You’re Invited to the Staff Appreciation Awards!

The Staff Appreciation Awards are will take place on Thursday, Feb 5th. Come and celebrate with us as we recognize our long term service and outstanding achievement award winners. Dessert will be served.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a staff member – over 90 nominations came in!

Make Sure You Receive ComVida Notifications

MEMO

To: All Menno Home, Menno Hospital and Menno Apartments Staff
From: Loradonna Botter
Date: January 7, 2026
Re: Make Sure You Receive ComVida Notifications

Managers and employees have reported that they are not getting notifications on ComVida. We would like to remind you of two important items that may be impacting the effectiveness of the ComVida app.

Please check the following items on your app:

  • The date at the top left corner has to be changed to December 31, 2026. This will allow ComVida to show you the proper shifts. You might still have your calendar set to 2025 and that will cause a problem for you.
  • Please make sure notifications in ComVida are on the menu bar. There is a notification tab that has to be active.

Please check the following item on your phone:

  • Make sure your phone has notifications turned on. You will need to go to the settings tab on your phone to ensure the notifications is set correctly for your apps.

On behalf of the staffing team, thank you for your continued support in improving how award shifts. Please speak to your manager if any questions arise.

Shift Offers and Priority Windows for Bidding on Comvida

MEMO

To: Menno Home, Menno Hospital and Menno Apartment Employees
Date: January 7, 2026

Re: Shift Offers and Priority Windows for Bidding on Comvida

We would like to share an important update to help clarify how shift offers are reviewed and awarded.

Each shift offer includes a Priority Window, which is the guaranteed time period during which your bid will be reviewed before the shift may be offered more broadly. The length of the priority window depends on how soon the shift is scheduled to start.

Understanding these timeframes will help ensure you submit your bids promptly and do not miss opportunities.

Priority Windows for Shift Offers

When Offer is Sent       When Shift Starts     Priority Window
Jan 01, 12:00     Jan 01, 16:00 (same-day vacancy)    15 minutes (urgent)
Jan 01, 12:00    Jan 02, 07:00 (next-day vacancy)     30 minutes
Jan 01, 12:00    Jan 03, 12:00 (48 hours – 10 days)     120 minutes
Jan 01, 12:00    Jan 13, 12:00 (10+ days, vacation coverage)      72 hours

What this means for you?

  • Your bid is guaranteed to be reviewed if submitted within the priority window.
  • Once the priority window closes, the shift may be offered to a wider group.
  • Earlier response times increase your chances of being awarded the shift.

Please ensure notifications are enabled and check your schedule regularly so you don’t miss priority bidding opportunities.

If you have any questions or need support navigating shift offers, please reach out to your manager.  All phone numbers can be found in the Menno Place directory linked in the top right corner of the staff site.

Thank you for your continued flexibility and support.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – January

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share reliable information about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia affects not only individuals living with the condition, but also the families, friends, caregivers, and care teams who support them every day.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities.

Although age is a risk factor, many people live full and meaningful lives for years after diagnosis with the right supports in place. Early recognition, compassionate care, and informed support can significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia and for their families.

Supporting a Person Living with Dementia

Small, thoughtful approaches can make a significant difference in quality of life. Helpful strategies include:

  • Focusing on abilities, not limitations
  • Using clear, calm, and respectful communication
  • Maintaining familiar routines and environments
  • Recognizing behaviour as a form of communication
  • Supporting dignity, choice, and independence wherever possible

For families and friends, learning about the disease can help reduce stress, improve communication, and strengthen relationships over time. Caring for someone living with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. Seeking information, peer support, and professional guidance is an important part of maintaining caregiver well-being.

If you are a caregiver, remember that asking for help is a strength—not a weakness.

Our Commitment

At Menno Place, we are committed to dignity for residents, through person-centred care  and by supporting residents, families, and staff through education and evidence-based practices.

Together, we continue to create a community where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued.

Trusted Resources & Helpful Links

Below are credible, evidence-based resources for learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia care, and caregiver support:

Alzheimer Society of British Columbia

A leading source of education, support groups, and caregiver resources in BC.
Website: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en

Government of Canada – Dementia Information

National, evidence-based information on dementia and aging. Caregiving information
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia.html

Dementia Friends Canada

A national initiative focused on reducing stigma and building understanding. Short learning modules for the public
Website: https://alzheimer.ca/en/get-involved/become-dementia-friendly/dementia-friendly-canada

The elves are ready to leave…

This is the last week our elves will be up to mischief at Menno. Spot the safety mistakes they’re making and enter to win a SafeCare BC gift basket!

Happy New Year from Sujata!

Wishing each of you a New Year filled with God’s goodness and grace.

Farewell to Jessy Manhas

It is with mixed emotions that we announce Jessy will be leaving Menno Place, with her last day as December 31st. We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank her for her incredible contributions since joining us in January 2021.

Over the past four years, Jessy has grown from a recruiter into our Manager of People & Culture, leading with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to supporting both staff and leaders. She played a key role in strengthening our People & Culture function, advancing health and safety practices, supporting labour relations, and helping guide the organization through periods of change and transition.

Jessy is widely known for her approachability, professionalism, and genuine care for people. She has been a trusted advisor, added a calm presence in complex situations, and has been a strong advocate for both staff and organizational excellence. Her impact has been felt across departments and at every level of the organization.

We are grateful for the dedication, heart, and leadership Jessy has brought to Menno Place. While we will miss her greatly, we are excited for what lies ahead in her career and wish her every success in her next chapter.

Please join us in thanking Jessy and wishing her all the very best.