Luther Court Society, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and EngAge BC member, recently announced the retirement of previous CEO, Karen Johnson-Lefsrud. Read more about Karen and her tremendous contributions below.
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After 32 years of servant leadership at Luther Court Society, Karen Johnson-Lefsrud retired in June 2023.
Karen recalls childhood memories of riding bikes and flying kites on the undeveloped property of Luther Court. Later, she attended the groundbreaking in December 11, 1978, prior to the official opening on June 3, 1979. Her family home was on the property next door to the present site.
Luther Court has benefitted from Karen’s presence and skills in a number of ways. She has served Luther Court as a student, Chaplain, Director of Pastoral Care and Counselling, Director of Care and finally as CEO since 2009.
Driven by a desire to change the culture of aging, Karen has accompanied the Luther Court community into what it is today.
Presently, the programs supported by the Luther Court Society include: Long Term Care, Affordable housing for Independent and Assisted Living Seniors, an Adult Day Program and a recently opened Community Health Centre. The ground work has been done under Karen’s watch to expand the scope of Luther Court to become an intergenerational campus of care in the future. Luther Court has earned successive Exemplary Standing accreditation evaluations. The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge, which Karen acknowledges that she faced alongside an “incredible team” to keep the community safe.
The people being served have always been the focus of Karen’s career. She talks about learning from some great mentors over the years that taught her about living in the midst of adversity, valuing faith traditions and honouring the human spirit. The daily creative task of problem-solving and working toward solutions with people made her work enjoyable. Most of all, she freely expresses thanks for the people she has worked with over the years.
Karen looks forward to unfettered time in retirement to read, pursue musical interests, and spend time with family – especially her grandkids.
Thank you to Ed Chell, Chaplain and Coordinator of Volunteers at Luther Court Society, for the submission!
