Our Mission
When older adults are not supported and connected their quality of life suffers.
At ELIM, we bring the best in housing, wellness, and care together to deliver an exceptional aging in place experience for older adults, because everyone deserves to feel the embrace of a caring Christian community.
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
Exodus 15:27
History
In 2014 this concept was embraced by the Chilliwack faith community who, through the investment of prayer and time, as well as the commitment of financial resources, came together with Elim Village to form a fourth society, Elim Housing (Chilliwack) Society (EHCS). The intention of this society is to leverage the success and experience of Elim Village in Surrey, B.C. and create a similar community of care in Garrison Crossing, Chilliwack, B.C.
HISTORY OF ELIM VILLAGE IN SURREY
In the early 1990s, a small group of Christians studying the book of James began discussing how faith could be demonstrated in practical terms. They began to develop a vision of a Christian retirement community where Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Full Care would all be available on one site. The goal was to build a village so that as care needs increased, most residents, including husbands and wives, would be able to stay in the Elim community.
Soon other visionaries joined to form a committee.
“With nothing but lint in their pockets and faith,”
they formed the Elim Foundation and gathered seed money for early development costs. Soon after, they established Elim Housing Society.
A few years later and with the help of 70 committed investors, the society took the significant step of buying land in Surrey, BC. The first set of duplexes and a condo building went up in 2001. From there the Elim retirement community continued to develop.
Blessings rained on the visionary seed and slowly it grew into an oasis. More than two decades later after the initial discussion, the vision of Elim is a reality. Elim Village now offers a full range of senior’s housing and care options in a retirement community tightly bonded by faith.
Great is the Lord’s faithfulness.
Our Management Team
Elim’s Management Team is a unique blend of tested and experienced professionals working together in making our vision a reality in providing an enriched quality of life for seniors living within Elim’s Christian community. There is a deep commitment to working as a team to earn the reputation as “Canada’s Premier Seniors Living Community”. We believe a key contributing factor in our success is dependent on our maximizing the support of our staff and encouraging the skills and unique gifts they bring to Elim Village.
RON PIKE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ron joined Elim in 2007 as Chief Operating Officer and accepted the position of Executive Director in 2012. His strong leadership skills, knowledge in commerce and strengths in communication have contributed greatly towards improving Elim’s organizational efficiency within the not-for-profit sector.
SANDRA KOLARCIK
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Sandra joined Elim in 2010 bringing 20 years of financial experience in a variety of industries. Sandra has extensive experience in creating financial statements and performance budgets, leading budget forecasting, completing audits, and preparing corporate and personal tax returns and payroll.
SHELDON LOEPPKY
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Sheldon joined Elim in 2017 and provides leadership and direction in the day-to-day implementation of Elim’s strategic plan through site expansion and project management support. He manages the organization’s capital assets, operations teams, strategic partnerships, and contracts.
MARIAN HEEMSKERK
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LIFE
Specializing in gerontology since 1980, Marian joined Elim in 2004 and was directly involved in the development and opening of the Emerald Assisted Living in 2005. Her responsibilities as Director of Community Life include the management of the Emerald, along with the provision of community life services for our Independent Living residents.
DAVID HERMAN
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
David earned his real estate license from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and subsequently obtained his Broker’s license. David joined Elim Village in 2005. His 36 year history and experience in real estate and real estate development acquisitions is recognized as a key contributing factor to where Elim is today.
LYNN JUILLET
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Lynn joined Elim in 2022, bringing 15 years of Human Resource experience to the table. Her strong knowledge of not-for profits is an asset in her leadership of our HR team. Lynn holds a designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).
JENNIFER LADESMA
DIRECTOR OF CARE
Jennifer graduated with her Bachelor in Nursing Degree in 1991 from the University of Manitoba followed by obtaining her certificate in Health Care Management. Jennifer has over 10 years of experience as a Director of Care at Tabor Home and Laurel Place. Jennifer joined our management team in July 2013.
BRAD VERBEEK
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
In 2020, Brad joined Elim with broad experience in public practice across a diverse range of industries, with a particular focus on not-for-profit organizations and charities. As a member of Elim’s team, Brad assumes responsibility for managing financial reporting, budget preparation, private investments, and day-to-day financial operations.
LYNNELLE FRIESEN
SITE MANAGER, GARRISON CROSSING
Lynnelle joined Elim in 2021 to provide onsite leadership and general oversight to Elim’s developing seniors living community in Garrison Crossing, Chilliwack. Her background in health care and Master’s in Nursing contributes to her leadership skillset as she oversees the wellness, care, hospitality, and other services offered.
Board of Directors
Elim Housing (Chilliwack) Society is a not-for-profit Society governed by a Board of Directors. The Board serves without remuneration and the Directors do not receive any profits or advantages from their position.
- Ted DeVries – Chair
- Ben Langelaar – Vice Chair
- Ron Haan – Treasurer
- Garry Corbett
- Harry Hoff
- John Koot
- Monica Niles
- Bill Rinsma
- Hilde Wiebe
- Sam Wind
Invest in Elim Village
We value our investor program as a large percentage of Elim’s development has been funded through private investments.
Typically, our investments have carried a 2-year term with interest paid on an annual basis.
Feel free to call to discuss available options that might better complement your particular financial situation. If you are interested in investments options, please contact Brad Verbeek at 604.583.3546 ext. 4048 or email bverbeek@elimvillage.com.
CHARITABLE GIVING
The Elim Foundation raises funds through Charitable Gifts and Planned Giving to ensure the ongoing financial viability of the Elim Christian Care Society and its endeavours.
Charitable Gifts – Gifts made to the Foundation and Elim Christian Care Society will be used to support new and ongoing projects, thus ensuring overall sustainability the of village. Financial assistance to residents will also be considered based on individual situations. Gifts received by the Foundation or by Elim Christian Care Society may be directed as per the request of the donor provided they align with Elim’s vision.
Planned Giving – We have access to professional services to provide assistance in Wills & Estate Planning. It is Elim’s hope to receive future estate gifts in order to secure the future financial viability of Elim Village.
Memorial Landmarks – These are currently available in the form of memorial benches. Elim is open to discussions regarding more significant gifts to support larger projects such as gardens, equipment, and buildings.
If you are interested in charitable giving options, please contact Brad Verbeek at 604.583.3546 ext. 4048 or email bverbeek@elimvillage.com
