I love the people here. I know just about everybody’s name.” Margaret deJong, Silvera Resident
M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
A Conversation Café
They discuss travel, music, religion, spirituality or whatever else may come from the conversation.
Doreen Kamis
“Last month our chat was about music and a resident told the most beautiful personal story—one she had not shared in years—because that was where the music took her,” shares Elizabeth Holmes, volunteer with Silvera for Seniors. Elizabeth, along with Heather Strang and Deb Lee, volunteer their time to run the Conversation Café, a program running at some of the Silvera for Seniors communities. “We started wanting to learn more and help improve their quality of life, but the joy and laughter that has come 10
from these conversations is beyond what any of us were expecting,” remarks Deb. The Cafés are face-to-face conversations, hosted to learn more and help improve the happiness and wellbeing of Silvera residents. “It was a good approach because seniors love to chat,” shares Heather. When they started the three were not sure what the uptake would be, but were pleasantly surprised by the attendance. They plan to grow the Café and host them in more Silvera communities. “There is just so much more to know,” remarks Heather.
Heather Strang and Elizabeth Holmes
“These seniors are incredible individuals who have lived through the Great Depression and Second World War, and they have so much to share – we owe it to them, at the very least, to listen.” The Cafés are part of Silvera's Active Aging Philosophy. Active Aging is about promoting health, participation and security as people age. Everything we do with residents to support Active Aging enhances quality living and creates active, dynamic and creative communities.
Investing in Seniors Long-time community builders Patricia and Lorne Gordon understand the importance and value of investing in seniors. Through their generous donations, they are committing to a vibrant future for seniors in Calgary. By the year 2020, it is expected that one in five Albertans will be in their “Silver Era”. There has never been a more critical time to support seniors to age in community with dignity and purpose. “We understand the value of a home – at any age. We have loved ones who have needed all levels of care as they aged, and know first-hand how important it is to have a support system in place with compassionate staff to take care of them. We believe in the leadership of Silvera and the bright future being built for our seniors’ community,” share Patricia and Lorne. “Silvera’s commitment to seniors having a good quality of life and the ability to age in community is important. We are also excited that they have a solid plan to increase their housing options in order to meet the growing demand. We
Patricia and Lorne Gordon
are proud to be supporting their great work, so seniors can live inspired and meaningful lives,” they add.
A Proud Partner of the RESOLVE Campaign Silvera for Seniors is a proud partner of the RESOLVE Campaign. RESOLVE is a unique collaboration of nine partner agencies raising $120 million to build affordable and supported rental housing for 3,000 vulnerable Calgarians. Silvera will be investing its capital from the campaign in future expansion at its Elbow Valley location.
M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
Our Silvera
Gilchrist Gardens – Expected Completion in 2018
Where We’re Going At Silvera, we are always asking ourselves, what makes a great community for our residents? We know that a home is about connections, friendships, meaningful contributions, diversity and inclusion; these are vital to ensuring quality of life. For 54 years of operations, Silvera has never been more committed to building vibrant, integrated communities where all generations can
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gather and feel it is a place they can call home. We are proud to offer homes that support seniors to age in community, so they can live their life to the fullest. Looking ahead, our programs will engage residents, staff, family and community partners to fulfill our promise to create safe, vibrant and caring communities in order to meet the changing needs of seniors.
Thank you to our partners, staff, volunteers and donors. Without you, we simply could not do the work that we do. As many more enter their “Silver Era” they should know that the future is bright. We remain committed to provide affordable homes with the right supports so our seniors can live with independence and dignity. Silvera’s annual occupancy averages 97%, so our plan for providing
more affordable housing is a top priority. We invite more Calgarians to come and see what Silvera for Seniors is all about. Whether you become a resident, or you wish to volunteer, donate or join our staff team – we would love to have you involved in our community. We are making it great to be a senior!
M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
Financial Report
Silvera Locations
TOTAL REVENUE: $25,278,612
TOTAL EXPENSES: $23,315,964
Sources of Revenue
Sources of Expenses
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RENT AND RESIDENT CHARGES: 65% PROVINCIAL FUNDING: 19% DONATIONS AND OTHER INCOME: 11% MUNICIPAL FUNDING: 5%
HUMAN RESOURCES: 59% OPERATION EXPENSES: 27% DEPRECIATION: 8% ADMINISTRATION COSTS: 6%
Independent Living
Supportive Living
NORTHEAST Bow Valley Townhouses Community Chestnut Grove Community Gilchrist Gardens Community Gilchrist Manor Community McCann Court Community Mountview Apartments Community Willow Park on the Bow Community
NORTHEAST Aspen Community Bow Valley Community Spruce Community
NORTHWEST Alder Court Community Dream Haven Community Elmwood Court Community Shouldice Manor 1 and 2 Communities SOUTHEAST Beaverdam Townhouses Community
SOUTHEAST Beaverdam Community Valleyview Community
SOUTHWEST Austin Nixon Manor Community Boxwood Place Community Friendship Manor Community Queens Court Community
NORTHWEST Confederation Park Community Shouldice Community
SOUTHWEST Shawnessy Community Westview Community
Come live with us! Call 403.276.5541 or apply online at silvera.ca.
Source: 2015 Audited Financial Statements 14
M Y S I LV E R A • YO U R S I LV E R A • O U R S I LV E R A
I feel like a twenty year old with silver hair. My age does not define me. — SILVERA RESIDENT
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