Ilarion Seniors Residence Chairman's Report for the 2024 Annual General Meeting

2024 has been a year of change and progress for Ilarion Seniors Residence. Ken Isaak’s passing in early 2024 was a surprise to all and affected Ilarion from a leadership perspective. Ken was the Executive Director for 17 years and did an excellent job taking us from a debt position to a sound financial position over his tenure. He continues to be missed. Vichnaya Pamyat Memory Eternal.

We were at a crossroads regarding the Executive Director’s position with Ken’s passing. At this time Tom Plishka, our former Chairman for the Ilarion Board, stepped up and took on the challenge. I would like to thank Tom for the incredible job he has done. Through his experience, dedication, and his resourcefulness, we have continued to move Ilarion Seniors Residence forward in a positive direction. Again, Tom, Thank You. 

Ilarion Seniors Residence had several residents (former and current) pass away during the 2024 year. Residents become “Family” over time spent at Ilarion Seniors Residence. We mourn their passing; however, we celebrate their lives and the contributions to their families as well as Ilarion itself. I personally lost an uncle and auntie who were residents at Ilarion over the past year; and in speaking to them “Family” was what they felt.

The Board of Director’s role is to establish our mission, vision or purpose for Ilarion Seniors Residence. This includes items such as oversight of financial management and creating a strategic plan for the future of Ilarion Seniors Residence. We, as a board, work within a 5-year period and 2025 is the final year of the current strategic plan.  

The current strategic plan focussed on items such as:

• Additional care options for Ilarion residents. 

• Facility improvements and assessments of future needs. 

• Increased safety for residents. 

• Adequate access to spiritual needs. 

• Policy development. 

• Board training. 

• Organizational structure. 

• Establishing strategic partnerships both inside and outside the Ukrainian community.

The Board of Directors will create a new strategic plan for the next five years this fall to put forth a blueprint for the future direction of Ilarion Seniors Residence. 

The progress made on our current Strategic Plan has been noticeable. Investments made to our building with renovations are evident and this will continue in the future. Security and Safety for our residents were at the forefront of our plan and continue as we move forward.

Organizational structure continues to be improved with addition of a more focussed employee for the positions within Ilarion. Our relationships with strategic partners have improved and finally we are having serious discussions regarding additional care options for Ilarion residents. This is the progress we are making, and the future looks promising.

Finally, on a personal matter I will be stepping down as the Chairman of the Board of Directors later this year. I would like to sincerely Thank all the current Ilarion Board Members – Adrian Boyko, Murray Long, Anna-Marie Yuzik, Fay Michayluk, Andy Ciona, Barb Derbrawka-Stevenson, Michael Gregory, Elaine Maksymiuk, as well as Kim Benoit and Tom Plishka for the past three years. It has been a great honor to be a part of the discussions and decisions made to move Ilarion Seniors Residence forward. I will cherish the time spent with all of you.

To the Ilarion residents exciting times are ahead for you and I wish each of you, health and happiness. Thanks.