Confident Planning, Lasting Impact! Planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. The Empowered Estate offers a comprehensive way to organize essential documents, personal wishes, and legacy in one place. What makes us unique? Through interactive workshops and monthly ‘accountability parties,’ we ensure your binder gets completed while making the process enjoyable! Shelley Essery brings 20+ years as a legal administrator, combined with a heart-centred approach. Karla Kerr, a licensed funeral director, helps families document wishes and have meaningful conversations. Ready to get started? Join our next workshop today!
Community News
Supporting Our Communities
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. This fundraiser helps Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association run programs that provide shelter, care, and holistic support, empowering people to step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2025 takes place on February 22nd, 2025, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 200 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them.
Dentures to Improve You Oral Health
Start 2025 with a new smile! If you’re considering dentures, now is the perfect time to improve your oral health. Modern dentures offer better comfort, a natural look, and enhanced fit, helping you feel more confident every day. Whether you need full or partial dentures, personalized solutions designed for long-lasting comfort and improved functionality are available. Ready to take the next step? Visit us today at Oak Bay Denture Clinic to explore your options and get the perfect dentures tailored to your needs. Let us help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile this year!
Exercise & Alzheimer’s
Exercise has been shown to have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease by supporting brain health and cognitive function. Regular physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of growth factors, and encourages neurogenesis—the formation of new brain cells. Exercise also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to Alzheimer’s progression. Studies suggest that both aerobic and strength exercises can improve memory, attention, and mental processing. Physical activity may also slow brain aging and reduce risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are associated with Alzheimer’s. For optimal brain health, a consistent exercise routine is key.
Profile: James Bay New Horizons Society
We provide accessible programs, services, and volunteer opportunities to our members and residents in general. Our goal is to help people maintain, improve, and develop new skills, interests, and social opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life of our members and visitors. Membership benefits include: *Participate in all programs, services, and special events, including games, painting, movies, music, fitness, and many more. *Borrow books, CDs, and movies at no cost. *Opportunity to become involved with volunteer work. *Meet new friends and more. Contact us today for more information!
Caregiver Compassion Fatigue
Caring for others is often driven by motivations of love and understanding. Over time, some caregivers may find themselves going through the motions of caregiving without taking time out to focus on their own needs—often to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion. They may experience compassion fatigue. Here are a few steps to return to feeling positive about caring for loved ones. *Practice a self-care regimen: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent sleep. *Carve out time to spend with friends and maintain social connections. *Find a caregiver support program. Comfort Keepers® can help.
Health and Wellness Programs in Victoria
Creating Community Wellness Society (CCWS) is a charitable
organization providing health and wellness programs in
Victoria. The Victoria Community Health Centre (VCHC) is
located at 200-1075 Pendergast Street. From this location in
Cook Street Village, we run a nurse led Community Health
Centre. Our full-scope Registered Nurses provide a wide array
of services including health assessments, injections, wound
care, blood pressure monitoring, ear cleaning, and referral and
assistance with virtual Dr. visits. We also provide wellness
sessions with topics selected by the community. Contact us for
more information.
Words to Live By
“No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again.” — Jack Kornfield
Words to Live By
We wish you and your family a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and happiest new year ahead! Happy New Year!
December Trivia
1. Which country has a tradition of a witch dropping gifts for children through the chimney at Christmas? 2. How many gifts in total were given in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song? 3. What does the word “Hanukkah” translate to?
Clean Eating Recipe
Protein Peppermint Bark: Dark Chocolate Layer: 2 c. Greek yogurt. 1/4 c. maple syrup. 1 ½ tsp. peppermint extract. 1/4 c. dark cocoa powder. Stir to combine. Spread the mixture onto lined baking sheet. Freeze 30 min. White Peppermint Layer: 2 c. Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup maple syrup. 1 tsp peppermint extract; ½ tsp vanilla. Stir to combine. Spread the white layer over the frozen chocolate layer and freeze for 3 hours. Break into bite-size portions and enjoy!
