Creating a Main Street In 2015, a working group was formed to take a look at transforming the space on our main floors to better reflect a person centred approach to care and a greater sense of community. The goal was to improve the quality of life for our clients and make more effective use of the space we had. Objectives included: • Exploring opportunities to foster a more homelike environment in our buildings. • Dedicate prime real estate in our buildings to programs and services for our clients and community. • Identify space currently available and look for new opportunities to increase space. • Maximize space available and develop a vibrant Main Street at both Campuses. The work is starting to pay off. The main floor of the Manor at our Halifax Campus has a modern, new look, making it a more inviting area for visitors who enter from Gottingen Street. Thanks to funding from the Live More Awards, the Fitness Centre was redesigned as a dementia friendly facility open to the entire community. By moving Volunteer Resources and the Community Centre to the Manor, Northwood created a new community hub that brings together our community focused resources in one area and provides greater access to a meeting space for our partners. More recently, work was completed on our Adult Day program area to create an inviting new space for participants. The main floor of the Edward Roach Centre is also starting to take shape. Northwood’s Mental Health support program, “Seeds of Success” is located in an area that once housed offices. Other changes will transform the Main floor into a “Main Street” of programs and services for clients. Work on Kaye’s Place, a therapeutic space dedicated to residents with dementia and their families, is slated to begin soon, and giving NWBC a more prominent presence along Main Street will increase their profile and exposure to the community.
Joan Christie
Community Distinction Award Volunteer Joan Christie’s volunteer work over the years has been extensive, but she would tell you the friendships made and feeling of accomplishment when difficult tasks are completed has been a wonderful reward. Joan was instrumental in creating a dedicated team of volunteers who together help organize the Sunshine Cart at Ivany Place in Bedford. The Sunshine Cart is a hospitality program for residents that offers complimentary gifts to residents. Gifts include snacks, jewelry, puzzles and Kleenex. She also organizes her volunteers for a monthly tea with residents, giving them an opportunity to get to know one another and to socialize. The members enjoy their role and love dropping in on people who may otherwise have few visitors. Working with our partners, community groups and neighbours, Northwood fosters relationships that contribute to a better world while addressing the needs of those who call Northwood home.
Future plans call for a similar approach at our Bedford Campus and additional programming space.
www.northwood.care
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Community Report • 2016 / 2017 • Housing: Building for the future