GROWING A FUTURE FOR OUR SENIORS - A Community for Seniors
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GROWING A FUTURE
FOR OUR SENIORS
A Community for Seniors
2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
1
AV E N S S E N I O R S . C O M
A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
MISSION VISION
AVENS delivers quality services to AVENS envisions a future where
seniors so they can make choices seniors age well and have choices,
about how and where they live. where they are connected to a safe
and caring community for life.
VALUES
Respect Dignity Collaboration Accountability Integrity
AVENS 2020-21 Board of Directors Strategic Priorities
• Continue to provide high quality
services to AVENS residents.
• Demonstrate leadership, partner
innovatively and share knowledge,
in the development and delivery of
senior’s services in the NWT.
• Proceed with construction and
commissioning of more seniors’
affordable housing.
Marion LaVigne Matthew Spence Debbie DeLancey
• Explore, through dialogue with the
Chair 1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair
GNWT, AVENS’ future role in the
delivery of long-term care.
• Begin planning and preparation
for the delivery of ageing in place
services.
Lynda Koe Kelly Hayden Ron Allen
Director Director Director
Sandra Turner Bronwyn Watters Daryl Dolynny
Director Director Ex-Officio
2
Chair’s Message
The past year was a year of permit to start work on our newest building.
crisis and a year of success. Also by year end our GNWT funders advised us
The COVID pandemic that they were prepared to establish a special
tested our ability to handle group to examine future long term care needs,
crises and showed that the AVENS role in the delivery of long term care
joint efforts of staff and services, and a methodology for assessing AVENS
community can ensure ongoing funding requirements. Meetings of this
success. committee will start in the new year.
In times of crisis we have to move quickly to This year we also established a new
protect and secure our residents and staff. At fundraising committee whose first task was to
AVENS, prompt and effective action by our staff raise funds for a new bus for resident transport.
kept our residents safe and COVID free, and The required funds were raised in just a few
we sincerely appreciate the efforts of each and months, and the new bus was delivered in time for
every one of our staff who donned protective a pre-Christmas tour of Yellowknife.
equipment and went about their jobs of caring for As we come to the end of this year, I’d like to
AVENS residents. especially thank our volunteer board of directors
Our successful handling of COVID was who give tirelessly of their time and expertise.
also thanks to the many generous donations This dedicated group is the backbone of the
from community businesses, individuals and organization, supported by CEO Daryl Dolynny
organizations. These donations ranged from and his staff, who are on the frontline every day,
food and sanitizers to protective equipment, and meeting the needs of our retirement tenants,
hard cash to help us provide the extras such as long term care residents and their families.
wheelchair and walker accessible flooring in our It has been an honour to serve as the 2020-21
greenhouse and other special treats. chair of AVENS.
The response of staff, board, funders and
the community ensured we could continue to
provide the highest level of care and maintain a
high quality of life for our residents during difficult
lockdown periods. In late December 2020, AVENS
residents were the first NWT residents to receive
the Moderna vaccine, and currently the majority Marion LaVigne
of residents have received both shots. Chair
Although the pandemic consumed much
of the board’s time, we continued with other
projects, specifically the development of more
residential housing units for seniors, and the
negotiation of adequate funding for the operation
of AVENS long-term and memory care units. At
year’s end our funding for the housing units was
approved and we were awaiting a development
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A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
President & CEO’s Message
As President and CEO, I am online HR-download certification training and
very pleased with our financial “Flattening the stomach curve” thank you events,
and operational achievements. solidified our framework for satisfaction and employee
AVENS is entering a new era, engagement. Additionally, this past year saw the
so it was important to redefine introduction of Predictive Index tools for hiring and
our strategies to prepare this performance engagement, followed by new e-tools
organization to meet a growing for staff payroll utilization, thus allowing for better
demand for new services. Our optimization of our workforce.
focus on unlocking AVENS’
Our Service Quality
potential and finding innovative solutions found new
Our accredited Supportive Pathway Care Model and
meaning in the wake of a global pandemic, so let me
the incredible team behind it was the reason for our
take a moment to explain our accomplishments and
success through COVID. Our dedication to safety, with
explore what lies ahead for our organization.
continued adaptation of care needs and our constant
Our Efficiency and Environment alignment to cultural sensitivities, places AVENS as a
Following on the heels of the previously successful centre of excellence in service delivery.
Vision 2020 - Better Care Through Innovation AVENS ability to engage the needs of our community,
fundraising initiative, and with the support of the whether it’s responding more rapidly with our
newly created AVENS fundraising committee, independent housing senior residents, modernizing
AVENS successfully completed fundraising initiative our e-tools, or improving our satisfaction index via
Operation Care on Wheels which allowed us to monitored performance indicators, makes AVENS a
acquire a state-of-the-art bus for our seniors. Being truly unique entity north of 60.
able to safely transport our residents to dental/
medical appointments, shopping and banking, and Our Legacy
to experience cultural events, was the hallmark of this Our successful pavilion project, under the National
initiative. Our generous community came swiftly to Housing Strategy is a flagship of our commitment to
our call, allowing us to bridge the barriers of social future-proofing our continuum of seniors housing and
isolation for our seniors. care options. Opening in the fall of 2023, we will see
Securing a successful financial methodology model this community project meet our growing demand for
with our main contribution partner, the GNWT, has affordable senior housing and seniors’ services.
been an AVENS project for many years. With the Our Strategic Focus
stalwart support of many, AVENS has finally achieved Our commitment to our clients is complemented by
that perfect balance of service delivery and financial our readiness to fulfill our mandate and instill public
stability. On behalf of everyone at AVENS we thank the confidence in our delivery of care and related services.
GNWT for their ongoing support and stewardship in Even in the wake of a global pandemic, I truly feel
our delivery of long-term/dementia care in the NWT. this past year was a new defining direction for AVENS
Our People on our path of transformational change that will help
Our employees are our greatest asset and this past re-shape our vision of ensuring our seniors continue to
year, even with COVID, we invested significantly into have a safe and caring community for life.
the face of our organization. Continuous improvement
in communication, via weekly CEO newsletters,
annual employee engagement surveys, continued
expansion of the Going the Extra Mile for Seniors
(GEMS) program, information sessions for employee Daryl Dolynny
group benefits, education days, lunch and learns, Chief Executive Officer
4
AVENS Stewardship
AVENS – A Community for Seniors is an Development Committee
independent, not-for-profit society governed by Kelly Hayden, Chair
a volunteer board of directors. AVENS envisions Sandra Turner
a future where seniors age well and have choices, Debbie Delancey
where they are connected to a safe and caring Thomas Milan
community for life.
Fundraising Committee
Since we opened the doors to the Manor in
Bronwyn Watters, Chair
September 1987, AVENS’ board and staff have
Lynda Koe
stayed focused on providing safe, quality services
Marion LaVigne
for NWT seniors. We’ve changed and grown a lot
David Gilday
over our history. Starting out as the Yellowknife
Yvonne Quick
Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors
(YACCS), we have grown into a sophisticated Housing Committee
organization offering not only housing options, but Steven Nicholas, Chair
providing a sense of community for seniors from Frances Bower
throughout the NWT. Sara Fullerton
AVENS is governed by an eight-person board of Gail Leonardis
directors and is operated by a dedicated staff of over
Management Team
100 individuals.
Daryl Dolynny, President & Chief Executive Officer
Frances Bower, Director of Care
2020 – 2021 Board of Directors
Sara Fullerton, Director of Finance
Marion Lavigne, Chair (Feb 2018 – current)
Lindsey Dwojak, Director of HR & OHS
Matthew Spence, 1st Vice Chair (Sept 2016 – current)
Steven Nicholas, Director of Operations
Debbie DeLancey, 2nd Vice Chair (Sept 2018 – current)
Sandra Crocker-Walsh, Care Manager
Kelly Hayden, Director (Sept 2018 – current)
Carol Norwegian, Recreation & Volunteer Supervisor
Lynda Koe, Director (Sept 2018 – current)
Russ Lovie, Maintenance Supervisor
Ron Allen, Director (Sept 2010 – current)
Lawrence Malaque, Food Services Supervisor
Sandra Turner, Director (Feb 2012 – current)
Randie Salaveria, Housekeeping Supervisor
Bronwyn Watters, Director (Sept 2018 – current)
Chelsea Pukanich, Executive Assistant
Executive Committee
Marion LaVigne, Chair Staffing
Matthew Spence Full-time (FT), part-time (PT), and casual (C)
Debbie Delancey
FT PT C Total
Finance Committee
Matthew Spence, Chair Administration 8 0 0 8
Marion LaVigne Care 41 16 32 89
Sara Fullerton Food Services 5 0 2 7
Governance Committee Housekeeping 6 1 9 16
Debbie DeLancey, Chair Maintenance 3 1 0 4
Bronwyn Watters Recreation Therapy 3 1 2 6
Matthew Spence Total 66 19 45 130
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A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Committee Activities
Fundraising Committee Finance Committee
• The fundraising committee was established • Completed an in-depth analysis to identify
through board motion and began working in late the staffing compliment funded versus the
summer 2020. staffing compliment scheduled in relation to the
• The first activity was “Operation Care on Wheels”, contribution agreement. This analysis determined
a campaign to raise money for a new bus which that standard of care provided is above the
was launched in September 2020. minimum requirements based on the hours of
care per resident and allowed for continued
• With an initial target of $125,000 to be raised by
discussion on funding with our contributors.
December, we were able to exceed this, raising
• Upgrading software such as Office 365 has allowed
$143,000 by the end of October thanks to the hard
work of our CEO and his team and the generosity AVENS to move to a cloud-based environment.
of Yellowknife residents and businesses. Thank This was instrumental for the past year for virtual
you to everyone who donated! meetings, online file sharing, and allowing users to
access information while on the go.
• Work has begun on our next campaign –
• With the improved cash flow, AVENS is in a
“Operation Care on Call” – to raise money for a
new nurse call-bell system that will replace our position to develop a strategy to decrease
current system which is no longer functional. the rolling annual deficit. Continued focus on
This new system will also have expansion operational expense management, and analyzing
capacity allowing for coverage in the new facility. resource requirements will allow AVENS to
This campaign is scheduled for launch in late provide exceptional value for seniors
September - early October. • Monthly segregated tracking of COVID expenses
• We have also begun discussion to develop a major allowed AVENS to strategically focus on changing
campaign to help raise funds for our new safe protocols to keep seniors safe, and to apply for
and affordable housing development for seniors COVID specific funding opportunities.
coming in 2023. This campaign will help cover the
cost of items not included in facility funding. Initial
target estimate for this campaign is anticipated to
be at least $1 million.
Governance Committee
• The governance committee’s workload during the
past year was lighter than in previous years. Over
2018-2020, an intensive effort was made to revise
and update AVENS’ governance policies and by-
laws, work which was substantially completed with
by-law revisions that were brought forward to the
September 2020 Annual General Meeting.
• During the past year, the committee worked to
resolve a number of minor outstanding issues with
the revised by-laws that emerged from discussions
at the September 2020 AGM. Changes to address
these issues are on the agenda for the 2021 AGM.
• The committee also led the process for the
President/CEO’s annual performance objectives
process, as provided for in policy.
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Housing Committee • We hosted our annual town hall session with the
• The housing committee completed an extensive Court / Ridge residents and the public at the
analysis and re-alignment of all housing policies, Baker Centre on May 27, 2021. COVID restrictions
procedures, and forms. were in place.
• In conjunction with the finance committee, the • We drafted a pavilion tenant application of interest
housing committee contracted Avery Cooper form that individuals can fill out and submit to
& Co. Ltd. to perform an independent review AVENS Administration if they are interested in
of the housing application process and scoring receiving more information about the pavilion as
system for independent housing through the it becomes available. Our website is also a great
affordable housing program. This review was resource for updated information about this
requested by the membership at the last annual housing development.
general meeting. The review concluded that the
applications process is fair and reasonable. Development Committee
• The Development Committee completed the
• Created a document that demonstrates the layout
of the Court units. The housing committee also Request for Proposal for Design-Build Services on
wants to create a layout video that can be used the pavilion project. Nahanni Construction Ltd.
online and for potential move ins. Eventually we was identified as the highest ranked proponent
would like a layout for each of our independent on April 29, 2020 and a CCDC-14 contract was
housing units. executed on August 21, 2020.
• The Canadian Mortgage and Housing
• Thecommittee created a brochure to
accompany the housing applications Corporation (CMHC) confirmed their commitment
entitled Frequently Asked Questions for the to the project on July 27, 2020 through the
Independent Housing Applications issuance of a letter of intent to fund the project.
• The Government of the Northwest Territories
(GNWT) provided 50% of their proposed funding
on November 4, 2020 which allowed Nahanni
Construction Ltd. to start design work.
• A development permit application was submitted
to the City of Yellowknife on December 2, 2020
which was signed by the City planning officer
on April 16, 2021. The development permit was
appealed, but the appeal was overturned on June
25, 2021.
• Design has progressed through schematic design
and design development phases.
• Construction equipment was mobilized to site
on July 7, 2021, with the majority of blasting and
excavation expected to be completed in the 2021
calendar year.
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A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
AVENS Campus Map
Aven Pavilion
(Planned expansion)
Aven Cottages
STAF
PARK F
ING
C
B
Admin.
Aven
Greenhouse Court
B1
VI
Aven Ridge
SIT
OR
PA
RK
IN
G
N
G
I
RK
Aven PA
Manor
A
A Aven Manor Entrance
Baker B Administrative Entrance
BCC Community B1 Staff Entrance
Centre C Aven Cottages Entrance
FRANK
L I N AV
ENUE
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AVENS Facilities
AVENS has five separate complexes on its property.
The oldest complex on the AVENS’ property
is Aven Manor, a long-term personal care facility
serving Yellowknife and other NWT communities.
The 34 year old facility houses 27 seniors. As it
ages, it will need major retrofits and eventually
replacement by a new facility.
The next oldest complex on the AVENS
property is Aven Court which is 29 years old. It is
an affordable housing facility that provides 24 units
of housing for independent seniors contained in
six four-plex buildings. New windows have been
installed in this complex, and there are other major
repairs and upgrades that could be made to these
popular units. There are no plans to replace them in
the foreseeable future.
Another much newer affordable housing facility
for independent seniors is Aven Ridge which is only
14 years old. It has eight housing units contained in
four duplexes. There are no plans in the foreseeable
future to retrofit or replace these units.
Eleven years ago the Government of the
Northwest Territories constructed a new territorial The fifth facility on the AVENS property is the
dementia facility called Aven Cottages on AVENS Baker Community Centre which is 26 years old and
property. This new facility is operated by AVENS was built with public donations. AVENS owns the
and started accepting residents in March 2010. property and the building but the centre is operated
It can accommodate up to 28 residents and the by an independent group, the Yellowknife Seniors'
long-term care or respite admissions are managed Society, which provides programs and services in
by the GNWT through the Territorial Admissions support of wellness for Yellowknife seniors, including
Committee (TAC). There are no plans to retrofit or AVENS residents.
replace this facility. Coming Soon - AVENS sixth facility which will be
The mortgages for AVENS Court and Ridge end a 102 unit, three story complex of safe and affordable
in October 2022. housing for seniors, slated to open in 2023.
It should be noted that AVENS has long waiting individuals for these spaces and AVENS accepts
lists for all four of its facilities, and this situation residents from all NWT communities.
will continue, based on well documented future AVENS’ Housing Committee is responsible for
demand, due to aging baby boomers, more people assessing the independent housing applications
choosing to retire in the NWT and the limited and scoring criteria based on current demonstrated
availability of housing units. need for subsidized housing. Unsubsidized units are
As vacancies occur in the Manor or Cottages, the allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
Territorial Admissions Committee (TAC) selects the
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A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
2020-21 Operational Highlights
Administration
• Design and creation of AVENS Pandemic Covid
strategy and infectious control measures
• Design of AVENS first Isolation room under our
Covid strategy
• As an extension of Vision 2020- Better Care
Through Innovation - enhancements to AVENS
Wi-fi area access and bandwidth.
• Participated in the City of Yellowknife’s annual
Operation Clean Sweep.
• Worked with donor for 10 new Samsung Tablets
used during Covid-19
• Monthly “Flatten the stomach curve” staff thank
you events during Covid-19
• New state-of-the-art AVENS website launch
• Worked with many community relief funding
partners for acquisition of personal protective
equipment during the pandemic.
• Secured AVENS first remote dietician service
Board called AVENS Fundraising Committee
provider
chaired by Bronwyn Watters.
• Acquired $10,000 from 100 Men Who Give A • Success launch and completion of AVENS Care
Damn chapter toward new recycled ergonomic
on Wheels bus program
flooring for AVENS AGCO Greenhouse • Official AGCO ribbon cutting with the support
• Held our Annual COVID-Friendly Town Hall
from Government of Canada New Horizon for
meeting with Aven Court and Ridge residents
Seniors and MP Michael McLeod.
• Covid friendly “Outdoor AVENS Summer BBQ” • Engagement meetings with GNWT Minister of
with staff and residents
Health and Social Services and AVENS Board/
• Covid friendly “Outdoor Canada Day Parade”
CEO office
with staff for residents life streaming in Aven • New ATM installation in Administration wing and
Manor and Cottages
25 cents from every transaction is donated back
• Window and outdoor visit programs for residents
to AVENS in partnership with Cold Cash ATM.
and their families during Covid-19 • Creation of 2020-2021 AVENS Operations Quality
• Strategic planning meeting and future proofing
Improvement Plan
with AVENS Board and Management staff, • AVENS new brand refresh, creating a new logo
resulting in new vision, mission, and strategic
and developing brand guidelines.
priorities • AVENS 2nd Annual Tree of Giving program
• Securing CMHC funding and AVENS Board of • St. John Ambulance Virtual Dog Therapy
Directors approving up to $5.5 M of borrowing.
program
• Signing of design build contract with Nahanni • Created new donor wall to appropriately
Construction Ltd
showcase all of AVENS donors
• New investments in food service technology and • Operation Looking Glass town hall meeting
Sysco Synergy Tech Suite
with staff
• Completion of phase II of Aven Court window • Outdoor Santa Claus events with Staff
replacement program
and residents
• Creation of a new committee under the AVENS
10• Introduction of new performance management • Completed a funding and operational analysis of
tools with use of Predictive Index the facilities on campus.
• Working with GNWT partners to strengthen • Developed a KPI Dashboard for AVENS Board
budget needs in long term care services of Directors for a glance into the different
• Working with City of Yellowknife Council for departments reporting metrics.
Pavilion project approvals
• AVENS GEMS (Going the Extra Mile for Seniors) Care
Long Term Service, Shining Star, Helping Hands • Training for support staff by care team on care
award ceremony specific items. These included lifts and transfers,
• Conducted an Employee engagement survey feeding of residents and how to safely use a
2021 – over 50% participation wheelchair
• Work with third year Aurora College students to
Finance implement various quality improvement projects.
• Standardized reporting with customized year to These included updates to care plan template,
date expense to budget analysis palliative care resource binder and social history
• Several grant application success stories admission tool.
including New Horizons for Seniors Program for • Received funding to purchase and install new tub
AVENS Growing Co Operative, the Government in the Manor.
of Northwest Territories – NGO Stabilization • Continued development and expansion of virtual
Fund, United Way – Together we are stronger, dietitian services.
and the Yellowknife Community Foundation. • Working on policy updates and development of
There was also several surrounding funding for standard operating procedures to support the
COVID specific projects such as Barb Bromley OHS programming.
Fund from YK Community Foundation for Comfy
Corners, and Albert Hall’s Getting Active Fun.
• Utilization of digital tools to transition to a virtual
environment including Microsoft Office 365
platform and Zoom video conferencing
Food Services
• Received Food Donation from Food Banks
Canada, Food Rescue (November 2020) Worth
20k of Frozen and Canned products.
• Donated excess food donation to other non-for-
profit organization (February 2021) Worth 7k.
• Remote Dietitian (June 2020) Anna Kandola, RD
provides us with dietary services from a distance
via Zoom.
11A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
2020-21 Operational Highlights - Cont’d
• Sysco Mealsuite (September 2020) food service • As a thank you from AVENS Board of Directors
software that helps with determining the to our staff for all their hard work and dedicated
nutritional value of meals, creating meals that during COVID, we coordinated a thank you gift
avoids resident’s allergies & dislikes, keep records for each of our employees and celebrated the
of intake, and missed meals of the resident for presentation of the gifts with our Employee
us to provide more quality of care for all our Appreciation BBQ
residents.
• New Coffee Machine in the Manor (Touch Screen w/ Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
accessibility features) where they can enjoy freshly • This year we were successful in continuing our
ground coffee beans with or without caffeine. quarterly OHS inspections throughout the facility
while incorporating more employees to assist for
each inspection. By involving more employees in
this process, we can create a safer environment
where our team is able to use the knowledge
gained from daily inspections in the facility.
• We have had successful monthly meetings as an
OHS Committee comprised of both union and
non-union employees working together to safer
environment for both our residents and employees.
Recreation
• Received funding from Rio Tinto / Diavik to
support several recreation programs.
• Used the new AVENS bus to take residents on
Human Resources multiple COVID safe outings throughout the year
• Revised the current orientation program to various locations throughout town such as the
• Deployed a Pandemic Continuity Employee Museum, Ice Castle and Yellowknife River for a
survey BBQ.
• Upgraded many employees in the mandatory • AVENS staff participated in the city’s annual
training fields such as Non-Violent Crisis community clean up.
Intervention and Elders in Motion training • Recreation
throughout the year. Also provided opportunities team completed
for on-line learning. and received
• Although we were not able to have our Education certification in the
Day as we had hoped to make it annual, we Northern Recreation
have been able to work closely with our pension Leadership program,
provider to reach out to our employees and offered through
virtually discus their investment options and Recreation North.
planning for their financial future • Another successful
• We have embraced the world of technology and year in AVENS
Zoom for meetings, interviews, and to be able to Greenhouse, which
hold our annual employee recognition in the form helps offset the food
of the GEMS (Going the Extra Mile for Seniors) costs and isolation
program. Family members were able to join us for residents.
on-line and help celebrate the accomplishments
of our employees.
12• Commissioned for first year growing season.
• Successful fall harvest with residents
• Operation “Rub-A-Dub-Tub”: Installed a new
ARJO tub in Manor East Tub room.
• “A Splash of Color” Campus painting:
• Court, Ridge, and Baker Center patios, Eves,
Fencing, Valences.
• Park benches, swings freshly stained.
• Storage sheds fresh new colors.
• Administration entrance refinished and stained.
• Curbs, parking stalls, and hand rials.
• TDF Foundation boards
• Built up edges of sidewalks to minimize ankle roll
over, Lawn seeding and fertilizing, Tree / stump
removal
Operations
• Court Window Project: Installed new windows
and blinds in Court Blocks 1, 2, 4, & 5 completing
Housekeeping all court windows. All old windows were sold and
• Demonstrated improved work organization and are being reused in various applications.
• Reassigned parking and installed new signage
efficiency by increasing the performance target
for the room glow germ from 80% to 85% and across campus.
• Steam Boiler repairs completed, and fully
the hand washing audit from 90% to 95% and the
handwashing audit remains at 100%. operational.
• Increased Housekeeping staff training by providing • New plumbing and steam injectors
• New controls installed for heating & ventilation
cross-functional and area training for all staff.
• Continued to use our tracking tools for • Territorial Dementia Facility Air Handling Unit
purchasing and inventory which helped with control upgrades with TRANE including new
the overall improvement on the graphics and programming.
• Computer/Laptop Upgrades: All computers and
control of costs.
laptops have been upgraded and deployed.
Maintenance
Greenhouse:
Installed spray
foam insulation,
new flooring,
growing pods,
heating, exhaust
fan, water supply,
safety station,
and Closed-Circuit
Television.
13A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Financial Highlights
OPERATING EXPENSES OPERATING REVENUE
‐ 2020‐2021
by Category by Source 2020‐2021 ‐
2.1%
3.9% 1.4%
10.0%
6.2%
1.9%
4.7%
0.6% 9.6%
12.0% ‐ ‐
71.0%
76.8%
EMPLOYEES CARE & OPERATING CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AMORTIZATION
NTHSSA
AMORTIZATION ADMIN RENTAL & OTHER FEES GRANTS & INTEREST
INTEREST FACILITY MANAGEMENT CONTRIBUTIONS NWTHC DONATIONS
5 YEAR REVENUE & EXPENSES TREND
12,000,000
10,000,000
‐ ‐ 8,000,000
6,000,000
4,000,000
‐ ‐
‐ ‐
2,000,000
‐
‐
NTHSSA Cash Revenues Other Revenue
‐
Employees Cash Expenses ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ Other Expenses
14
‐ ‐FINANCE COMMITTEE NOTES
• Unqualified opinion from the auditors – the Risks/Outlook
financial statements present fairly in all material
• As a not-for-profit entity AVENS needs to
respects the financial position of the organization.
generate enough revenues to cover expenses.
• Revenues were consistent with expenses for the The current situation has put AVENS at risk in
first time within several years. AVENS has achieved the absence of a new funding formula that fairly
a strong position in controlling costs while addresses cost pressures.
maximizing value to seniors.
• There is an increased demand for seniors housing
• COVID provided a significant challenge with in Yellowknife, which suggests the need to
operational changes as required by the chief increase housing on the AVENS property. The
public health officer. AVENS team continued expansion plans should contribute to improving
to pivot to meet changing infection control AVENS financial situation and to reduce any
protocols, with many positions taking on new financial risks to the organization.
tasks temporarily. This resulted in a decreased
• The increasing population of seniors places
spending on regular activities to effectively spend
demands on programs and available personnel.
on COVID protocols.
AVENS may face a staffing shortage at some point
due to its limited financial flexibility, leaving it
unable to compete.
YEAR TO YEAR COMPARISONS
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20* 2020-21**
Total Revenue $10,032,732 $9,499,095 $9,770,905 $10,526,007 $11,249,495
NTHSSA Contribution $7,934,560 $7,469,527 $7,544,329 $8,147,466 $8,633,347
Total Expenditures $10,005,762 $9,550,005 $10,418,636 $11,114,702 $11,424,435
Employees $7,309,125 $6,935,331 $7,028,860 $7,775,629 $8,113,102
Cash Surplus (Deficit) $264,254 $181,360 $77,420 $119,481 $540,868
Non-Cash Surplus (Deficit)*** ($237,284) ($232,270) ($725,151) ($708,176) ($715,808)
Operational Surplus (Deficit) $26,970 ($50,910) ($647,731) ($588,695) ($174,940)
* 2019-20 One time increase in revenue resulting from retroactive contribution agreement adjustment based on the new collective agreement
** 2020-21 Additional funding for COVID reimbursed from NTHSSA for designated pandemic protocols
*** Non-Cash items include amortization of deferred capital contributions and NWTHC loan repayments less amortization of tangible capital
assets and bad debts.
15Planning for the future:
AVENS is passionately committed to our mission management and by engaging and consulting
and vision. It is in this context that we will take with our local community and with various layers of
the next steps in fulfilling and improving our governments about services and needs for seniors
accreditation in longterm and dementia care to “age actively” in Yellowknife and surrounding
services, in fulfilling the increasing need for communities.
affordable, supportive seniors housing, by targeting With limited options and supports for seniors
an end to seniors’ homelessness in the NWT and by today, AVENS is in a pivotal position to be the
expanding aging-in-place services. catalyst for needed changes. AVENS’ forward-
To achieve this, AVENS needs to develop thinking approach, with the proper sources of
partnerships with other seniors housing providers funding, will be exactly what our territory needs in
outside of NWT, develop the management changing the current and future outlooks for seniors
tools for eligibility, admission, operations and in the North.
1617
A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Living with COVID
CARE
• Increased daily screening protocols including a
separate staff entrance area.
• Daily masking, face shields and clothing change or
gown requirements.
• Reduce and/or no visitation for residents.
• Evolving isolation requirements which resulted in
staffing challenges onsite.
• Implementation of various recommended health
care and infection control practices to reduce
potential exposures to COVID virus. This included
increased infection control practices, continuous
wearing of personal protective equipment,
changes to on site visitation etc.
• Received special COVID funding via NTHSSA for
staffing in Resident Care.
• Residents of AVENS were the first in the NWT
to receive the Moderna Vaccination. First dose
was offered and administered to Residents on RECREATION
December 31, 2020. • Volunteers were not able to come onsite during
• Aurora College programming changed in response the pandemic. As a result, AVENS recreation team
to the COVID pandemic. This meant we did not did an amazing job at providing consistent and
have students on site for several months. Students meaningful programming for the residents.
from the Personal Support Worker program and • AVENS team got creative, using a virtual platform
BSN Nursing program returned in the winter to run certain programming such as: Dog Therapy,
semester of 2021. AVENS supported an increase in Rosary, Paint Night and Entertainment night.
number of students and practicum times. • Assisted with iPad and window visits with resident
and resident families.
• The recreation team used AVENS
new bus to take the resident on
safe, covid-friendly outings to
Yellowknife River, North Country
stables and other various areas
throughout the community to
help combat some of the social
isolation.
• Due to the isolation
requirements, AVENS Recreation
team assisted some residents with
shopping and supply pick ups.
18FOOD SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCES
• Created a Pandemic Contingency Plan which • COVID has shown just how resilient our team can
outlined the proper procedures for: be! From adding new COVID specific lines to our
- Caring for any isolating residents providing all CARE team to extending hours in housekeeping
services with no contact. to provide better infection control throughout
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements the building, the AVENS team has shown some
which included: changing clothes, masking & amazing teamwork to successfully get through
face shield being kept on while performing these times and keep our residents safe.
regular duties. • Our human resources department has been
- Short Staffing due to isolation protocols for staff incredibly resourceful in combating the staffing
requiring isolation as per the evolving COVID challenges we have faced throughout the
requirements. pandemic as outbreaks occurred, isolation
• Worked with Copperhouse to discuss contract requirements increased, and staffing shortages
services in the event of a food service staff began to paramount we always managed to get
shortage due to the pandemic. great staff to be apart of the AVENS team.
• Provided Weekly COVID updates for the
employees.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The pandemic COVID has cost AVENS as a not for
profit a total of $566,000.
COVID-RELATED EXPENDITURES
OPERATIONS
- Converted the Elders Kitchen into an isolation/
quarantine room complete with furnishings,
negative pressure, fresh air ventilation, and doctor/ Staffing for Pandemic Protocols $416,500
medical station. Infection Control Supplies $66,000
• Built quarantine inserts to isolate resident rooms in Administration $18,900
the Cottages. Personal Protective Equipment $57,100
• Developed a central staff change/locker room. Pivoting to Virtual - WIFI & Tablets $7,500
• Converted the Administration wing and other Total COVID Related Expenditures $566,000
various areas of the facility into safe, socially *Rounded to the nearest thousand
distanced, and private, resident family visiting areas.A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Keeping Active, Having Fun
To support residents in fun activities and programs to increases their quality of life at AVENS!
The health and wellness activities and programs Arts & Crafts: We organize several different arts
have taken on a new role of having fun with the and crafts activities throughout the year where
seniors here at AVENS, since COVID has changed the residents can make something themselves or
all our lives. Now more than ever the meaning with minimal help, and they feel proud of what
of “Quality of Life” is more important to the they have made. We use painting as a therapeutic
residents. We continue to have a large variety of activity, as we play music that the residents en-
activities and programs that are geared to the joy listening to, and they will paint anything that
abilities and interests of the residents. Since the inspires their creative side.
activities and programs are no longer managed or
Bingos: On Tuesday evenings we have bingo that
supported by volunteer (as COVID has taken them
is sponsored by the Elks Lodge or True North
away). The three recreation coordinators and two
Rotary Club on rotational months. This is a very
casual staff members with the recreation super-
popular activity for the residents as it’s free and
visor support all the programs and activities to
they win prizes - like chocolate bars or a bag of
ensure safety and offer normal programming, with
chips! The recreation staff puts on a second bingo
the help, support, and guidance of the Director of
on Friday afternoons too!
Care.
The programs and activities continue to Tai Chi: Is a physical and relaxing program for
address the residents needs in one or more of the residents, plus it is easy to adapt to residents in
physical, social-emotional or cognitive domains, wheelchairs. Our recreation coordinators contin-
as well as the health and wellness part of spiritu- ued this program without the volunteers during
al, nutrition, and environmental well-being. This COVID. Our Tai Chi volunteers Andrea, Rhonda
is achieved by the many types of activities, pro- and Linda will return later this year. The three
grams, and events that we have here at AVENS. volunteers are dedicated ladies who take turns
each week. It’s a weekly exercise for the residents
20that they enjoy as well as the social aspect. We shuffleboard game night. They play on a shuffle-
also promote stretching, relaxation and well-being board table donated by the Knights of Columbus.
program to residents with dementia. The residents really enjoy the game and they are
very competitive!
Entertainment Night: Is finally back at AVENS with
a few changes, the entertainers wear a mask too! Fellowship: The Fellowship program was held
We do have a variety of talented volunteer enter- weekly, every Thursday mornings. Several church-
tainers here in Yellowknife that come to AVENS es rotate and come in to bring fellowship, sing
and offer to play live performance for the residents and worship to the residents. The program gives
on Thursday evenings. The music inspires the resi- a chance for the residents to sing hymns, and the
dents to socialize with one another and maybe do pastor to read passages from the bible, and share
a little dancing too! a few prayers. During COVID we have started a
new program of Rosary prayers on Wednesday
AVENS Growing Cooperative (AGCO) - ‘Growing afternoons, with a few staff volunteers and a virtual
Green with Seniors’ and Green Thumbs Programs: volunteer.
This spring and summer program is for seniors
Sing-Along: On Monday mornings, we sing classic
to enjoy the great outdoors and get to do a little
oldies and residents’ personal favorite songs. We
gardening too. We do miss the visits from school
will be starting up this program again this year
students helping with the gardening.
in September as it has been slow due to COVID
Shuffleboard: The shuffleboard program has fallen with no volunteers allowed. We miss Dawn, our
to the wayside due to COVID. It is not played as volunteer who strums her guitar; and often gives a
often as it was in the past, but soon to start up little historical history about some of the songs we
again. As the two dedicated volunteers will come sing. The residents truly enjoy this cognitive and
again Monday evenings, bi-weekly to host the social-emotional activity.
21A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Keeping Active, Having Fun CONTINUED
Cultural Programs: These programs are sharing Scottish Country Dancing: We will be starting up
and learning about the Dene cultural, traditions this program again this year in September as it
and knowledge through storytelling, programs has been on hold due to COVID and no volunteer
with artifacts on loan from the Prince of Whale allowed. The dancers come to AVENS on the last
Museum, and bannock making, documentaries, Monday of every month. The Scottish Country
caribou soup and bannock, sewing and mitt mak- Dancers Association comes to practice their danc-
ing. All around fun! ing here at AVENS, while residents enjoy watching
the dancers perform.
Gator Games: There are several different types of
Gator games that are played here with the residents, Snoezelen Cart: This is a multi-sensory cart on
and they are all adaptable for a varying level of wheels, which we use with residents
physical abilities. You can always hear the residents that require more stimulation. This
laughing and cheering on each another to win. program is a one-to-one program.
The cart is brought into the resi-
Balloon Therapy: The residents are seated in a
dent’s room, where it is quite and
smaller circle in the living room or dining room
relaxing. We have music, aroma
and have fun trying to keep the balloon in the air.
therapy, bubble machine with
The smiles on the residents’ faces makes you want
different colored lights that can be
to join in the game, with laughter and music in the
adjusted, and a projector used to
background. This is a physical and social-emo-
show nature slides on the wall. The
tional activity that encourages residents to move
are several different themes, and
their arms and upper body, even use their legs and
tactile therapy and hand messages.
feet if they like to kick the balloons to keep it from
touching the floor.
22CHURCH SERVICES: SPECIAL EVENTS:
The Central Arctic Baptist Church (CABC) There are a multitude of special events we have
bi-weekly visits on Saturdays are on hold due to here at AVENS: New Year’s Eve Party, Valentine
COVID and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church’s Sunday Day Special Events, St. Patrick’s Day Celebration,
visits have started up again. The Catholic Church Winter Carnival, Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bun-
does a full mass and with communion as most of ny Visit, Mother’s Day Special Event, Father’s Day
the residents AVENS are of catholic religion. Special event, National Indigenous Peoples Day,
Canada Day, Thanksgiving Day Dinners, Hallow-
OUTINGS:
een, Remembrance Day, and Christmas Party.
Some of the outings that the residents go on are
visits to the North Country stables, Yellowknife River
drives, picnics at Fred Henne Park, and bus tours of
Yellowknife. Our outings involve packing snacks and
bringing drinks, like hot chocolate, tea and coffee.
PET THERAPY:
SJA Dog Therapy: This year as been a little dif-
ferent as we have been doing virtual visits on the
iPad with the residents.
Bunny Therapy: A resident bunny, either Kobe
or Lady, is swaddled in a baby blanket and taken
around for the residents to snuggle, and pet.
23A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Recognition
AVENS – GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR STAFF SHINING STARS
SENIORS (GEMS) PROGRAM During the long-term service awards ceremony
Last year we launched the new AVENS Going Avens also took the opportunity to recognize 10
the Extra Mile for Seniors (GEMS) program. This staff members for being “shining stars’ because of
program gives our employees, our volunteers, our their contribution to AVENS and by going over and
residents and even their families an opportunity above and really being a true example of what the
to be recognized for their contributions based on GEMS program really stands for.
AVENS foundation core values of: Respect, Dignity,
Raymundo Jimenez Christine Zamudio
Collaboration, Accountability and Integrity. Our
Megan-Tania Jones Christian Siguenza
GEMS are recognized annually and will receive Jessica Ewing Carol Norwegian
a lapel pin on their name tag designating this Gloria Taylor-Vicente Ketty Beaverho
heartfelt thank you. Emily Harman Randie Salaveria
LONG TERM SERVICE AWARDS
This year AVENS recognized 23 staff members, with over 200 + years of service, in a
long-term service awards ceremony on March 10, 2021.
5 years 10 years 20 years 25 years
Xue Hua Chen Ritah Bumhira
Holly Mann Renee Wiseman
Cecielle Valerio Natallia Salodkina
Mercedes Tuerto Melanya Grigoryan
Sarojini Jhankur Marivic Bray
Emily Harman Margaret Shatei
Milagros Antioquia Joicy Vincent
Christine Zamudio Alma Jaboneta
Fariba Habib, Laurence Wilson
Meladine Salaveria
Marites Arambulo Vicky Duculan Gena Samardzija
Not Pictured: Marites Feria
Long-Term Service Employees
242021 SHEILA BRODERS AWARD
Sheila Frances Broders was a compasionate, to lend an ear to whomever wanted to chat ”,
sincere, and selfless person always thinking as described in her memorial.
about others, doing what she could to help The Sheila Broders award was first awarded
however and whenever. Although a fondness in 2013 at the annual Aurora Colledge awards
for her Newfoundland, she loved her work to a student of the Personal Support Worker
in Yellowknife, as a Resident Care Aide at Program who demonstrated the following
AVENS. qualities:
The residents at AVENS looked forward to Good attendance, high professional
seeing her on every shift. Sheila loved hearing standards, caring and understanding, good
about their lives and was able to face every listening skills, team work and the ability to
challenge that came her way with a smile. work well with others, sincere, selflessness and
Sadly, her passing on January 30, 2013 was a a “friend” to all.
shock to many within our AVENS family. We are pleased to announce this years
“Her work ethic was like no other, always Aurora College selected recipient of the
storming and looking for a way to make life Sheila Broders award is Ms. Teresa Simon.
easier for all Redwood residents. Sheila was We, at AVENS couldn’t be any happier –
Ms. Teresa Simon, Award Recipient & the co-worker everyone loved, she was there Congratulations Teresa!
Frances Bower, AVENS Director of Care
2021 CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Aurora College recently created a new nominated you for this award for building
Personal Support Worker (PSW) Clinical strong relationships with residents,
Excellence Award that demonstrates showing growth throughout the program,
excellence in the PSW practice setting. and demonstrating initiative in clinical
This award is chosen by the Personal placements. You continuously worked
Support Worker Faculty of the School of to engage residents and enhance their
Health and Human Services Programs and is quality of life. You are always looking for
based on the following criteria: ways to become involved in resident
• Demonstrates ability to build strong activities. You are hardworking with a kind
relationships with residents. heart; conscious mind and you apply your
• Evidence of growth as a student positive energy and optimistic outlook
• Demonstrates leadership to everything you do. As a student, you
• Demonstrates professionalism regularly went above and beyond your
• Evidence of strong clinical performance role to take on additional education and
• Good academic standing learning. You take on any challenge in
• Promotes the role of PSW” order to connect with your residents,
• Demonstrates initiative at clinical when a resident is unable to verbally
placements communicate; you develop unique ways
We were pleased when we heard that to connect. You are an exceptionally
AVENS very own Karin von Allmen was engaging, interesting and warm person
this year’s recipient. This was what Aurora with tremendous strength of character and
Rachel Nolting, Aurora College
College said to Karin: integrity. We are delighted and proud to Instructor, Karin von Allmen, AVENS
call you an Aurora College – PSW Grad! Employee, Chantele Fage, Aurora
Congratulations Karin on being the College PSW Instructor.
recipient of the Personal Support Worker We at AVENS could not be more proud -
Clinical Excellence Award. Your instructors Congratulations Karin!
25A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Volunteer Recognition
Due to COVID restrictions in place AVENS was not
permitted any visitors in the building. Therefore, a
lot of programs had to be put on hold due to no
VOLUNTEERS HELPING HANDS PROGRAM
In this years Volunteer Helping Hands program, volunteers being allowed in the building. So we just
we recognized 5 people, plus 1 dog for their wanted to extend a thank you to all volunteers for
selflessness and continued support to AVENS their patience during this time. We are hoping to be
through the variety of different services and allowed to have volunteers and be back to regular
volunteer programs they provide to the residents. programming as soon as possible.
Ann Clair Russell & Louise Boettger – Wednesday Christine & George Harris – For maintaining AVENS
prayers and rosary grounds with the beautiful flowers and conducting
the recycling program every year.
Carrie Vega – assisting with the Sunday Church Service
Donamae Hilton and Mark-Cuss (the dog) –
Virtual Dog Therapy
On behalf of the President & CEO’s Office and
the AVENS Board, we want to congratulate all those
who were recognized at this special tribute.
Together, we take pride in your
accomplishment and your commitment to
excellence. You have shown that each one of us can
make a difference in changing the world.
Salud Yuvienco – Fish care
Not pictured: Louise Boettger
26Our Donors
INIDIVIDUALS CORPORATE OPERATION CARE ON WHEELS
Larry Adamson 100 Men Who Give a Damn DeBeers Group of Robert Carr
Cecile Beemer 5106 NWT Limited Companies and Partners Ben McDonald
Wayne Butler Adam Dental Clinic Canuck Consulting and Tony White
Kristen Cameron Artech Engrave Contracting Tanner Dolynny
Northways consulting Juanita and Sandra Walsh
Garth Carman The Bottleshop Recycling Depot Inc.
Epiroc Consulting Linda Bussey
John Colford Camco
J&S Contracting Ltd Sylvia Masongsong
Della Fraser Canadian Tire - Yellowknife
Air Tindi Leanne Zackowski
David Gilday Conquer COVID19.ca SMS Equipment Hazel Wind
Catherine Harper Copperhouse Acasta Heliflight Lisette Kaip
J Op Der Heijde Dragon Toner Law Office Mountain Province Venture Rick Maddeaux
Carla Kinakin Elite Commercial Flooring Eggenberger Family Trina Rose
Lynda Koe Indigenous Consulting Services (Gladys, Albert, Jennifer) Caroline Wawzonek
Curtus Lermo J&A Fire Protection Ltd Paul Bros Nextreme Inc. Darwin Wark
Paula Letemplier Mary Brown’s Chicken Yellowknife NWT Disabilities Council Oceane Coulaudoux
Len MacDonald Matonabee Petroleum McKenna Funeral Services Ltd Diane Patry
Ryan Mercredi McLean Smits Family Foundation N.E.R.D.S - Todd Slack Adam Cassell
William Graham Patricia Rapley
Carol Norwegian New Horizons for Seniors Program
Andrew Langford Rosemary L. Huestis
Joey Norwegian Paul Bros Nextreme Inc.
Bronwyn Watters Shanta Ansdell
Tammy Oliver-Snook PayPal Giving Fund Canada
Debbie DeLancey Wayne Butler
Jerome Rondeau Quality Furniture John Colford Carol Norwegian (plus 4
Chris & Rona Williams Royal Canadian Legion Aaron La Borde Sutherlands family members: Shanta,
Linda Schulz Shoppers Drug Mart Yellowknife 5804 NWT Ltd Wayne, Kevin, John)
Almira Swihart Spring Clean Up Volunteers Haks Autobody Kevin Ansdell
Maureen Tonge SSI Micro Ronne Heming John Ansdell
Marilyn Tucker ULA Service Limited Larry Adamson Jane Romanowich
Trent Waterhouse Unico Contractors (N.W.T) Ltd. Mackenzie Management Up Here Publishing Ltd.
Bronwyn Watters United Way - Together we are Mercedes Tuerto Matonabee Petroleum (Fuel)
Judy Whitford Stronger Fund Rachel and Jeremy Yellowknife Motors (Service)
Walt Humphries NWT Legion
United Way of Northwest Territories
Pat Moore (Vincent Massey)
Yellowknife BPO Elks Lodge #314
Brad Heath
The Yellowknife Community Foundation
The Yellowknife Community
Foundation - Albert Hall Fund
The Yellowknife Community
Foundation- Barb Bromley Fund
Yellowknife Motors
We would also like to thank everyone
who made an anonymous donation.
You know who you are.
27A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Featured Donations
OPERATION CARE ON WHEELS DONATIONS Front Row: Selena Pukanich (DeBeers), Lyndon Clark (DeBeers),
Marion LaVigne ( Pink jacket - Avens Board of Directors, Chair),
• Debeers / Mountain Province Venture & Partners
Sandra Turner (colorful mask - Avens Board of Directors,
(Canuck Consulting and Contracting, Northways Director), Bronwyn Watters (blue jacket - Avens Board of
Consulting, Epiroc Consulting, J&S Contracting Ltd, Directors, Director), Chris Reynolds (Air Tindi)
Air Tindi, SMS Equipment, Acasta Heliflight) Second Row: Gareth Connell (SMS Equipment), Matt Johnson
• Eggenberger Family - $25,000 (Acasta Heli Flight), Desiree Westgard (J&S Contracting), Daryl
• NWT Disabilities Council - $10,000 Dolynny (AVENS CEO), Jay Westgard (J&S Contracting), Ralph
Snyder (AVENS Staff), Mazin Ahmed (AVENS Staff), Lindsey
• NWT Legion - $4,500
Dwojak (AVENS Staff, behind the banner), Randie Salaveria
(AVENS Staff), Steven Nichols (AVENS Staff)
Back Row (AVENS staffers): Sara Fullerton (behind the banner),
Frances Bower, Carol Norwegian, Emily Harman, Gloria Taylor,
Sandra Walsh, Lawrence Malaque, Chelsea Pukanich
100 MEN WHO GIVE A DAMN
- $10,000 donation – was used to
purchase sustainable flooring for
the greenhouse.
28FOOD BANK CANADA SANITIZER FROM CANADIAN TIRE
- 5 pallets of chicken - 2 pails of hand sanitizer – store manager
- cost offset to AVENS is $22,500 Richard and Housekeeping Supervisor for
AVENS Randie Salaveria
COFFEE (& ICE CREAM) CART DONATION FIDGET BLANKETS
- Joey Norwegian designed this beautiful wood - A collection of “fidget blankets” a stimulation
Coffee and Ice Cream cart to aid in delivering resource for dementia patients was generously
delicious snacks to residents on campus. donated to AVENS by Bozena Robertson from
Fort Smith for the residents to use.
29A V E N S 2 0 2 0 - 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Our Partners
Government Partners is critical to ensuring NWT seniors have access to
affordable, long-term care and subsidized housing.
AVENS is the only not-for-profit, non-government We need to further engage these partners and oth-
organization providing housing, and long term care ers to meet our mission moving into the future.
to seniors in the NWT and is the only provider of The AVENS board of directors will be working
memory (dementia) care in the territory. closely with the territorial government to ensure
AVENS relies on government partners to fund adequate funding levels to provide the necessary
many of these services to keep the cost associated quality services that AVENS currently provides
with the services affordable for residents. This is to residents. The AVENS board has also sought
made possible through a contribution agreement support and partnerships with other entities such
with the territorial government’s Department of as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Health and Social Services (HSS) and the Northwest (CMHC). CMHC’s National Housing Strategy
Territories Health and Social Services Authority. (NHS) which offers opportunities to groups such as
AVENS also has an agreement with the NWT AVENS to partner with Indigenous governments,
Housing Corporation for the operation and main- the Government of Canada and various GNWT
tenance of the housing units in the Court and the departments to increase the available housing stock
Ridge. This agreement specifies the levels of rent on the AVENS Campus.
AVENS charges and provides funding to cover some AVENS believes all levels of government should
of the rent and maintain the units in good repair. play a role in meeting the growing needs of our
The funding from these government partners seniors’ population.
Other Partners Yellowknife Association of Community Living
AVENS provides a safe and accepting volunteer
In addition to the government, AVENS also partners
environment for a client of the association.
with a number of organizations to enhance its services.
Yellowknife Community Foundation
Aurora College
Many students in nursing, social work and the care YCF holds a fund dedicated to recreation activities for
aide programs have completed practicums with residents of Aven Manor and Aven Cottages.
AVENS in the recreation department, and have Yellowknife Seniors Society
helped organize events. Yellowknife Seniors Society operates the Baker Center
Alzheimer Society of AB and NWT on AVENS Campus and provides a range of wellness
program and services to seniors.
The Alzheimer Society and AVENS collaboratively
provide cultural recreation programs. AVENS also Inclusion NWT
supports students associated with the Society. Inclusion NWT is a non-profit charitable organization
City of Yellowknife that support people with intellectual and other
disabilities and their families, across their lifetime.
AVENS partnered with the Yellowknife Fire
They help them live meaningful lives and be active in
Department to conduct mock evacuation and multiple
all aspects of community life by assisting with various
fire safety services.
projects on the AVENS campus.
Canadian National Institute for the Blind NWT Disabilities
CNIB NT offers services to AVENS residents NWT Disabilities exists to educate, advocate, and support
experiencing visual impairment. the self-determination of all individuals with disabilities.
Union of Northern Workers NWT Seniors Society
AVENS continues to work towards a collaborative Yellowknife Seniors Society operates the Baker Center
working relationship with UNW for the betterment of and provides a range of program and services to seniors.
our residents and those who care for them.
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