Westminster Canterbury Foundation Programs

Serving seniors in need through the Fellowship Program has been Westminster Canterbury’s cornerstone mission – a promise we have steadfastly upheld since we opened in 1975. Your support provides seniors in need with life care – housing, meals, medical care and life-enriching programming.

• Approximately 90 seniors are served annually
• Fellowship assists new residents moving into Westminster Canterbury and offers a promise to all residents – they will never be asked to leave due to an inability to pay arising through no fault of their own

Approximately 610 seniors have received more than $94 million in financial assistance since 1975. Recipients’ names are kept confidential, but we do know:

• Their average age is 89
• Nearly 90% are women
• More than 50% reside in assisted living or the Mary Morton Parsons Health Center

“Because of my financial circumstances, I truly wondered if I might become homeless in my 80s. I’m thankful for donors to the Fellowship Program who allow me to live here forever. This is a true place of generosity.” (Quote from a Fellowship recipient)

Too often senior care focuses on managing sickness, but we hold a different point of view – one of proactive overall wellness. Our vision of healthy aging emphasizes nurturing each person’s unique independence at every stage of life.

A strong Wellness program:

• Helps our residents maintain physical strength, mobility, and cognitive function,
• Enhances mental and emotional health
• Builds a stronger Westminster Canterbury community.

These programs benefit residents across the continuum by adapting to meet varying physical and cognitive abilities. The hub of Wellness programming at Westminster Canterbury is our Vital Living Center, opened in 2024, with new Fitness and Aquatic Centers and Exercise Studios. 

Your support makes it possible to:

• Outfit our Wellness spaces with top-quality equipment to keep residents active
• Pilot new programs and support specialty instructors, including Yoga, Sound Bowl Therapy, Dance, Pickleball and more, allowing us to meet resident interest and inspire them to try new things
• Provide ongoing education and training for Wellness staff
• Ensure that all residents, including those in Assisted Living, Memory Care, and the Parsons Health Center, have access to quality instruction for strength in mind and body

Healthcare Excellence at Westminster Canterbury means delivering exceptional resident-centered programs that set a new standard in senior living.  Our commitment to top-quality care distinguishes us from other communities, ensuring every resident receives personalized attention and support. Your support directly enhances programming in the Parsons Health Care Center and Assisted Living areas, including:

• Clinical Education for all healthcare staff emphasizing consistent, relationship-focused care
• Nurse and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Preceptor Program combining classroom training and mentorship to ensure high-quality resident care 
• Memory Support and Recreational Therapies consisting of music, art, horticulture, exercise, virtual reality adventures, and visits from children in our Child Development Center. These therapies can enhance residents’ quality of life, participation, mental recall, and mood.

W·E·A·V·E is our comprehensive, employee-focused program designed to support and uplift our dedicated workforce. By investing in our team, W·E·A·V·E strengthens our culture, fosters caregiving excellence, and helps Westminster Canterbury Richmond remain a Destination Employer. Your support provides:  

• Emergency financial assistance during times of unforeseen personal hardship
• Scholarships for career development and professional advancement
• Meaningful volunteer experiences through our Outreach Program, including building wheelchair ramps and delivering health education and programming to low-income seniors in the greater Richmond area. 

Westminster Canterbury Foundation’s Outreach Program extends our mission by connecting residents and employees with opportunities to make a difference, fostering community both inside and beyond our walls.

With over 300 employees and residents participating on an annual basis, your support enhances the Greater Richmond community through programs such as:

• Wellness and Social Engagement: Collaborating with the SPAN Center, our staff and resident volunteers provide monthly wellness programming, health education, and social engagement to low-income seniors attending weekly gatherings that provide communal meals and help combat social isolation
• Annual Ramp Building: Partnering with local nonprofit project:HOMES, we purchase components and build wheelchair ramps together, aiding seniors with mobility challenges
• Public Symposiums: Hosting forums that bring together area experts to address the needs of seniors in the Richmond region 

Our 335-seat Sara Belle November Theater is specifically designed for the needs of older adults — one of only a few theaters of its kind anywhere in the country! Coming together to experience world-class live performances creates a sense of community that unites us all. More than 75 performances, forums and lectures are offered each year thanks to the generosity of donors – never from resident fees.

• 100% of performances are free, ensuring all residents can attend regardless of their health or financial status
• Richmond’s best local performing arts groups entertain and engage with our residents year-round 
• Exciting touring productions bring joy and connection, with favorites including Capitol Fools, the Garth Newel Piano Quartet and Jukebox Saturday Night

Arts engagement for seniors can improve memory, creativity, problem solving, mental acuity, and quality of life. In our McGue-Millhiser Arts Studio, McCord Clay Studio and Gordon Woodworking Shop, experienced and budding artists and crafters alike can flourish. Your support provides classes taught by professional instructors, helping residents discover new passions and hobbies that can ensure a vibrant life. 

• 100% of instructor fees are covered thanks to donor support
• Wide-ranging classes are offered in painting, jewelry making, woodworking, fiber arts and more
• Open studio hours are provided for residents to work independently

As a faith-based community, we believe in the importance of spiritual growth and connection. Our weekly offerings include focused study, worship and small group discussions, respectful of many faith traditions. Lectures, interfaith series and workshops are held regularly, bringing local and national speakers to our community that challenge us to grow in faith and connection with those around us. Donors who support Pastoral Care make possible:

• Additional chaplains to serve our residents
• A memory support ministry dedicated to our residents with dementia, as well as their families and caregivers
• Lectures by sought-after spiritual leaders and educators
• Small group discussions to explore emerging issues from a spiritual perspective

Joyous moments happen when Westminster Canterbury residents and children spend time together! Our onsite Child Development Center serves approximately 130 children of employees and the community, offering programs that foster learning and growth. Generous donors help provide:

• Need-based scholarships for employees’ children 
• Summer enrichment opportunities
• Specialized training for teachers
• New curriculum, materials and equipment
• Intergenerational programming

Dementia-related diseases are on the rise. Westminster Canterbury Richmond is actively helping residents, caregivers, and their families navigate these challenges. Throughout our three distinct levels of memory support, we employ nursing and recreational staff who are experts in their field. Studies and experience show that participation in frequent, evidence-based therapy programs can unlock memories and improve quality of life. Thanks to generous donors we can offer:

• Therapies in Music, Art, Horticulture, Exercise, and more
• Programs that celebrate residents’ life stories
• Spiritual support offered by our memory support chaplain

Innovation is one of our organization’s core values as we find ways to pursue excellence. Donor support allows staff to pilot new ideas that help our residents live the best life possible and cultivate leadership in senior services. Our Innovation Grant program gives us a flexible framework to support creative solutions for solving new and old problems. 

Recent Innovation programs include:

• Intergenerational Programming with our Child Development Center and residents
• Pilot Programs in resident and staff Wellness
• Advances in sustainability for our campus

In a rapidly changing technological world, it is important that residents remain up to date on the latest ways to stay connected and keep themselves safe. From computers and mobile phones to smart TVs and artificial intelligence, there is always something new to learn.    

Donor support provides a variety of classes and equipment for residents to embrace new technologies at all proficiency levels.