Karen Anne Blakely retires from her role as Director of Abbotsford Seniors Centre
By: Julie Ireton
After close to 11 years leading Abbotsford Programming at the Glebe Centre, director Karen Anne Blakely is retiring, but she doesn’t plan to go too far away.
“We all give what we can, and my role will change, but I’d like to do fundraising as a volunteer and help out with community support services like driving seniors to appointments,” said Blakely. “Abbotsford reflects the spirit of the community.”
Abbotsford Seniors Centre caters to those 55 plus, with exercise programs and social activities for active seniors, as well as specialized services for elderly clients or people with dementia. The centre is situated in the old stone house directly across from Lansdowne Park.
Blakely said while she’ll miss the “general chaos” in the centre as seniors find their way to daily activities, she’ll never forget the vital connections she’s had with individuals.
“I will miss the care and concern expressed during the case conferences to help an older adult make decisions for themselves or loved ones,” she said. “I will miss the shared stories over cups of tea in the dining room.”
After 38 years working in the social service sector, including time spent in child welfare programs in Alberta and later at Ottawa’s Jewish Family Services, before coming to Abbotsford, Blakely has a unique view into the needs of the communities she has served.
“She was the calm in the storm during COVID,” said Christine Nassrallah, president of Abbotsford member’s council.
When the global pandemic closed down workplaces, schools and forced many into isolation, Nassrallah says Blakely helped the centre pivot quickly to connect with elderly clients who were alone in their homes.
But Blakely is the first to say she hasn’t done it alone.
“The staff who work at Abbotsford are the best in their field and dedicated to being on top of research and how to help clients and members in the best way possible,” said Blakely.
Those staff members will miss her care and focus on each client, said Pat Goyeche, coordinator of community programs at Abbotsford.
“She has fostered an atmosphere of collegiality and engagement amongst staff, emphasising compassion for those we serve,” said Goyeche. “Her humour, fierceness and professionalism have all contributed to making Abbotsford Seniors Centre the ‘go to’.”
Abbotsford now has 1,200 members and clients, and as far as Nassrallah is concerned, it’s one of Ottawa’s best kept secrets. She said even though the leadership will change, the mission will not.
“She’s set a foundation for the next leader and created a momentum for whoever replaces her,” said Nassrallah, who notes they’re all glad she’ll be returning as a volunteer.
“Karen Anne is a master connector to funders, clients, staff, and members,” said Nassrallah. “She leaves a legacy of fearlessness, feistiness, and caring.
Abbotsford Seniors Centre of The Glebe Centre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit, organization which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca
Karen Anne Blakely stands with some of her team at the long term service awards held at the Glebe Centre in the fall of 2024.
