 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
News & EventsPartners – Innovative Housing Society and NorQuest College
IHS is proud to announce that their partnership with NorQuest College continues. We will have a Health Care Aide student spending a week at our 114 Gravelle location in April. In July and August we will have five Practical Nurse students, each spending three weeks with us to complete their Community Practicum. These students are welcome guests at IHS, where we are proud to “show them the ropes” in a supportive environment. They will be introduced to our Residents who have a wide array of conditions and abilities. We welcome these students to our organization. Our Team Members and Residents always comment on how much they enjoy the presence of a student. We hope that this will be an enjoyable, positive learning experience. IHS in the Community
IHS is excited to sponsor the 2004 CanWest Bandits hockey team for the AAA World Cup. The event takes place April 20 – 22 at Terwillegar Arenas (2051 Leger Road, Edmonton). IHS is happy to continue our support and commitment to the community and children—our future. We wish them the best of luck in this event! To learn more about Can West Hockey, please visit their website at http://canwesthockey.com Free Money for the Disabled?
Yes, it is true. IHS has recently learned from the Investors Group that our federal government has set up a Registered Savings Plan which includes free grants from the government for qualified disabled individuals. Never heard of this program? IHS’ CEO, Dave Haut, is not surprised. “It is a fantastic program that makes a real difference in the daily lives of people,” Dave says. “Unfortunately, it is very complex. I think that’s why it is not widely used.”
IHS wishes to thank the Investors Group and Richard Demers, Executive Financial Consultant, for their proactive approach in providing assistance to the disabled community. We also wish to thank Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada for this much needed program. IHS Helps Make Home OwnersFor the past five years IHS has been quietly helping disabled, low income families make the transition from renter to home owner. As is so often the case, low income and a disability go together. This makes the goal of owning your own home an unattainable dream. We have seen this pattern for years and decided to make a real difference in a few deserving individuals by offering our homes at a substantial discount to the disabled families that live there. The reduced price makes the monthly mortgage payments affordable and with the equity already built in, our clients can qualify for that mortgage from the banks. Over the years we have been able to help more than twenty-five families become independent. “Owning a home does more than provide a safe place to live, it creates a sense of pride, of self worth that you can see grow in our past clients. This program has been a complete success.” Dave Haut, Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Housing Society IHS has received many thank-you’s from our past clients. One of which is shared below. 
It is with mixed feelings that IHS transferred our last single family home, bringing a close to this much needed program. While sad to not be able to continue to make new home owners, the gratitude of twenty-five families lets us know we made a real difference in people’s lives. Now, we turn to the future with much anticipation as we continue to rise to the challenge of creating accessible, supportive living communities. IHS 3rd Annual Big TopThe IHS 3rd Annual Big Top was held at Villa Marguerite on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Unlike last year, the rain stayed away for the day so we were able to enjoy the outdoor activities to their fullest! The day featured games, a petting zoo, and musical entertainment. Our Recreation department also raised funds for future recreation activities and programs through a yard sale and a wide range of fair foods including: cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples, giant soft pretzels and homemade cookies, just to name a few! The IHS Recreation Team did a fabulous job planning, organizing and executing this event. In addition all IHS Team Members pitched in where possible to make the day all that it could be for our Residents. This year we had an increased number of attendees from our 114 Gravelle facility, a special thank you to those made the efforts to get all the Residents from 114 Gravelle to this event. The IHS Big Top has become an event that our Residents and Team Members alike look forward to each summer. IHS is proud to be able to put on such a wonderful event and to see it grow into something even more special for our Residents every year. A special thank you to the Government of Alberta's Spirit Program! Just as they did last year, the Spirit Program provided IHS with a Donation Grant that assisted in covering some of the costs of our Big Top event. Thank you again to all of our Team Members, Volunteers and Visitors who made the IHS 3rd Annual Big Top the best Big Top to date, the day would not have been what it was without you!
IHS Commitment to Helping OthersAt Innovative Housing Society, we take our mission statement “Creating Communities where people want to live” seriously. Part of creating a vibrant, fun place is being part of the Community around you. As a not for profit organization, we already have made a commitment to re-invest in accessible homes rather than enrich shareholders, yet we felt that we can do more. We are part of the Edmonton community and want to help it be a great place to live. Some of our programs enrich people’s daily lives. Do you know that we host, in association with Mental Health, Edmonton Zone, the “Out of the Shadows” Art program for community members? This program lets artists and artists-in-training get together on a regular basis under the guidance of an instructor and develop their skills in an environment where everyone can grow and laugh together. As an added bonus, we have been able to frame some of the Art and hang it around our communities, making everyone’s life richer! Other community activities we participate in are: In association with Canadian Paraplegic Association Alberta, Indoor Bocce Ball. In association with Alberta Health Services, the Community Linking Program which provides various activities such as Museum tours, Zoo trips etc., West End Fitness Referrals, where an AHS Recreation Therapist helps facilitate individualized fitness programs at Jasper Gates; and Paralympics Sport Association Wheelchair Square Dancing. We have also hosted community floor hockey leagues, have yearly outdoor carnivals, petting zoos and even rabbits. Okay, the rabbits are here year round because this is their home too. I am not sure exactly how many live on our 10 acre site, but I see them and the squirrels almost every day. On really lucky days, an observant person will see a covey of partridges around the trees on the front of our community. A large percentage of IHS' clients are on fixed incomes. We are pleased to have them living with us in a safe, secure community which ensures they get their three meals a day. Not everyone is so lucky however, and we wanted to do something to help. Each year, IHS donates to Operation Friendship 2,100 litres of soup or stew and 1,000 lbs. of Jell-O. It is rewarding to see this marvellous program make a difference in the lives of people and we are very pleased to be able to help out. We also donate space for a Nurse Practioner Clinic on site. This is a great program where skilled health care can be delivered in a timely fashion, improving people’s lives. Resources are always limited but at IHS, we like to do whatever we can. We take pride in our efforts to help make Edmonton a better place to call home. We also want to congratulate our partners, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Mental Health, CP Association, Operation Friendship, Grey Nuns, Paralympics Sport Association and the many others whose commitment is to be applauded. IHS Board Chairman Steps Down to Seek MLA SeatOn October 8, 2010, I was acclaimed as the candidate for the Wildrose Alliance in Edmonton Highlands – Norwood in the next provincial election, to be held in March of 2012 or sooner. Over the last ten years, I have watched the Innovative Housing Society grow from a small housing operator to an organization that continues to lead the way in the Alberta assisted living community. It is the collective hard work of the Board, executive and staff that continues to drive that vision forward. I have always believed that it is the responsibility of the Chairman of the Board to direct and protect the organizations they are entrusted to represent without any conflicted interests, real or perceived. It is for that reason that effective today, I am resigning as Chairman of the Board of IHS to commit myself full time to defeating Brian Mason, the incumbent, and representing the constituents of Edmonton Highlands – Norwood as their next MLA. It is my intention as members of a Wildrose Government, that I will influence policy that will return the Alberta advantage for all Albertans. My experience as Chairman of a non profit society has given me the unique experience of learning how to manage fiscal responsibility while meeting the social needs of our communities. Over the next couple weeks, the Board will begin a selection process to find my successor. I have enjoyed my time with IHS and wish you all continued success in the future.
“On behalf of the Board and Team Members of IHS, Dave Haut would like to thank Wayde for his years of service to the Society and we wish him the very best as he pursues his political aspirations.” Dave Haut, Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Housing Society Villa Marguerite Expansion IHS is pleased to announce the construction of our latest project, a 77 suite Designated Assisted Living Community. This addition to Villa Marguerite is designed specifically to create an accessible, safe living environment for people who require a little bit of extra attention each day, people who, for example, have been diagnosed with Alzheimers. “We are pleased to work with our partners and bring a much needed Safe Living Community to the west end of Edmonton. IHS wishes to thank the community members, Alberta government, City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services, Canadian Western Bank, Chandos Construction and the many others who have assisted us in turning this dream into a reality. We also wish to thank our Residents and neighbours for their understanding as we go through the construction process.” Dave Haut, Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Housing Society Fostering relationships, each floor will have a dining room for the exclusive use of the Residents who live close by. There will also be a large recreation room and out door patios, encouraging Residents to get to know their neighbours. The suites, which are quite large at an average of 550 sq feet, have spacious accessible washrooms with oversized showers and combination sitting / sleeping areas. Safety is a primary responsibility at IHS. It is for this reason that we have used the latest in technology to ensure the entire community is as secure and fire resistant as possible. The steel and concrete building is constructed to a higher standard than typically found in residential building. In fact, IHS is following the B2 section of the Building Codes, the same section that applies to Hospitals.
Even with all these comprehensive measures we have taken great care to ensure that the new building will maintain the community feel of the existing building. The addition is largely being built over top of existing parking, ensuring that as much green space as possible is being persevered. We also engaged the services of a Landscape Architect to coordinate the planting of new trees and shrubs. After you review the attached drawing we are sure you will agree with us that the new wing at Villa Marguerite compliments the current campus nicely. We are proud of our new building and hope you share in our excitement. For more information on our Villa Marguerite expansion project, including progress updates, please click here. IHS 2nd Annual Big Top Event
The day included several different games, face painting, carnival food, a petting zoo, yard sale, bake sale, and more! Although we had a bit of rain in the afternoon, we didn’t let a little weather ruin our fun! We quickly moved the fun inside and continued the event. We have heard plenty of positive feedback from IHS Residents, Team Members, and other guests who took part in the event. We had a special visit from Slush, the Edmonton Rush mascot as well as Louie the Lion, the Edmonton Oil Kings mascot. We also had a special donation of Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen Canada. On behalf of all of Innovative Housing Society, Dave Haut would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped to make the day special and we look forward to next year’s event!
IHS 2nd Annual Big Top Event
Those of you who were lucky enough to join us last year can remember the fun in the sun that we all enjoyed. There was an abundance of activities to take in; including a petting zoo, a stilt walker, clowns, games, prizes, entertainment, and more! This year, we are planning for the festivities to be even bigger and better than last year. We will be holding a bake sale and a yard sale where you can pick up treats and treasures. There will also be an array of Carnival food available for purchase such as cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, and more. We look forward to once again putting on an exciting and successful event, and we hope to see you there! 114 Gravelle Renovations
114 Gravelle now boasts: new paint, new lighting, new hallway carpeting, as well as a fresh new look for the hallway baseboards. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our 114 Gravelle Team Members for bearing with the contractors throughout the renovation process. We also want to thank our Maintenance Team for all their hard work in helping to make this renovation a reality. I encourage you and your friends and family to come by and take a look at the newly renovated 114 Gravelle,” states Innovative Housing Society CEO, Dave Haut. The facility looks fantastic; it’s amazing what a few small renovations can do! We have been hearing a ton of positive feedback on the building’s new esthetics from both Residents and IHS Team Members. ‘Mind, Body, and Soul’ Health Initiative
We are excited about the beginning of the ‘Heart Healthy’ menu concept within the ‘Mind, Body, and Soul’ Program. We have heard lots of positive feedback about the new healthier Menu. This just goes to show that being ‘Heart Healthy’ (low sodium, low fat, high fiber) doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste! Through our Recreation Program we have started a ‘Walk & Roll’ Club for our Residents which has thus far seen much success, there are more participants joining daily! Also, events such as Floor Hockey and Beach Ball Volleyball have helped our Residents get excited about fun fitness opportunities. We are very pleased with the success that the new Program is already achieving and look forward to developing it further. We believe that what we do within the DAL spectrum is so much more than providing accommodations. Even more so now with the introduction of the new ‘Mind, Body, and Soul’ Program, we are offering our Residents a healthy lifestyle overall. IHS gets a visit from our local MLA’s
Dave Haut and the rest of Innovative Housing Society would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to both Doug Elniski and Dr. Raj Sherman for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come to IHS’ facilities. We look forward to welcoming them to our facilities in the future. Alberta Seniors Licensing RenewalThis March Villa Marguerite went through its third Alberta Seniors Licensing Renewal, while 114 Gravelle went through their initial Licensing process with Alberta Seniors. Both sites also went through the annual Alberta Health Services, Supportive Living Designated Assisted Living Site Review. Both processes went through seamlessly and both sites were awarded their “License under the Provisions of Sections 4 and 6 of the Social Care Facilities Act.” The representative from Alberta Seniors Licensing had very positive comments on both facilities and stated that all was in compliance with their Standards. She commented that Villa Marguerite was a beautiful facility with an excellent atmosphere and that Resident’s at 114 Gravelle seem very happy. We at Innovative Housing Society take great pride in our Facilities and the quality of our services and we’re thrilled to have our efforts affirmed by the Alberta Seniors and Supportive Living representatives. Thank you to Innovative HousingWe would like to express our deep appreciation to Innovative Housing for providing us with accessible and affordable housing during these past 9 years. Innovative Housing made an enormous difference in our lives. Finding housing for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility equipment is very difficult in Edmonton. We are grateful to Innovative for what they have done for us and many other families. Innovative Housing provided us with the opportunity to purchase the home that we have been renting, so that now we can feel secure in knowing we have permanent housing. Without Innovative Housing, we would never have had this opportunity. For this we are very grateful. Thank You!Sincerely, Erin Click to See Orginal Card Report of the Auditor General - Monarch PlaceSociety operated within and grant conditionsWe found no evidence that the Society operated outside the terms and conditions of the affordable housing grant. The Society experienced difficulties upon opening Monarch Place. With no available solution, the Society sold the property through a real estate agent to a third party, not affiliated with the society. The sale triggered a repayment process under the funding agreement, which is currently underway. Read Entire Report.... Grey Nuns Centre sold for $8.7MAging nuns sell 1967 building to be renovated into a residence for those in need.Due to aging and low numbers, the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, better known as the Grey Nuns, recently sold the 175,000-square-foot facility they built in 1967 for $8.7 million to the Innovative Housing Society of Canada (IHSC), an Edmonton-based organization that provides accessible housing to people in need. Nestled in the city's west end, the 10-acre Grey Nuns Regional Centre will be renovated to provide 190 homes for about 250 seniors, persons with disabilities, and women and children in need. Read More.... McCauley and Glenwood benefit with affordable housingTwo new housing projects recently opened their doors in the city, adding a much-needed supply of new, affordable low-cost housing units for low-income individuals. Stollery Place, constructed by the Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation, provides for 18 bachelor units in the city’s downtown core in the McCauley neighbourhood at 105 Ave and 96 Street. Named in honour of the Stollery family of Edmonton, the facility is designed to accommodate individuals at risk of becoming homeless and for some individuals who may be exhibiting signs of minor mental health issues. The two-and-half story, $1.3 million project was financed with a contribution from the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund, funding from the Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Partnership Initiative and the City of Edmonton. The on-going financial contributions of the Stollery Charitable Foundation are also recognized in the realization of this project. Rent is $400 and includes all ulitities. The first phase (85 units) of a unique 300-unit housing complex designed for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities opened in the west end of the city in Glenwood on Sept. 13, 2006. The facility is being renovated by the Innovative Housing Society. Villa Marguerite, the former site of the Grey Nuns Regional Centre owned and operated by the Sisters of Charity, is located at 98 Avenue and 165 Street and was named after St. Marguerite d’Youville, mother of universal charity and the founder of the Grey Nuns. The Edmonton Housing Trust found provided a contribution of $910,000 for renovations to 13 of the 85 units in the first phase of the project. One of the unique features of this facility is that it will provide family units designed for disabled children and their parents. In addition, the parents of adult children can live in a suite across the hall so that the family remains intact and close. The $22 million project will eventually house 400 people when all three phases are completed. All the units are universally-designed and rents start at $350 per month, including all utilities and laundry. |
We Believe“We believe that being a part of an active caring community enriches the mind, body and spirit” “We believe that every member of a community has significance” “We believe that a safe home and quality of life should be attainable for everyone” 
Core Values
|
|||||||||||
IHS, with the Investors Group, is pleased to be able to help simplify this process. IHS will be setting up information sessions at our locations and bring in expert speakers to help our clients enroll. You can also contact the Housing Department for direction on where to get assistance.
