Our End of Summer BBQ and AGM gets bigger every year, and each recap reflects that growth: our largest turnout yet, an expanded craft market, exciting games, eye-catching centrepiece giveaways, heartwarming friendships and connections, countless organizational blessings, and inspiring stories of care, growth, and impact from across Bethesda.
Without questions, the predominant theme of this year’s gathering was growth.
Growth That Deepens Connection
At the pre-AGM dinner and festivities, that growth was evident in the size of the gathering. Later, during the meeting, we heard about the many areas of expansion across the organization.
But importantly, with that growth came connection. As CEO Tori Dalair shared, behind it all are people: “More people choosing to journey with Bethesda, more opportunities to serve, and more staff faithfully showing up each day to build relationships, create belonging, and live out our mission across the province. That is what makes this growth so meaningful.”
Against this backdrop of growth and connection, the Annual General Meeting offered an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate all that had been accomplished. From strategic initiatives and service expansion to stories of impact and transformed lives, the meeting’s highlights illustrated how Bethesda continued to advance its mission throughout the year.
The information was shared with gratitude, joy, and optimism, accompanied by a sense of wonder at all that had emerged over the past year. God’s grace was openly acknowledged as making the difference especially when outcomes felt out of our reach. Again and again, we saw His hand leading and providing in remarkable ways.
People at the Heart of Bethesda
We have an incredible team that follows God’s leading and serves as His hands and feet. We heard about the diligence and sacrifices of staff members, each faithfully playing their part through change and, at times, disruption, and persevering when circumstances became difficult. One exemplary employee, Dana Baker, received the Bethesda Staff Excellence Award. Dana has served for 18 years, including the past six at Tretheway Home.
We were also honoured to present the Excellence for Community Impact award posthumously to Brian Doerksen, with his wife, Joyce, accepting on his behalf. Brian was deeply committed to inclusion and generously supported the Bethesda community in many ways—from singing at our community inclusion events and holding benefit concerts to creating a special version of his moving Shelter music video featuring the Bethesda community.
Tori Dalair guided members through the year’s strategic goals in operations and administration, community engagement, workforce development, and self-advocacy. Initiatives across departments focused on building capacity and resilience while maintaining excellence in the areas where Bethesda serves its community.
Presenter after presenter revealed the depth of change over the past year. We expanded services, created new roles, and welcomed many more people and families into the Bethesda community. During the reporting year, 578 people and family members participated in Bethesda’s services and supports, including 73 newcomers. We opened a new home and expanded three community inclusion services, while our property development projects included 11 rebuilds, renovations, or purchases. This level of activity required people, their families, and staff teams to navigate significant moves and transitions.
Our Community Development team had an unprecedented year of building new connections. We found opportunities to support other organizations by sharing our expertise in supporting people with disabilities and creating inclusive spaces. We partnered with schools, churches, and other organizations to speak at events, offered de-escalation workshops, and helped launch a new family support group. This outreach and relationship-building increase awareness of our work and, in turn, generate more requests for services. The need for disability and inclusion support in our communities remains great.
To support this organizational growth, our staff team exceeded 500 members for the first time, while the HR team introduced leadership training, wellness resources, and new leadership positions to address both the opportunities and challenges that accompany rapid growth.
Leadership That Sustains the Work
Self-advocates continue to play a growing role in Bethesda’s leadership. Two members of the Self-Advocates Advisory Committee spoke about two initiatives completed during the year: videos recorded by each person supported for use in new staff training, and a survey identifying areas where people would like additional support, as well as the places where they experience inclusion and belonging in their communities. Their work advances the vision of self-advocates taking the lead and becoming decision-makers in their own lives.
Finally, none of what unfolded over the year would have been possible without a committed and engaged Board of Directors providing steadfast strategic leadership.
We acknowledged the contributions of departing directors Kris Versluis, Indira Manuel, and Jackie Reiners. Each brought valuable expertise to the organization and shared a heart for a more inclusive world. The membership re-elected Marty Peters and Michael Morelli for second terms and elected Nick Hogewoning to rejoin the Board for a first term following a two-year break.
Board President Greg van Popta led the proceedings of the 2026 AGM.
Grateful for the Past, Ready for What’s Ahead
Looking back over the year, the growth and shared accomplishments across Bethesda were remarkable. Together, we expanded our reach, strengthened our services, and created new opportunities for the people we support.
As we reflect on all that was achieved, we are reminded that none of it was accomplished through our efforts alone. God continually went before us, opening doors, guiding our steps, and providing exactly what was needed at the right time. His faithfulness exceeded our expectations, and His provision went beyond what we could have asked for or imagined. We give thanks for His abundant blessings and remain confident in His leading as we move forward together.
As Bethesda moves into the year ahead, our focus will shift from rapid growth to thoughtful integration, ensuring that these new services, initiatives, partnerships, and communities are well supported and positioned for long-term success. Although the pace of change may be more measured, our optimism remains strong. With a solid foundation in place, we are confident that this year’s investments and progress will continue to create meaningful impact for years to come.
If you weren’t able to attend the AGM and would like to learn more about what happened across Bethesda this past year, we invite you to read our 2026 Annual Report and Outcomes Management Report (OMR).
