The Guided Journeys Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Kinga Zentner in collaboration with a group of compassionate individuals who realized the need for hospice and palliative care in Lethbridge, Alberta. We received our charitable status in 2022. We will provide all of our programs and services at no cost to the community. Without the help of our community, volunteers, and Board of Directors, we would not be where we are today.

Yes, the Guided Journeys Foundation is a registered charity. Charity # 73770 7604

You can donate online through our website at guidedjourneys.ca/donate. We also accept cheques and electronic transfers sent to guidedjourneysyql@gmail.com. Don’t hesitate to contact the Guided Journeys Foundation at 403-331-1257 for more information regarding donations and gifts. Thank you for your support.

Anyone can access our programs and services:

• Our services are available to individuals enrolled in palliative care programs.
• Our services are available to individuals who live within our geographical area but care for their loved ones in another region.
• You may access our grief and bereavement services if you have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Guided Journeys Foundations serves the areas of Lethbridge, Coaldale, Coalhurst, Picture Butte, Barons, Nobleford, Chin, Diamond City, Fairview, Iron Springs, Monarch, Shaughnessy and Turin. Reaching a population of over 125,000.

We rely substantially on the generosity of community donors for the majority of Guided Journeys Foundation’s financial support. Memorial contributions and fundraising activities are necessary to maintain our programs and services. We are grateful for the continued support from our donors and community.

The Guided Journeys Foundation provides support to individuals living with severe illnesses, nearing the end of life, or who are bereaved. In addition, family caregivers are offered additional support and assistance while caring for individuals who are seriously ill or have become frail with age. Guided Journeys Foundation also provides grief and bereavement services for children and youth who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Volunteers and dedicated health care professionals are essential for the provision of services.

• Upon graduation from our 30-hour training program, volunteers will be prepared to provide direct client care.

Your gift will be directed in either of the following ways unless there is a specific area the donor wishes:

• Cable services tailored to your interests, hobbies, and faith
• Personalized hair cuts and heart pillows
• Gift items such as teddy bears, jewelry, and plaques
• Play equipment and supplies for children
• Baked goods to share with clients and families
• Plant annuals, mulch, and shrubs with arborists
• Deliver weekly bouquets to client rooms
• Equip volunteers with gardening equipment
• Offer seasonal decorations, food items, or treats to clients
• Provide summer BBQs as part of cooking programs
• Tune pianos and keyboards for clients, families, and volunteers
• Provide training and recognition for volunteers

Volunteers are men and women of all ages and backgrounds, employed and retired, who give their time to help others. Our direct client care volunteers have all completed extensive training programs. They choose assignments according to their time availability, skills, and interests. In addition, they provide practical and emotional support to clients and their families and office and fundraising assistance.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit guidedjourneys.ca/volunteer/

Hospice care is both compassionate and cost-effective. Hospice care is provided to patients suffering from a life-limiting illness who cannot care for themselves. Did you know:

• Generally, people prefer to die at home or in a setting similar to home instead of a hospital.
• The number of individuals over 65 is expected to double (approximately) over the next twenty years.
• As the number of senior citizens increases, hospitals use more resources, increasing costs and lengthening wait times. We aim to improve the quality of life of palliative patients and caregivers while reducing the burden on health care systems. 
• A hospice bed costs about $470/day compared to $1100/day for an acute care hospital bed.

Hospice care aims to provide patients with the best quality of life possible. Moreover, hospice care offers bereavement support and aftercare for families.

Palliative care is a type of healthcare for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care helps patients achieve the best possible quality of life up until the end of life. Palliative care is often referred to as end-of-life care or comfort care.

• It focuses on the concerns of patients and their families.
• Pays close attention to physical symptoms, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families
• Ensures that care is respectful and supportive of patient dignity and patient choices
• It respects the social and cultural needs of all patients
• Palliative care is most effectively delivered by a team approach involving medical staff, social workers, spiritual leaders, volunteers and compassionate communities

*The attitude is living with an illness instead of dying from a life-threatening illness.