SANTA MARIA SENIOR CITIZENS HOME CELEBRATES END OF ONE PROJECT AND BEGINNING OF ANOTHER.
REGINA…..It took 18 months and about $180,000.00 and Santa Maria Senior Citizen Home’s oldest section is now more modern with new furniture and new windows. The windows are not only new and venting they are lower so residents can see outside while in bed or sitting in chairs. A reception was held in the home’s main floor entrance and gathering area September 14 to celebrate the end of the project.
Santa Maria was built in 1968 by the Regina Archdiocese with sponsorship from the Knights of Columbus. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke operated the facility until 1985. They continued to live in residence and provided pastoral care services until 1998. The Sisters of Our Lady of Missions moved into the residence following the departure of the Sisters of St. Joseph and continue to help with pastoral services.
Of the $180,000.00, $120,000.00 was raised with the help of the Santa Maria Foundation with Chair Jean Mahoney. The remaining $60,000.00 came through regular donations.
The Foundation has begun another fund raising project with a goal to secure about $400,000.00 for a major renovation which will transform Santa Maria from what is now a hospital layout to more of a residence. “It will modernize it to create a more residential feel,” said Executive Director John Kelly.
There are 147 beds in Santa Maria, all are occupied and there is a lengthy waiting list. The old section which was renovated contains 90 beds. Besides quality care, it retains its Catholicity with a chapel that provides regular services. Ownership was transferred to the Catholic Health Ministries of Saskatchewan (now known as Emmanuel Care), November 19, 2012. It operates under the governance of a Board of Directors with current Chair Joan Pratchler. Santa Maria is affiliated with and receives its operating funding from the Regina Qu’Appelle Health region.
