A Vision of Wholeness
At the heart of Shalem is a Christian community where God is at work as we care, share, and celebrate together.
"Shalem" is a Hebrew word meaning 'to be or make whole or complete'.
We believe that we can flourish at any age, rooted in God’s love and grace and in a community that cares for each other.
We are committed to the well-being and safety of older adults, it is this vision of wholeness that Shalem seeks to be...
Wholeness in health.
Wholeness in being.
Wholeness in relationship to God.
Our Mission
To be a community where older adults are celebrated and experience wholeness in being, in health and relationship with God, finding contentment and belonging.
Our Vision
To be Calgary's leading Christian senior living community, known for exceptional care, compassion, and a vibrant environment.
Our Values
At Shalem we passionately serve our community and are accountable by showing
Passion
We are called to serve each community member’s unique needs to enrich their well-being with love, and care.
Grace
We are called to respect, and show acceptance, and compassion to each other
Integrity
We are called to pursue honesty, and stewardship, and have accountability with our resources and each other.
A timeline of our history
Overview of Shalem's history, milestones, and growth over the years.
Early 1970's
The Vision
Shalem began in the 1970s when several Reformed churches recognized the need for Christian-based senior housing and in 1974 the Shalem Society for Senior Citizens Care was born.
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1974
Shalem Society for Senior Citizens Care
Several Reformed churches recognized the need for Christian-based senior housing and in 1974, the Shalem Society for Senior Citizens Care was born.
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1977
Land donated
The Christian Education Society (CEF) which was formed to help raise funds for Calgary Christian School, also turned to helping Shalem. Remarkably, in 1977, CEF donated to the Society a one-acre plot of land they had bought next to the Calgary Christian Elementary School.
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1981
Construction Shalem Manor finished
The Society was eligible for a $2 million mortgage and a 35-year partnership with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) allowing the construction of a 50-unit apartment complex to begin. Within a week after the official opening of the Shalem Manor in 1981, almost all 50 units were rented out.
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2001
The Shalem Court was built
Additional 50-unit wing, was added featuring spacious one- and two-bedroom suites. Under Life Lease agreements, the Court offers an attractive option for seniors who want to be part of an active retirement community while preserving their equity. Monthly fees cover maintenance and operational costs.
2013
Addition of the Shalem Haven
The Haven was build, an additional 43-unit wing, which was in part funded through an Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) grant under the Alberta government. Licensed as a Supportive Living facility under Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Present
A Legacy - A Vision of Wholeness
God’s leadership directed Shalem to a broader vision of providing a Christian setting that enhances the well-being of all older adults. Now with a total of 143 suites and with 165 residents, Shalem continues to be a community where older adults are celebrated and experience wholeness in being, in health and in relationship to God, finding contentment and belonging.
The Board
The Board of Directors serves as a governance board in the stewardship of the Society’s resources, organizational performance and strategic leadership. The Board’s responsibilities include:
1.
Setting priorities and direction.
Board members collectively ensure that Shalem is true to its purpose and mission.
2.
Monitoring and evaluating performance.
The Board selects, fairly compensates, nurtures, evaluates and, if necessary, terminates the Executive Director, who functions as the Board’s sole agent.
3.
Ensuring that the organization is in a sound, financial position and acts with integrity.
4.
Promoting Shalem Society for Senior Citizens Care to members, residents, and the public.
Board Members
Jim is currently Vice-President of the Finance and Accounting Group with Brookfield Properties and has served as a board member of various not-for-profit entities before joining Shalem’s Board in 2021.
David has been employed at Shell Canada for over 20 years and currently serves as its Director of Information Technology. David joined the Board in 2021.
Joel is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, and following roles in corporate governance, currently works as Legal Counsel at Shell Canada. Joel joined the Board in 2023.
Now retired, John worked for almost 50 years serving as the Chief Financial Officer for a variety of companies, mostly in the oil and gas sector. John is currently in his second term, having joined the Board in 2020.
As an acute care nurse, Joanne cared for older adults and their families for over 30 years. Currently a faculty member in the Nursing Program at Mount Royal University, Joanne joined the Board in 2022.
With over 35 years in a senior management capacity in the corporate financial world as well as the not-for-profit sector, Sandra is now a professional fundraiser and joined the Board in 2023.
Dorothy de Vuyst has over 25 years of progressive experience in the not-for-profit sector, focused on international humanitarian aid. She joined Shalem in August 2020 and she is passionate about residents experiencing belonging and thriving throughout the various challenges of aging.
The Lord is good and living in a Christian home is important to me!”
Hammy
Resident
We offer a variety of living arrangements, including supportive living, independent living and affordable subsidized housing.
We have an on-site Nurse and Health Care Aides that service the residents in all buildings (Please refer to the Health Support Program for more information on medical services).
Yes, we offer a range of wellness programs including daily fitness classes, health and wellness clinics, yoga, walking groups and a fitness room with age-appropriate gym equipment.
Our Dining Room prepares three nutritious meals a day which are included in the monthly rent of a studio suite. Residents in the one- and two-bedroom suites can access meals in the Dining Room as desired for an additional cost.
We offer a variety of activities including arts and crafts, music, hymn singing, socials, happy hour, monthly resident birthday parties, cards and games, bingo, bible study group, chapel, brain teasers and more.
Discover a Senior Living Community where you are celebrated!
Experience the warmth and companionship of Shalem, a Christian senior home facility in Calgary. Our dedicated team genuinely cares about the well-being of our residents, providing a supportive and enriching environment.