At the request of the Youville Home Board of Directors, Caritas assumed responsibility for the management and operation of Youville Home in St. Albert. Youville Home's Board sought this change as an opportunity to strengthen the organization and continue the 140-year-old mission and healing ministry of the organization. The Alberta Catholic Health Corporation, Catholic sponsor for both Youville Home and Caritas Health Group, approved the transfer.

Caritas Health Group and Youville Home share a common legacy and purpose—both the Edmonton General Hospital and Youville Home were founded by the Sisters of Charity (Grey Nuns) of Montreal in the late nineteenth century. Caritas and Youville Home continue to be shaped by the Sisters' commitment to compassionate, holistic care.

"Today, we are bringing together two organizations that have a tremendous history of leadership and service to the community," said Caritas President Patrick Dumelie. "Our teams will share resources and expertise so that together Caritas and Youville Home can realize our full potential and provide innovative solutions to meeting the growing demands in our communities and the region."

Youville Home opened a new $24-million facility in St. Albert in 2007 and continues to operate an older building on the same site. Youville Home's 337 staff members provide care to a total of 154 people requiring continuing care, as well as respite and palliative care. The Youville Home site has a total capacity of 220 beds.

Al Pierog will provide executive leadership to Youville Home in his role as Vice-President of Continuing Care for Caritas. "We're so pleased to be working with the great team at Youville Home," he says. "There is a strong culture of compassion at Youville Home and a real desire to serve seniors and the needs of the community. Our first priority is to build on these strengths to address staff shortages and help meet the growing needs in the region by opening the remaining 66 continuing care beds at the request of Capital Health."

The coming months will be a transition period for the two organizations as the teams explore the best way to bring the work of our two organizations together. Caritas and Youville Home will look for opportunities to share resources, find efficiencies, and build on the strengths of both organizations to be of greater service.

To learn more about Youville Home visit www.youvillehome.ab.ca