Dear Friends of Saint Elizabeth Foundation,
When the cooler weather arrives and we look toward the holiday season, many of us fall into routines that provide comfort, familiarity, and ritual. From enjoying a warm mug of hot cocoa, to being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, or indulging in the smell of freshly baked cookies, the season sparks joy for so many of us. But what about the man who is living on the street and facing a terminal diagnosis? Or an isolated older woman who would love nothing more than to receive a phone call for a friendly chat? Or the young Indigenous woman working to complete school in order to bring improved palliative care services to her community?
At Saint Elizabeth Foundation we strive every day to offer programs and services that improve the lives of Canadians most in need. Our kind and caring team members perform crucial roles in bringing care to where it is needed and supporting end-of-life journeys for people most in need through innovative ways of care delivery for many different populations. This year we’d like to showcase our impact through the lenses of our beneficiaries – with each support received drawing on our guiding principles of life care, love, and working with purpose.
Our signature program, Journey Home Hospice, provides specialized end-of-life palliative care to people experiencing homelessness and structural vulnerabilities. Residents who come to Journey Home often have not received regular health care, meals, or had their basic needs met for many years. When they arrive, patients are welcomed by an interdisciplinary clinical team and volunteers who work to provide a safe and caring environment.
“It’s a sad reality that some people in our vibrant community will pass away alone on the streets without a support system,” said volunteer Kate. “Volunteering at Journey Home lets me see the impact that bespoke care provides to every individual resident and the difference that it makes to be treated with respect and humanity at the most vulnerable time in a person’s life.”
In addition to the bricks and mortar locations of Journey Home Hospice, our Foundation supports people through a variety of program and service options. Virtual spiritual care has provided over 4,000 hours of support annually to patients, families, and team members across Canada; our Reflection Room® — created by the SE Research Centre — is a peaceful, dedicated space where people can think, talk, and write about their experiences with dying, death, grief and loss, and to date these spaces have been installed in over 50 long-term care homes and 200+ hospices across Canada; the Friendly Phone Calls program pairs volunteers with isolated older adults in their communities and connects them through regular phone calls designed to build friendships and decrease loneliness. The calls have been especially beneficial to patients receiving quality clinical palliative care at home without a large circle of support. Our volunteers donate more than 800 hours per month to support our programs and services like these throughout the country.
Ruth is an SE Health patient in the community and one of the first people to be referred to the Friendly Phone Calls program. A widow for over 20 years with mobility issues and family no longer living locally, she missed being able to share her stories and socialize. “Especially since COVID when I couldn’t visit with my family for years, it can feel like everyone is on their own, and at my age it’s hard to blend my life with someone else’s. Because of my circumstances I can no longer do the things I used to enjoy – hosting parties, planning family reunions, volunteering at the animal shelter,” said Ruth. “I’m so grateful my friend suggested this program after hearing about it on the radio. Talking each week with the volunteer I was matched with, Renee, gives me something to look forward to and I love sharing my stories with her and hearing what she has going on. We’ve formed a genuine connection.”
Supporting connection is a cornerstone of the programs and services Saint Elizabeth Foundation offers. The annual $5,000 scholarship offered in collaboration with the SE First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Program aims to improve health care and services for Indigenous communities across Canada. It is open to Indigenous students across the country, enrolled in a certified, full-time, post-secondary health profession program.
“The scholarship will affect my ability to learn a whole new skill set that will provide me and my family the security of full-time employment. My daughters will have an inspiration and role model and someone to aspire to be. My community will benefit the most as I can enter the health field and help the most vulnerable in their long-term care providing service and compassion during their golden years.” - Scholarship Recipient
Seeing the effect of this program in conjunction with countless other Foundation initiatives gives us hope that our efforts can help alleviate and eliminate current gaps in care. It is only by working together with people like you that we can help our patients reclaim a sense of themselves and make communities stronger and more resilient.
Now more than ever, each dollar you generously invest into care for Canadians will directly impact people in need across the country. Please help us with a fully tax-deductible gift today and bring Hope and Happiness throughout the year ahead! From our Foundation family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Nancy Lefebre
SVP, Chief Operating Officer
