Category: Events

November is Edmonton Housing Month – an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of safe, quality housing in the Capital Region and a time to reflect on what “home” truly means. Throughout the month, Homeward Trust Edmonton, in partnership with local organizations, will host a series of webinars featuring housing solutions and supportive programs across the city.

With a 90% client satisfaction rate, GEF is proud to contribute to these efforts by helping seniors find that sense of home through affordable housing and support that enables them to live with dignity and thrive in their communities.

For 66-year-old Ted W., moving into GEF Strathcona Place earlier this year finally gave him the security and comfort he’d been searching for.

A Fresh Start

Ted had lived in many places over the years, but none ever felt like home. Shared accommodations were inconvenient and uncomfortable, and a short-lived apartment in St. Paul turned out to be unsafe and expensive.

“A friend had told me to look into affordable housing options for seniors, but there was a stigma for me. I hated to admit that I needed help, but I realized that living the way I was wasn’t working anymore. It was very difficult.”

~ Ted W., Strathcona Place

After years of unstable housing, Ted finally has a place where he feels safe, settled, and connected.

Supporting Seniors

Nicole Davis, Ted’s GEF Housing Placement Coordinator, sees firsthand the growing demand for more affordable housing options for older adults. With over 1,300 seniors currently on GEF’s waitlist, the housing application system prioritizes need.

This year, GEF expanded its Housing and Outreach teams to better support seniors – from applying for housing, to the move-in transition, and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive.

With that support, Ted has settled in and now enjoys the simple pleasures of cooking, meeting neighbours, and decorating his space one piece at a time.

Recently, Ted sent a heartfelt note to Nicole to share just how much this move has meant to him:

Home and Community

This Housing Month, we’re highlighting Ted’s story – a reminder of why home, stability, and community matter. We’re grateful for the trust our residents and tenants place in us. Their feedback inspires us to keep listening, learning, and finding new ways to strengthen our communities for the seniors who call GEF home.

Visit gef.org for more information on our housing options and resources to help navigate the application process.

Summer BBQs bring our apartment communities together. This past month, the BBQ fun continued, with new faces and an extra reason to celebrate. Two new communities officially joined the GEF family!

Burgers, BBQS, and New Neighbours

Tenants from both Tegler Manor and Tegler Terrace enjoyed their first GEF Summer BBQ where seniors and staff had the opportunity to get to know each other better. There was good food, laughter, prizes, and plenty of connections made. It was a great way to welcome everyone into this new chapter together.

Tegler Manor BBQ

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“I’ve lived at Tegler Manor for 14 years. It’s a nice, quiet building, and close to everything. We often see each other in the halls as we come and go and say ‘hello’, but I enjoyed today’s GEF BBQ because we were able to sit down with each other, have fun, and socialize.”

— Lucita C., Tegler Manor

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Tegler Terrace BBQ

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“I’ve been at Tegler Terrace for 4 years and have met many wonderful people. Most tenants are over 85 with a few of us in our early 70’s known as ‘the kids’! This was the first of many events with GEF, and it was nice to see what they do compared to what we do as a social committee. The best part is always visiting with one another and the laughter. You know it’s a good time when the volume in the room keeps going up!”

— Joanne E., Tegler Terrace

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Two Buildings, One Warm Welcome

Tegler Manor and Tegler Terrace have been home to Edmonton seniors for decades, and now they’ll continue that tradition as part of GEF. With their addition, we can now provide nearly 4,000 low-to-moderate income seniors with access to affordable housing and services in 43 building locations across Edmonton.

Looking Ahead

With the addition of these two new communities, GEF is taking an exciting step toward our strategic goal of growing by 1,000 units over five years. The transition to GEF ensures the Tegler buildings remain designated as affordable housing for seniors in Edmonton. But with nearly 1,300 seniors on our waitlist for housing, we need and want to do more. Donations to the Building for Life Fund enable us to increase the number of housing units we own or operate.

Welcome to everyone at Tegler Manor and Tegler Terrace! We’re so happy to have you join the GEF family.

At GEF, we believe in more than just providing a place to live – we believe in building vibrant, welcoming communities. One of the opportunities we provide for people to come together is the annual summer BBQs in our apartment buildings.

BBQs, Burgers & Belonging

Staff, tenants, and community partners come together for tasty food, live music, fun prizes, and lots of smiles. It’s an afternoon of laughs, full plates, and memorable moments.

“I look forward to these get-togethers! I recommend everyone try to come out to more of these community events.”

Debbie G., Avenwood Corner

“We see people that we don’t often see.
It’s a nice way to connect and socialize.”

Johanna F., Avenwood Corner

Even those who prefer their own space find joy in seeing their neighbours having fun.

“I typically like to be more solitary. I enjoy doing my own thing.
But what I like about the BBQs is seeing everyone having fun,
seeing how everyone’s doing, and seeing the new faces!”

Holly K., Bateman Manor

Community Partners and Staff get in the Spirit

“We’re such a person-centred organization.
We love the interaction between staff and residents, which is so important for building relationships.”

Peggy Caine, Manager, Portfolio 8

“It’s the food, the music, the mingling – what’s not to love?
You can’t help but feel good when you’re surrounded by so much positive energy and fun!”

Theresa Fielden, SAGE Seniors Association Edmonton

Share Your Story!

As the Summer BBQS continue, we want to hear how you’re creating vibrant communities in your own buildings. Whether it’s a special event, or a creative idea to engage and connect – tell us your story! Share your favourite moments with us at communications@gef.org and don’t forget to include your photos!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X to stay up to date on GEF news and to see what’s happening across our GEF communities.

Spring brought more than just warmer weather to GEF – it brought colour, connection, and the return of Planting Days! From May 14 to June 6, our third annual Planting Days campaign bloomed across communities, with residents and tenants coming together with over 150 corporate partners and volunteers to bring fresh life to the outdoor spaces our seniors call home.

Our residents and tenants joined in however they could, some pulling on gloves to help, and others cheering everyone on from the benches. For those with limited mobility, just being outside and chatting with the volunteers brought joy and laughter.

Community Partners Make It Happen

This year we welcomed 21 corporate partners, who brought teams ranging from one person to groups of 11. Many gave their time to more than one site, and they all brought their energy and enthusiasm, rain or shine. Together, they helped plant, dig, weed, and transform garden beds across 25 GEF communities.

A sincere thank you to TELSCO Security Systems, Ford Credit, Telus, Old Navy, Centennial Food Solutions, Source Office Furniture, PCL Construction, Royal Caretaking Supplies, Simmons Canada, ServiceMaster Restore of Edmonton, SYSCO Canada, Ecopest, AMRE Supply, Boilermaker’s Lodge 146, Telecon, Park Landscaping, Bell Mobility, and RBC! Your kindness, teamwork, and community spirit were felt and appreciated.

Some of our partners lent their support to the campaign in other impactful ways.

• Supreme Landscaping donated topsoil to refresh the raised planter boxes at Trinity Hall.
• Budget Printing provided signage to help us recognize and thank all the amazing volunteers at each site.

Everyone’s contributions helped to support our goal of creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but welcoming and accessible for residents and tenants.

An On-Air Shout Out

We were also delighted to welcome CTV Edmonton meteorologist, Josh Classen to Westlawn Court. Josh got his green thumbs dirty, planting alongside volunteers and tenants and kindly gave GEF a shout out during the evening weather report. His visit brought extra excitement to the day.

Cultivating Connections

Planting Days are about more than just flowers and gardens, they are about cultivating connections between volunteers, residents and tenants as well as neighbours and friends. After each planting event, teams and seniors shared lunch together, swapping stories, smiles, and a sense of pride in a job well done.

Help Keep the Gardens Growing

Planting Days continue! We need volunteers to help maintain, water, and care for the gardens throughout the summer. Whether you’re an individual, a team, or someone who just loves to spend time outdoors, we’d love to have you join us. If you were unable to take part in Planting Days, you can still make a meaningful impact! A donation to our Quality of Life Fund helps keep our communities vibrant and in bloom.

Community volunteers at McQueen Place Lodge.

🌻 Click here to VOLUNTEER with us!
💚 Click here to DONATE to our Quality of Life Fund!

Together, we’ve planted more than flowers! We’ve planted happy memories, friendship, community, and care across our GEF communities. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible!

🎥 Click here to watch heartwarming highlights from the events!

This February, we shook off the winter blahs with our first-ever Winter Festival Family and Friends events! Inspired by our lively Summer Fairs, this new tradition brought together residents, families, and friends for an evening of fun, food, and unforgettable memories. The Life Enrichment team worked hard to create events that would truly engage residents. With interactive activities, and an art showcase, the festivals warmed the hearts of many during this long, cold winter season. With Family Day on February 17, the month was the perfect time to celebrate the connections that matter most.

A Flurry of Fun

Each of our Lodge communities hosted a Winter Festival, transforming February into a month-long celebration. The events featured something for all ages to enjoy.

Engaging Activity Stations:

Guests enjoyed a fun photo booth to capture memories with family and friends, while others explored new worlds with virtual reality from the comfort of a chair and headset. Some lucky attendees walked away with exciting door prizes, and everyone had the chance to admire the incredible talent on display at the Crafts & Art Walk, showcasing works from residents, and tenants. Roving entertainment kept spirits high, and a caricature artist offered personalized drawings as keepsakes.

Delicious Food & Drinks:

Guests indulged in a variety of delicious treats, including hot and cold canapés, cheese, pickles, and fruit desserts. The Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar kept everyone warm, and for those who wanted a little something extra, the Drink Bar had spirits available for purchase.

Heartwarming Moments, Lasting Impact

The feedback from residents and families was positive, with many appreciating the amazing artwork, inclusive activities, and the thoughtful efforts that made the events feel special.

“So many people contributed to making these events a success. The atmosphere was welcoming and high-energy, the food was excellent, and it was meaningful to see residents, tenants, and family members of all ages enjoying the event.”

~Shelby Johnston, Life Enrichment Manager

Nearly 1200 residents, family, and friends joined in on the festivities, 58 dedicated volunteers helped make the magic happen, and 65 fantastic door prizes were won. The best part? The smiles, laughter and connections that filled the air at every single event.

Let’s Keep the Magic Going!

The success of our Winter Festivals was made possible by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and outside supporters. Want to help create more joyful moments for seniors in our community? Here’s how you can help:

💙 Volunteer with us – Your time makes a difference!
💙 Donate – Every contribution helps bring more celebrations and enriching opportunities to life.

Thank you to everyone who made our first Winter Festival season a success!

Photos from left to right: Jacquie Eales and her husband Brent Webster; the birthday gal and her 60th birthday balloons; Jacquie and her son Brad

This year Jacquie Eales celebrated a milestone – her 60th birthday – but it was not your typical affair focused on all things cake, candles and cocktails (though there was still plenty of that on hand!) For the birthday gal, what was most important to her was gathering with her nearest and dearest on a special night that focused on GIVING back.

“Turning 60 gave me time to reflect on my past, be grateful for the present, and plan my future with more intention. I realized I don’t need more stuff. But I know there are many others that do.”

As a former member and chair of the GEF Seniors Housing Board of Directors, Jacquie has spent years advocating for and supporting vulnerable seniors. On her 60^th birthday, Jacquie took her commitment to the next level by fundraising for GEF’s Quality of Life Fund, which helps seniors facing financial hardship to thrive by ensuring they have access to basic needs and resources. 

A Party with a Purpose

Rather than receiving traditional birthday gifts, Jacquie invited her 40 guests to donate to GEF Seniors Housing. Jacquie’s guests were not surprised by this unique party idea – in fact they were supportive.

“It’s easy to do an Honorary Gifting event like this because you’re getting people together anyway, so use it to plant the seed and create awareness. Every donation big or small can make a difference. Even if someone gives $20 – if everyone in the room does the same, it grows.”

– Jacquie Eales, Philanthropist

Jacquie’s purposeful party raised nearly $3,800 that goes towards providing necessary items like mattresses, home furnishings, and kitchen wares to seniors most in need when moving into GEF communities.

Understanding Seniors’ Needs

In 2014, while working with GEF on a University of Alberta research project, Jacquie interviewed dozens of low-income residents to learn firsthand what contributes to their quality of life. This work was foundational to the development of GEF’s Quality of Life Philosophy, which is based on choice, dignity, well-being, accountability, and kindness.

“GEF has been a hidden gem in our community for 65 years providing homes to seniors with limited incomes. I wanted to create awareness about this organization.”

It was during her time as a board member from 2016 to 2022 that she saw firsthand the significant changes in need and the increasing complexity in circumstances of GEF’s clients. GEF’s Outreach Team identifies these clients and works with organizations like FIND to provide basic items such as beds, new mattresses, chairs, side tables, lamps, dishes, and cookware.

“Donations like these help GEF to support seniors — many of whom are coming from precarious situations — continue to maintain their dignity notwithstanding the journeys that have brought them to our doors.”

– Shanika Donalds, Director of Housing and Client Services, GEF Seniors Housing

A Legacy of Compassion

Jacquie’s long-standing passion for caring for older adults started with her grandparents and continued with her mother who was the Assistant Director at a long-term care centre. On days off from school, Jacquie and her brother volunteered at the centre and enjoyed portering, doing residents’ hair, and playing cards with them.

“We had early exposure to older adults and all their wonderful wisdom. My mother and her career in long-term care was also a tremendous example for us.”

Jacquie’s mom, Joan, donates her large book collection to GEF’s library project.

As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Jacquie says her work in geriatric rehabilitation to help seniors regain communication skills after suffering strokes and other neurological impairments was very rewarding. Now happily retired, when she’s not busy on the playground with her two grandchildren, Jacquie continues to support GEF in new ways.

“The best way to start is to simply ask, ‘How can I help?’ Volunteering time, donating goods, or even just spreading the word about GEF are all ways people can help.”

Ways to Get Involved

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or simply want to give back, there are many ways to help.

• DONATE – Dedicate donation to Seniors Most in Need.
• FUNDRAISE for GEF: Honorary Gifting, Charity of Choice, and DIY Fundraiser.
• VOLUNTEER with us.

Generosity is a gift that never expires and sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones that lift others up.

GEF marked its 65th anniversary by celebrating the joys of seniorhood and the vibrancy of its communities. The celebrations kicked off during Seniors’ Week in June and culminated with the unveiling of the 65^th Anniversary Mosaic Art Project on October 1, the International Day of the Older Person. Here’s a look back at our celebrations.

A “Vibrant Community” Unveiled

First launched at the 65th anniversary kick-off event in June, the Mosaic Art Project came together over the summer and became the legacy project of our anniversary year. Artists Kelly Jans & Lisa Kutzner, who are also GEF staff members, worked collaboratively with residents and tenants from across our 41 communities to create the artwork. They chose sunflowers as the overall theme of the composition because the cheerful yellow petals remind us to embrace joy, seek out light, and stand tall in the face of adversity – a fitting description of seniorhood itself. Residents and tenants contributed to the mosaic by expressing what being a senior means to them. Participants did not necessarily know about the sunflower theme when they painted their individual canvases.

All was revealed at the October 1 event, which took place at Strathcona Place Apartments, was livestreamed on YouTube, and featured the creators of the masterpiece as the V.I.Ps. Project participants were invited to share their personal stories during an innovative open-mic segment. While each story was unique, they all reflected the optimism, resilience, embodiment of life, warmth, and longevity that seniorhood represents.

“We wanted to focus on one impactful activity that would leave a memorable impression on our community. “Vibrant Community” reflects the unique lived experiences of each individual within our communities as well as the creativity and vibrancy that exists in our communities as a whole.”

– Bernadette DeSantis, GEF Seniors Housing Director of Communications and Engagement,
Chair of the 65th Anniversary Committee.

Community members chose to name the mosaic “Vibrant Community” in honour of GEF’s rich history and vision to create vibrant affordable communities for seniors. The artwork will be on display at GEF’s Central Services location, and a photograph of the mosaic will be displayed in each GEF community for all to enjoy.

A recording of the unveiling event is available on our YouTube Channel.

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Community Celebrations

Throughout the summer, tenants and staff, residents and their families were invited to celebrate the 65th Anniversary at their annual Lodge Summer Fairs and Apartment Barbecues. The weather cooperated for many of the outdoor events, but even when the events had to move indoors due to extreme weather conditions, there was plenty of fun and food had by all.

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Together We Thrive: Celebrating Seniors and our Supporters

Stunning displays of visual artistry at Art Walk.

Seniors’ Week (June 3 to 9) is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of seniors, and with GEF becoming a senior itself, we chose June 6 to kick off our celebration of seniors and seniors-serving organizations. We gathered with our partners in the community at McQueen Place Lodge to mark 65 years of supporting low-income seniors to thrive in their Golden Years. Special guests included representatives from the Alberta Government, City of Edmonton, Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association (ASCHA), Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE), and members of the GEF Board of Directors. The event showcased the culinary and visual artists from our GEF communities. With this being our Sapphire Anniversary, we chose blue as our theme colour because it symbolizes loyalty and peacefulness in a long lasting relationship. A local school group collaborated with our seniors to produce the “wings” display which became a fun photo booth at the kick off event and summer fairs.

McQueen Place Lodge residents and staff enjoy the celebration.

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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

A HUGE thanks goes out to all of our 400 + GEF staff, whose dedication and commitment to creating a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment for everyone who lives in, works at, or visits our communities have brought us to where we are today and will help us get to where we want to be in the future.

For their role in our journey to becoming Alberta’s largest non-profit social housing operator for seniors, this year’s staff appreciation theme was ‘Enjoy the Journey’, and staff received “Explore the City” summer fun packs. If you’re looking for opportunities to connect, give back, and positively influence seniors’ quality of life, click here to join our dedicated team.

We also give gratitude to our board members, community partners, volunteers, donors, residents, tenants, friends and family members. Thank you all for being a vital part of our 65 years of service to the community. If you’d like to get involved and support our Vibrant Community check out the ‘Get Involved’ tab on our website to volunteer or donate. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors.

Special thanks to the 65th Anniversary Committee for their role in making the celebrations so memorable.

Let’s enjoy the journey ahead knowing that every small step we each take today paves the way for tomorrow.

I was a very magical few days in December for hundreds of GEF Seniors Housing residents when Santa and his elves made their rounds to deliver presents as part of London Drugs’ Stocking Stuffers for Seniors 2019 Campaign.

What started out in 2015 with Operation Friendship Seniors Society and London Drugs partnering together with a goal to help 40 seniors in its first year has grown exponentially in five short years. Today, Stocking Stuffers for Seniors helps more than 4,000 seniors in Northern Alberta and 17,000 seniors across Western Canada have a brighter Christmas! The campaign now involves all London Drugs stores. Altogether, 878 seniors in eight different GEF Seniors Housing communities received a gift this holiday season.

The approach is simple, but the impact is immeasurable. Generous strangers carefully choose a name tag from specially-marked tree displays at their London Drugs store of choice and, our of the goodness of their hearts, but what’s written on the tag as their senior’s wish list – often adding in a few extra surprises. “I think the generosity of others in the community and the surprise of receiving a gift was really awesome,” said Montgomery Place Recreation Coordinator, Christine Kemp.

On delivery day, everyone was buzzing with anticipation. “I was up early – I am so excited!” said one resident. Santa and his London Drugs elves arrived, and the faces of residents and staff lit up like Christmas trees. “It was like Christmas morning for these residents – they were glowing,” said one staff member.

It was an overwhelming sight to see the number of presents that showed up under the trees at our GEF communities. After the gifts were distributed, residents started opening their presents. As well as the chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” around the room, seniors said comments like “This is more than I expected,” “This is over and above anything I could have imagined,” “I got just what I wanted,” “I wish I could say thank you to all the kind people,” and “I don’t usually get excited for Christmas anymore but this brought back feelings that I had as a kid.”

Some of our residents don’t have family so it was a surprise to them when they received a gift. “I wouldn’t have gotten any Christmas gifts this year, so thank you very much,” said one resident. At least one senior saved his presents to open on Christmas day because he doesn’t have any family. These unexpected gifts, filled with love, showed the residents just how much ther are cared for and each senior was grateful for what they had received.

“When you see someone’s face light up and the expression of someone who doesn’t normally get this, it’s a really special feeling and it makes my heart happy!” said another staff member.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this Christmas so memorable – not just for our seniors, but for all of the participating seniors who needed a little cheer this year! It will be a day they will never forget.

On Sunday, December 1, some of our GEF Seniors Housing residents took in the beautiful sights of Zoominescence at the Edmonton Valley Zoo through a different lens – on a Trishaw bicycle.

Zoominescence is a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations within the Zoo grounds, and GEF partnered with Age-Friendly Edmonton to bring in our own Trishaw, a specialized three-wheel bike piloted by a trained volunteer, that gives older adults the experience of “wind in their hair” without having to drive a bike themselves.

Cycling Without Age Beaumont brought in two additional trishaws and volunteer pilots and made sure all three trishaws were mechanically ready for winter, including installing studded tires.

One attendee, who was chauffeured to the event by our community partners at Drive Happiness, said when she arrived at the zoo that she wasn’t sure what she had signed up for. At the end of the tour, she shared that she had a marvelous time. She hadn’t been back to the Edmonton Valley Zoo since her children were young and told the organizers she was so glad she came out.

“I’m very grateful that GEF Seniors Housing and its staff support the Cycling Without Age Edmonton program and promoted this opportunity to enrich seniors’ lives,” said GEF Board Vice-Chair Jacquie Eales, who also took the beautiful photos featured in this article.

Are you – or do you know – a senior who would love to take a ride in a Trishaw during Zoominescence 2019? Trishaw rides are only being offered between 4-5 p.m. on December 15 and 22. Spots are very limited, and you can email Jacquie Eales to reserve your ride time at jeales@telus.net.

For more information on Zoominescence itself, including tickets, visit the Eventbrite page. Ticket prices range from $6 – $30. Zoominescence 2019 runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in December, from 5-9 p.m., until Sunday, December 29, 2019.

On February 27, 2019, Sakaw Terrace (5815 Millwoods Road South, Edmonton) held its Grand Opening. Over 160 residents, tenants, guests, and staff joined us to celebrate this very momentous occasion.

“The official opening of Sakaw Terrace is a very proud time for GEF Seniors Housing as it allows seniors living in the Mill Woods community an affordable, secure, and friendly place to call home,” explained Raymond Swonek, CEO of GEF Seniors Housing.

MLA for Edmonton-McClung Lorne Dach MC’d the event and we heard wonderful speeches from the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources; the Honourable Christina Gray, Minister of Labour; GEF Board Chair Karen Lynch and ASCHA’s Executive Director Irene Martin- Lindsay!

The day was full of big smiles and happy hearts. Residents and tenants who have already moved in were so excited to show off their new home. After the speeches were done, a ribbon cutting to announce the official opening commenced. Cake and refreshments were followed by tours of the building. Guests who went on the tours were impressed by the 70 lodge rooms and 88 apartments, two outdoor courtyards, a communal greenhouse, a theatre room, a salon, a bistro, underground and above-ground parking, and much more!

Seven years from concept to occupation, on November 1, 2018, GEF opened the doors to welcome the first Sakaw Terrace residents. This carefully planned project adopted an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) collaborative partnership approach to construction.  “What this means is that everyone has some skin in the game. The IPD contract has ten parties signed on plus GEF Seniors Housing. All ten of the IPD parties have put their profits on the line for the duration of the construction, which keeps everyone invested in finding those efficiencies and keeping everything on schedule” explains Doug Kitlar, Director of Facility Management. By using this method, the project was able to be completed ahead of schedule and under budget!

The building is currently 90% full and hoping to be at 100% in the next few months. Residents and tenants are feeling at home living at Sakaw Terrace. “I just love the new building. The meals are wonderful and the sugar cookies are just delightful” said a lodge resident. An apartment tenant mentioned “It is my first time in community living and I am more than over the moon. The building, the staff, there is nothing not to like.” One other apartment resident said “I like my apartment. Everything is lovely. It’s beautiful. I like my privacy, but I never feel alone here.”