🌟 Exciting news! The Mountain View Hospice Society has a new home in Olds! 🏠 This move enhances accessibility and confidentiality for our community. Discover how they're making a difference! 💖
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Mountain View Hospice Society Showcases New Location in Olds
The Mountain View Hospice Society (MVHS) has embarked on an exciting new chapter with their recent move to a new location in Olds, Alberta. After operating from the Olds United Church since February 2023, they’ve settled into their new space, formerly occupied by Gadgets IT. This relocation represents more than just a physical move—it's a significant strategic decision with implications for their future growth, operational efficiency, and ability to serve the community.
Navigating Change with Purpose
For the MVHS, this move comes at the tail end of a period of transformation. Alongside the change in their location, they’ve seen personnel shifts and rebranded from the Olds & District Hospice Society to the more inclusive Mountain View Hospice Society. These changes highlight the organization's adaptability and forward-thinking approach. Mary Marshall, the executive director, emphasizes that this new space aligns with their long-term goals—especially the desire for greater operational unity. Their thrift store, Nu2U, is now conveniently located next door, further integrating their services and enabling smoother day-to-day operations.
This relocation didn’t happen by chance. The Society had been eyeing a different property—the old fire hall—but the renovation costs, estimated at $200,000, made that option prohibitive. Instead, fate intervened when Gadgets IT moved to the Stevens Jewellers building, opening up their former space for the hospice society. While the decision was quick, it was undoubtedly the right one. The new location checks important boxes for accessibility, confidentiality, and community engagement, all vital to the Society's mission of supporting palliative care.
Enhancing Confidentiality and Accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of the new space, according to Marshall, is the increased confidentiality it offers. Previously sharing space with others in the Olds United Church, the MVHS now has its own dedicated facility, a shift that has already had a positive impact. Volunteers and clients feel more comfortable and confident accessing the space, especially given its central location downtown. Being all on one level ensures it’s physically accessible to everyone, which is essential for the patients and families they serve.
The subtle but important change in the level of confidentiality is a game-changer. In the realm of hospice care, where emotions run high and personal matters are deeply sensitive, creating an environment of trust and privacy is essential. Marshall and her team seem keenly aware of this, and it reflects their commitment to ensuring that everyone who walks through their doors feels safe, respected, and supported.
Volunteer Appreciation and Community Engagement
The relocation was more than just a strategic decision; it was also a chance for the community to come together. Shortly after the move, MVHS hosted a volunteer appreciation night, a fitting way to show gratitude to those who donate their time and energy to support the Society's mission. The Kiwanis Club of Olds even lent a hand by cooking burgers for the roughly 50 attendees. Originally slated to take place in Centennial Park, the event was relocated to the new space due to weather concerns, giving volunteers and community members a first look at the facility.
This was also an opportunity to introduce their new services coordinator, Bridget Ryan, who steps in for the much-beloved Cindy Palin. With over 17,500 volunteer hours contributed to palliative care in the region, the community’s dedication is undeniable. This move is about more than logistics—it’s about creating a welcoming space for the volunteers, clients, and families who make the hospice society such an integral part of Mountain View County.
A Space That Grows With Them
Marshall mentions that they plan to "live in" the new space for a while before deciding on additional renovations, a testament to their thoughtful approach. They are allowing the space to evolve naturally based on the needs of their clients and operations, rather than rushing into changes. This philosophy of patience and practicality is a hallmark of the way MVHS seems to handle both growth and change, taking the time to ensure that every decision benefits the community they serve.
Already, the new location is proving to be more than just a change of address—it’s a step toward greater cohesion and impact. Located within walking distance to many central amenities and being more visible downtown, the hospice is becoming a more accessible resource for the people of Olds and beyond. The slight inconvenience of still having the old “Gadgets” sign hanging above the entrance is just a temporary detail in the broader story of progress.
What This Means for the Future
The relocation to this new facility represents MVHS’s continued commitment to adapting to the needs of its clients, volunteers, and the community at large. By focusing on accessibility, confidentiality, and operational efficiency, the Mountain View Hospice Society is setting the stage for future growth. As they settle into this space and consider future renovations, they’re poised to become an even more integral part of the community's healthcare and support network.
Mary Marshall’s leadership, combined with the dedication of countless volunteers, ensures that the MVHS will continue to thrive and serve as a beacon of compassionate care. The decision to make a quick move into a new space is reflective of their nimbleness and determination. It’s an organization that’s not just surviving change but embracing it in a way that will ultimately better serve Mountain View County’s residents.
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