Welcome to Audrey Mazzei – Volunteer Coordinator!
I am pleased to introduce our new Volunteer Coordinator, Audrey Mazzei.
Duration of Vacant Shift Notifications in ComVida App
Memo
To: All Staff – Menno Home, Apartments and Hospital
Date: September 23, 2025
Subject: Duration of Vacant Shift Notifications Showing in ComVida App
We’ve heard your feedback! Many staff have raised concerns about seeing too many vacant shifts under the notification screen of the ComVida app and not knowing which ones are new versus old.
To address this, the Staffing Team will now clear out the previous day’s notifications the following afternoon. This will help ensure your notification screen is easier to read and up to date.
Example 1: A shift for September 23, 2025 is posted on September 22, 2025. It will be cleared from the notification screen on the afternoon of September 23, 2025, given it is filled.
Example 2: A shift for September 22, 2025 is posted on September 22, 2025. It will be cleared from the notification screen on the afternoon of September 23, 2025, given it is filled.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and for continuing to share your feedback as we work together to improve the system.
MEMO Re: Long Weekend Sick Calls – Day for Truth and Reconciliation
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: September 22, 2025
Re: Long weekend Sick Calls – Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Dear Team,
In the past, we have noticed a pattern of increased sick calls over the long weekend, followed by staff working on the statutory holiday the next day. All staff scheduled to work during the long weekend are expected to report to their shifts as usual.
Due to this recurring pattern, we will require proof of illness/doctor’s note as per the Collective Agreement from anyone who calls in sick on Sept 29, 2025. Additionally, if you call in sick on September 29 and then come to work on the statutory holiday, September 30, an investigation will be initiated by your Manager with a Shop Steward and a doctor’s note is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and a risk of no sick time pay.
We appreciate your understanding and dedication to our residents’ care. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure smooth operations throughout the long weekend.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your department manager.
Sincerely,
Jessy Manhas
Manager of People & Culture
604-851-1346
Block Booking in ComVida
To: Menno Home, Hospital and Apartments
Date: September 20, 2025
Re: Block Booking in ComVida
The Staffing Team has started offering block bookings through ComVida.
- You will receive a notification labeled “Block Booking” (see image below).
- Notifications will only be sent if you are available to work the entire block of shifts.
When you double-click on the block booking notification, you will be able to view the date, time, and unit for each shift included in the block (see example image below).
ComVida Progress Update
MEMO: ComVida Progress Update
Date: September 19, 2025
We’re now in our second full week of ComVida! Thank you to everyone who has downloaded the app, logged in, and started using it.
Between September 2–16, 2025, together we have:
• Filled 317 shifts across Menno Home, Hospital, and Apartments
Your participation and feedback have been instrumental in shaping improvements and making ComVida a success.
Your Feedback in Action
Based on your comments and questions, we’ve made the following improvements:
- 30-minute priority window for shift offers that are for the next day to allow more time for staff on site to bid. This will be effective Friday September 19, 2025.
- Clearer notifications: “You have been awarded a vacant shift” will now confirm successful applicants. This is in the title of the “Assignment Change” notification.
What’s Next
These changes are effective shortly, and we’ll continue to fine-tune the system as we go.
- Blocks will be sent out using ComVida within the next couple of weeks.
- Staffing will no longer call the units to offer OT. Staff must bid for OT through ComVida. Staffing will then award it based on the rules of the Collective Agreement.
- After-hours nurses trained and preparing to use ComVida the week of September 22. No more manual phone calls (or limited calls).
- Troubleshooting hints/tips are coming your way in a word document for you to save and reference.
Reminder
If you are not yet on ComVida, please contact your Manager as soon as possible for support.
ComVida Instructions are here: ComVida Instructions | the link to download is here: download ComVida | All ComVida memos are here: ComVida Memos
Be Careful: Bear Spotted on Menno Place Campus
On Wednesday night our security cameras caught an unexpected guest on the Menno Place campus when a small black bear walked past the main doors of Menno Hospital. The bear continued on his walk and did not cause any issues.
According to reports from The Abbotsford News, bear sightings in Abbotsford are up for 2025 so this is a good time to remind all of us about our about standard bear safety.
How to stay safe around wildlife
- Keep patios and outdoor spaces clear of food that can attract wildlife.
- Make sure pets are leashed when talking them for walks.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when existing the buildings at night.
- If you spot an animal, stay calm and keep your distance. Go back inside the closest building and wait for the animal to pass.
MEMO: Upcoming Change to Sign-In/Sign-Out Process
To: All Menno Home, Hospital & Apartments Staff
Date: September 17, 2025
Subject: Upcoming Change to Sign-In/Sign-Out Process
In the near future, an update will be made to the face scanners. This update will require staff to physically select “IN” or “OUT” in addition to scanning your face when starting and ending your shift.
How it will work:
Scan your face as normal
Select “CHECK IN” when arriving for your shift, or “CHECK OUT” when leaving your shift.
⚠️ If you do not click “IN” or “OUT”, your face scan will not register.
Tentative Change Dates:
Apartments: September 19, 2025
Home & Hospital: September 26, 2025
Additional reminders and guidance will be provided as the change is rolled out.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Primrose Gardens Gets a Sustainable Upgrade
Crews were onsite last week to install an array of solar panels on the roof of the building.
MPP: Go Paper-Free with Your Pension Statements
Go paper-free and you can access your pension information securely, anytime.
Happy Retirement Lise!
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jacob Doss, Manager of Dining Experience
Re: Retirement – Lise Nelson
Happy Retirement Lise!
Lise Nelson is retiring after 32 years at Menno Place. Across the years Lise has worked as a Care Aide and a Visitation Host and has been part of the Laundry and Dietary teams.
When asked about Lise, her current and former managers said that Lise is a very caring person who prioritized Resident Centered Care. She enjoyed using her artistic skills to enhance the residents’ surroundings and was a great advocate for the residents when their care needs changed over time.
Garry Janzen and Jacob Doss went on to say:
“Lise always had a desire to serve the residents and their families well. Her advocacy helped improve the experience of the residents while living at Menno Place.”
Thank you Lise! You will be missed. We wish you all the best as you step into this new chapter. Lise’s retirement is effective August 31, 2025.
