Bethany Care Society Congratulates The Rev. Jean Morris on Honorary Doctorate
(CALGARY, February 4, 2010) Greer Black, President and CEO of Bethany Care Society, extends congratulations to The Rev. Jean Morris on the announcement that she will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, from the Vancouver School of Theology at its 39th Convocation, May 10, 2010.
“This is a well-deserved honor that reflects Jean’s extensive contributions at the community, provincial and national levels,” says Greer Black, President and CEO of Bethany Care Society. “She is tireless in her work to promote interfaith education and understanding, and has a profound passion to serve seniors. Her leadership of Bethany’s Pastoral Care team has raised spiritual care for persons with dementia to the forefront of congregational life and within the larger community.”
The Rev. Jean Morris has 25 years of leadership experience with congregations and faith-based organizations. She is currently Vice President, Spirituality and Pastoral Care Services for Bethany Care Society. In this role, Jean leads a team of lay and clergy chaplains, along with pastoral volunteers, to provide ministry to over 1,300 residents and clients. Jean and her team developed and implemented a Spiritual Presence Model which directs the delivery of pastoral care services and articulates spirituality as a core organizational competence for leaders and staff.
Jean provides leadership at presbytery, synod and national levels, and has led workshops, retreats and conferences in the ecumenical community. She holds a BA from Brock University, MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, Th.M from Vancouver School of Theology, and Advanced Standing with the Canadian Association of Pastoral Practice and Education. In 2005, she was elected Moderator of the 131st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
About Bethany Care Society
With the mission of Creating Caring Communities, Bethany Care Society is one of Western Canada’s largest voluntary, not-for-profit providers of health, housing and community services for seniors and adults with disabilities. A faith-based organization founded in 1945, Bethany serves 4,900 Albertans in over 100 communities.
More than 900 residents live in Bethany’s care centres in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Sylvan Lake and Red Deer. These care centres provide a continuum of services from supportive living to long term care, including specialized dementia care.
As well, Bethany Care Society offers a range of community housing options with 475 affordable rental apartments and life lease suites in Calgary. We also support people living in the community through Bethany Lifeline and Adult Day Support Programs.
Bethany Care Society employs 1,300 staff, whose service is enhanced by 750 volunteers. Our commitment to innovation and excellence has been recognized through seven national and provincial “top employer” awards since 2001, and for eight consecutive years, we have been awarded the Consumers’ Choice Award in Business Excellence for “retirement homes” in southern Alberta.
Bethany Care Foundation is the registered charity dedicated to raising funds to support priority programs, equipment, furnishings and capital projects to improve quality of life for residents.
