Trinity Reformed Church
1100 40 Ave. N
Lethbridge, Alberta  T1H 6B7

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October 4, 2023

RE: Letter of Support for BeLoved Care

Dear BeLoved Care board members,

Galatians 6:10 states “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” The council of Trinity Reformed Church supports the works and plans of BeLoved Care to create a Christian long-term care centre. It is abundantly clear that the work of the board is guided by scripture, to promote action in accordance with the Word, and to promote the dignity of human life at all stages.

We acknowledge that many secular institutions have shifted to a diminished view of people. They value people based on monetary worth/cost and their perceived contributions to society. These beliefs have ushered in a trend of euthanasia for the elderly and the severely ill, a truly condemnable practice. These beliefs have also debased the care and treatment that patients receive at many of these institutions. BeLoved Care, in contrast, is building a foundation on the truth that all people are created in the image of God, having inherent dignity. Our council is encouraged by the comprehensive thinking of BeLoved Care that seeks to care for the entire well-being of individuals including the need for spiritual care.

Our council also appreciates that this endeavour is shared with other Reformed churches. Projects such as this remind us that we all serve the same Lord and Saviour who “is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:17, 18a).

As a council, we commit to praying for the work of BeLoved Care and to promote this group within our congregation. We also look forward to future interactions with the board to explore ways we can collaborate with and support the efforts of creating a Christian long-term care centre in the Lethbridge area.

We wish you God’s blessings and strength as you labour to make this a reality.

In service to Christ,

The Council of Trinity Reformed Church,

To: The Board of BeLoved Care

January 15, 2023

The Council of the Canadian Reformed Church at Coaldale is appreciative of the work being done by BeLoved Care with a view toward establishing a Christian care home for the elderly in the Reformed Christian community of Southern Alberta.

We are supportive of the board’s stated objectives in assisting Reformed Christian families in the care of the elderly in our midst in a Christ-centred environment, in obedience to God’s command. We are thankful for the thorough foundation that has been already laid by the board. As we are all made in the image of God, and we are to care for one another spiritually and physically, we are in agreement with and in support of the stated purpose, beliefs, and foundational principles of BeLoved Care.

May God bless the work of your hands in this exciting endeavor.

Council

Coaldale Canadian Reformed Church
Coaldale, Alberta

March 8, 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to present your plans to us for an assisted living facility in our area. We are grateful that there are people like yourselves that are compelled to undertake such an endeavor as this. We wholeheartedly agree that this is a much needed service in our local Reformed community.

With that we would like to express our support for this project. In its fledgling stages, we support this endeavor in principle and in prayer. The Lord willing, as it comes to fruition we would intend to support it financially as well.

We pray for the Lord’s blessing in this work going forward in the hopes of building up our community and providing a place where the elderly and those who cannot look after themselves would receive the loving care that they need. May God bless you in this task.

With Christian greetings,

Consistory with the Deacons
Taber Canadian Reformed Church

To the board of Beloved Care:

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
2 Corinthians 4:16, 17 NKJV

We know that on this side of heaven we will face adversities. Some of us will have a long and healthy life while others will face the challenges of getting older. That is why these types of facilities are important. When Christ is the center of any project, we should be supporting this.

We would like to advise you that Grace Reformed Church of Lethbridge, AB is willing to support, both financially and through prayer, Beloved Care and its desire to build an Extendicare facility. We believe this to be a very necessary and important work in the plans that God has for us. Those who face these challenges in this life can both be a witness and a blessing to all those involved. May the Lord richly bless you in this endeavor.

Thank you for this opportunity,

The council of Grace Reformed Church
Lethbridge, AB

Dear BeLoved Care Board Members,

Thank you for presenting to us your plans for a Christian Long Term Care Home. In our culture the value of human life is under attack. There are many among us who have complex care needs and we believe they would greatly benefit from such a facility. Those with complex care needs would be able to live out their last days in comfort and safety, knowing that they are a valued member of our society. The families whose loved ones require 24 hour care will also be supported in knowing that their loved one are in a Christian focused care facility.

The Granum Christian Reformed Church Council supports the Beloved Care Board in their stated endeavor. We pray that the Lord would bless this proposed project and grant His wisdom to the Beloved Care Board Members in its planning.

In service to Christ,

Granum Christian Reformed Church Council

December 7, 2023

BeLoved Care

Dear Committee Members,

Thank you for your letter regarding your endeavour to provide long term care within the Reformed community.

We agree that this is a need and heartily endorse this initiative. We will remember this in prayer and pray for a blessing on these plans. We look forward to a presentation to our Council and will be pleased to post your information in our bulletin and social media.

Christian greetings,

On behalf of Bethel Free Reformed Church

To: Beloved Care Reformed Community

November 21, 2024

Dear Board Members,

We would like to thank you that Ben Maljaars was willing to do a brief presentation at our November 7, 2024 consistory meeting regarding plans on starting a care facility in the area. We discussed the initiative during a previous meeting and had a few questions. Thankfully, the presentation and questions afterwards, made things clear enough to see the value and the need for such a care facility.

Therefore, by means of this letter, we would like to let you know that we endorse the idea and pray that, once these plans have become reality, it may become a blessing for the elderly residents.

On behalf of Shiloh Free Reformed Church of Picture Butte, Alberta,

G. Van de Haar

Clerk

January 27, 2025

Dear Beloved Care Board Members,

Greetings in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

After some initial conversations around Beloved Care at our fall leadership meetings, here at the Iron Springs Christian Reformed Church, we were thankful for the opportunity to welcome Beloved Care Board Executive Director Melanie Harthoorn to our November 25, 2024, meeting of council.

Both Melanie’s presentation and her ability to provide clear answers to our questions, served as great encouragement to us. Beloved Care’s mission was represented with great enthusiasm, thankfulness, and powerful testimony about how God has been at work shaping this vision for Christ-centered care.

Seeing how the board’s work is both faithful to the Bible and faithful to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we give thanks for the creation of a place where life is affirmed, cared for in the name of Jesus, and helped to flourish by loving the aged and infirm as image-bearers of God who created them.

Having a home where faith values, tradition, and practices are shared or well-known, will no doubt help in providing comfort, familiarity, and encouragement to residents. We realize it will also serve to bless family members and extended families.

In a world where we witness so much disunity, we believe Beloved Care is a space where effort is made “to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). It is a space where covenant baptism identity is shared and expressed (Acts 2; Romans 5). And it is a space where all things “whether in word or deed” will be done “in the name of the lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3: 17).

We are glad to express our support and pray God will continue to lead by His Holy Spirit so that the body of Jesus Christ is continually built up. We look forward to learning how the Lord is blessing the work of your hands.

Grace & Peace,

Mr. Gys Vanden Pol, Council Chair

On behalf of the Iron Springs Christian Reformed Church Council

March 1 , 2025

On behalf of the Nobleford Christian Reformed Church, I am writing to express our heartfelt support for your mission to provide compassionate and Christ-centered care for those at the end of life. We are truly excited to join together as Christians from various Reformed denominations in this vital work, serving the loved ones in our congregations and beyond.

One of the core tenets of our faith is the understanding that family members are the primary caregivers for their loved ones. We recognize the indispensable role families play in providing comfort and support during this sacred journey. In addition to family involvement, the communion of saints also provides significant encouragement, as fellow believers come alongside us to lend their love and support to the elderly in need.

We are thankful for Beloved Care’s commitment to supporting families and churches in this mission, recognizing the deep emotional and spiritual challenges faced by those at the end of life. For individuals who can no longer remain in their own homes, it is of utmost importance that their new living environment is aligned with their religious beliefs. An explicitly Christian setting reduces confusion and fosters a sense of well-being—elements that are essential as individuals confront the realities of aging and transition.

We are particularly encouraged to see that Beloved Care places a significant emphasis on hiring Christian nurses who share our values. Incorporating Scripture reading, prayer, and song into the daily lives of residents will enrich their experiences and instill a spirit of hope and peace in the atmosphere. It is essential that this environment reflects the identity we hold as Christians, allowing those we care for to feel rooted in their faith throughout their final days.

Moreover, we deeply appreciate Beloved Care’s commitment to keeping couples together and allowing individuals to age in place. This not only honors their relationships but also honors their dignity and wishes, providing them with the support they need in the familiar company of their loved ones.

In closing, we are grateful for the mission of Beloved Care, and we look forward to working alongside you to provide meaningful, faith-filled care for our elderly community members. May God bless this endeavor and grant us the strength and wisdom to serve those in need.

In Christ’s love,

The Council of the Nobleford Christian Reformed Church

May 1, 2025

Correspondence from the Council of the Taber United Reformed Church

As a member of the reformed community in the area, we are fully supportive of this initiative and look forward to what Beloved Care is embarking upon. In a time when many institutions are driven solely by efficiency or profit, it is deeply encouraging to see a care organization that seeks to uphold the God-given dignity of every individual.

BeLoved Care demonstrates a clear commitment to compassionate, Christ-like service, reflecting the biblical call to care for the vulnerable among us (James 1:27) as they seek to honor the Lord in word and deed.

BeLoved Care operates with integrity, transparency, and a genuine desire to serve. For Reformed believers who see all of life under the Lordship of Christ, it is reassuring to see such a place where residents will be able to live with dignity and receive care in a manner consistent with Christian values.

We will continue to lift up BeLoved Care in prayer and look forward the day it can begin its work within our community.

In Christ,

Taber United Reformed Church

Healthy Albertans
Healthy Communities
TOGETHER.

June 27, 2025

Dear Ms. Harthroon,

Re: Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Letter of Support for BeLoved Care, Coaldale, Alberta

Thank you for taking the time to meet with myself and Trenton Regier, Director of senior’s care for the South Zone.

Your vision and commitment to care for individuals within the Reformed Congregations is significant and exciting. We appreciate your commitment to accept responsibility for the church community and to care for individuals who cannot care for themselves. We look forward to following your progress as you navigate this journey and commit to being a resource for you regarding all aspects of continuing care from home care, facility care and end-of-life care. We will also ensure you are connected to community resources and share information with groups such as the Alzheimer’s Society and other important client and caregiver supports.

We look forward to working with you on this project and our continued partnership to deliver quality care within our community.

Yours sincerely,

Colin Zieber (Iniskim – Buffalo Stone), M.Sc., RPN, CHE
Senior Operating Officer, Alberta Health Services

Chinook Regional Hospital
960 – 19 Street South
Lethbridge AB T1J 1W5
ahs.ca

Legislative Assembly Alberta
Hon. Grant Hunter, ECA
Associate Minister of Water
MLA Taber-Warner
5402 50^th Avenue
Taber, AB  T1G 1T9

August 2025

To Whom it May Concern,

BE: Beloved Care Christian Care Home

As the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Taber-Warner, I am pleased to offer my support for Beloved Care and their proposal to establish a Christian continuing care home in Coaldale, Alberta.

This initiative represents a timely and meaningful response to the growing demand for long-term care beds in our province. Beloved Care’s vision to provide faith-based, culturally appropriate care will not only expand resident choice but also ensure that seniors in our community can age with dignity in an environment that aligns with their values and beliefs.

The organization’s commitment to compassionate, community-rooted care reflects the spirit of service that defines many rural Albertan communities. By working in partnership with Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta, Beloved Care has the potential to contribute significantly to the province’s continuing care landscape.

I commend the leadership and initiative shown by Beloved Care and encourage all relevant stakeholders to give this proposal serious and favorable consideration.

Sincerely,

Hon. Grant Hunter, ECA
MLA Taber-Warner

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
ALBERTA
NATHAN NEUDORF
MLA Lethbridge East

June 23, 2025

To Whom it May Concern,

RE: Support for BeLoved Care’s Christian Supportive Living Accommodation Proposal

I am pleased to express my strong support for BeLoved Care’s proposal to establish a Christian Supportive Living Accommodation (SLA) in southern Alberta. As our province faces increasing pressure on long-term care infrastructure, innovative and compassionate solutions like this are both timely and necessary.

BeLoved Care’s initiative—to provide faith-based, person-centered care for elderly and disabled individuals within the Reformed Christian community—addresses a critical gap in our continuing care system. Their model not only aligns with Alberta’s values of dignity, respect, and inclusion, but also offers families the opportunity to choose care that reflects their spiritual and cultural beliefs.

Importantly, this proposal presents a cost-effective approach to expanding care capacity. Not-for-profit organizations like BeLoved Care are well-positioned to deliver high-quality services while easing the burden on public resources. Their commitment to collaboration with Alberta Health Services further strengthens the proposal’s potential to meet both medical and spiritual needs.

I respectfully encourage this application be given strong consideration. I remain committed to supporting BeLoved Care in its efforts to bring this much-needed facility to life.

Best Regards,

Nathan Neudorf, MLA
Lethbridge-East Constituency

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
ALBERTA
JOSEPH SCHOW
MLA CARDSTON-SIKSIKA

August 2025

To Whom it May Concern,

RE: BeLoved Care Christian Care Home

As MLA for neighboring community to the location proposed for a Christian continuing care home in Coaldale, Alberta. I am pleased to offer my support for BeLoved Care and their proposal.

This initiative represents a timely and meaningful response to the growing demand for long-term care beds in our province. BeLoved Care’s vision to provide faith-based, culturally appropriate care will not only expand resident choice but also ensure that seniors in our community can age with dignity in an environment that aligns with their values and beliefs.

I commend the leadership and initiative shown by BeLoved Care and encourage all relevant stakeholders to give this proposal serious and favorable consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph Schow
MLA Cardston-Siksika

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
ALBERTA
JUSTIN WRIGHT
MLA CYPRESS MEDICINE HAT

Sept 10, 2025

Dear Board Members,

I am pleased to offer my full support for Beloved Care’s Christian Supportive Living Accommodation proposal for southern Alberta. Having worked extensively with healthcare issues in my constituency, I recognize both the urgent need you’re addressing and the thoughtful approach you’ve taken to meet it.

The statistics are stark-Alberta faces a 15% shortfall in long-term care spaces, with projections indicating we’ll need 10,000 additional spaces within the next five to six years. But beyond the numbers, I see families in my constituency struggling to find care options that honor their loved ones’ faith and values. Your proposal directly addresses this gap in our healthcare continuum.

What particularly impresses me about Beloved Care’s approach is how it aligns with Alberta Health’s own commissioned report emphasizing the need for more inclusive, culturally appropriate continuing care. The person-centered, holistic model you’re proposing-one that genuinely addresses residents’ spiritual needs-represents exactly the kind of innovation our province needs.

From a fiscal perspective, your proposed funding model makes tremendous sense. The chartertype approach you’ve outlined, seeking 70% capital funding while covering the remainder through charitable donations, would reduce per-bed costs from approximately $575,000 to $400,000. This
isn’t just good stewardship of public resources-it’s a pathway to expanding care capacity more efficiently than traditional models allow.

I’m encouraged by the strong community support you’ve already garnered, with letters from twelve Reformed Christian denominations and thousands of individuals across Lethbridge, Coaldale, and Taber. This grassroots backing demonstrates genuine need and community commitment to making
this vision a reality.

Your expansion plans for additional smaller care homes across Alberta, leveraging existing church networks in Calgary, Edmonton, and other communities, show strategic thinking about meeting rural and urban needs alike. The interest from Monarch regarding land donations suggests this
model has real potential for replication.

As the MLA for Cypress Medicine Hat, I commit to advocating for Beloved Care at the provincial level. I will work with my colleagues to ensure your proposal receives serious consideration during ongoing healthcare system improvements. The timing is right-with Alberta ‘s healthcare restructuring underway, there’s genuine opportunity to incorporate innovative models like yours.

My office stands ready to faci litate introductions with relevant provincial officials and to provide whatever assistance we can in advancing this important initiative.

The Reformed Christian community in southern Alberta deserves care options that reflect their values and faith traditions. More importantly, our entire province benefits when we create diverse, community-supported solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. You have my unwavering support as you work to bring this vision to life. I look forward to celebrating the opening of your first facility in Coaldale and supporting your broader mission across Alberta.

Warmest regards,

Justin Wright
MLA, Cypress-Medicine Hat
Government of Alberta