| In the 1960’s, Central Mennonite Brethren Church sold their church property on 33rd St. to Canada Safeway, and purchased the 1000 block property on Avenue I, between 31st and 32nd St. from Marriots’ Nursery. Their intention was to relocate their church building and use some of the property for a Nursing Home. At that time many of the church members were immigrants. They realized that some customs of previous generations, such as children caring for their parents, were no longer practical due to urban living and the mobility of families. They envisioned a senior citizens’ home where they could spend their retirement years with others of similar convictions and backgrounds, where they could enjoy familiar foods, and, where they would be served by a staff motivated by Christian love and devotion.
In April 1975, the Central Haven Senior Citizens’ Apartments opened with 20 self-contained units, and on December 1, 1976, Central Haven Personal Care Home admitted its first residents. The residents were chosen on the basis of need from the congregation and from the community. The name “Central” seemed appropriate because Central Mennonite Brethren Church was the sole sponsoring body.
Some things have changed since 1976. Central Haven became an affiliate of the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) and expanded its board to include West Portal Church Mennonite Brethren and Forest Grove Community Church members.
In 2006 it became apparent to the Board that because of financial considerations, Central Haven would need to join with another organization. The primary concern of the Board was that the care and services to residents would continue at Central Haven. The time had come for Central Haven to gain efficiencies and access to a wider range of services by joining a larger organization. The Board asked for the council of SHR. The Management and Board of Sherbrooke Community Centre were approached and they agreed to bring Central Haven under their umbrella. Sherbrooke is an excellent partner for Central Haven because both organizations were church sponsored and had similar values. The board was also eager to adopt the Eden Alternative ™ philosophy embraced by Sherbrooke.
The process of the amalgamation required approval by the Sherbrooke and Central Haven Boards and constituency, SHR and the Minister of Health. The employee unions were also consulted in the process. The final approval from the Minister of Health was received on January 23, 2007. The official handover happened on January 16, 2007 as part of Central Haven’s 30th anniversary. It seemed fitting to have a joint 30 year celebration together with an official transfer to Sherbrooke. The theme for the celebration was “A Rich Heritage, A Bright Future.”
The day was full of fond memories and some sadness as one door closed and another door opened. While the Central Haven community looked forward to the future with Sherbrooke, emotions were mixed. Terry Froese, the pastor of one of the sponsoring churches, spoke using a verse from Ecclesiastes, “there is a “time for everything”. He thanked and commended the Central Haven Board for having the courage to embark on a new journey with Sherbrooke. He also challenged Sherbrooke to take up the challenge of “Quality Care with Dignity in the Name of Jesus”. The celebration concluded with a celebration cake and fellowship. The land transfer was finalized March 22, 2007.
Sherbrooke is honoured to welcome our friends at Central Haven and is pleased to report that with the support of residents, staff, volunteers and families, Central Haven has joined Sherbrooke on a journey to create a human habitat so that residents can live full and abundant lives. The Teams on both sites look forward with great optimism to a wonderful partnership that enhances care for all residents!
We would like to offer our thanks and gratitude to:
Central Haven Special Care Home Inc. Board Members: Jacob Froese, Karen Friesen, Jim Lloyd, Dale Wuschke, Doris Unger, Rena Pearson, Darcie Sahar, Menno Janzen
Forest Grove Community Church, Hope Fellowship Church, West Portal Church
Wayne Harms—Central Haven Special Care Home Inc.
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