Westminster Canterbury Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Year
Westminster Canterbury Richmond first opened its doors in 1975 – 45 years ago! After a successful first few years, Westminster Canterbury Foundation was created in 1980 to inspire generosity for the Fellowship Program for seniors-in-need and other charitable programs.
What an incredible 40 years it has been! In 2020, we celebrate the legacy of generosity that makes so many things possible on our campus and in greater Richmond. Throughout the year, we will share highlights of our history and how it compares with today.
Fellowship
The founding purpose of Westminster Canterbury was to provide a Fellowship Program for seniors-in-need, giving security and peace of mind that housing, meals, medical care and vital living were guaranteed. In the beginning, 93 of our first 375 residents lived here thanks to the generosity of donors. Today, around 110 of our 830 residents receive Fellowship support annually. A total of 560 seniors have received $76 million in support for a safe retirement since we opened our doors! Your gifts to the Annual Fellowship Fund totaled $1.7 million in 2019.
Workforce Support
In 1996, a group of residents established the first Employee Education Fund “to enhance educational opportunities available to employees whose skills and services make Westminster Canterbury the caring community it is.” Today, the W·E·A·V·E (Workforce-Education-Assistance-Volunteerism-Engagement) program helps our employees as they grow and improve and is supported by both residents and employees.
Pastoral Care
In 2006, through gifts to the Foundation, the Cary Montague Chapel expansion was completed, increasing seating capacity for services and lectures. In 2019, we broke ground on a new Spiritual Center, creating a space for all residents that fosters spiritual growth and allows current and future spiritual programs to flourish.
Keep an eye out for more on our evolution coming soon!