Maureen Ellis and Bill Stewart, St. Joseph's Villa Foundation
Maureen Ellis, Paul Harris Fellow and past president of the Dundas Rotary Club spoke to the club today about some new initiatives associated with The Villa. Maureen, who joined the Villa staff as a young teenager and has now been with them for 31 years, indicated that she was “addicted” …. to seniors! Maureen compared the present situation at The Villa with her first experiences when two rows of parking were for residents who were much more mobile than the clientele in the 21st century.
In addition to providing long term care for residents, St. Joseph’s Villa also has programs to “make people better” (Bruce Eccles’ mum went in in a wheelchair and came out using a walker – much improved. The long-term care is augmented by programs for the community – the warm water pool, fitness, respite care and programs for those with and caring for Alzheimers patients. The respite program was started by the Dundas Rotary Club; in 2012, there were 116 people served in this capacity.
Bill and Maureen approached the club for its assistance to add 12 more beds to St. Joseph’s Villa. The cost will be approximately $2 million, with $600 000 raised so far.