Who We Are

A provisional Board of Directors is created, made up of seven people wishing to establish an association for families who are caring for elderly relatives, in Saint-Hubert

The provisional Board of Directors receive the Letters Patent for the new corporation, under the name Association des familles soutien des aînés de Saint-Hubert (AFSAS), from the Inspector of Financial Institutions. Achievement of the following objectives is pursued:

• To promote maintenance of seniors in their own living environment
• To foster care management of seniors by family members
• To raise awareness, in the community, of the needs and living conditions of seniors
• To encourage exchange and mutual support between caregivers
• To develop mutual cooperation in the community
• To work together with community organizations to optimize the use of available resources
• To ensure the establishment of the services necessary to maintain seniors in their living environment

After several months of negotiation, the Saint-Hubert Police Department becomes the official partner for the implementation of a project called “Operation Survival +”. As a result, telephones are installed, to which personal help buttons (pendant or bracelet) are linked, in case of a fall or other problem.

An Executive Director and 4 permanent employees are hired as a result of substantial grant received from the Régie de la santé et des services sociaux de la Montérégie (RSSSM). It is from this point that the AFSAS officially begins offering services to the community.

The Direction de santé publique (DSP) de la Montérégie of the Montérégie validates AFSAS’ services and establishes service templates so that organizations everywhere in Montérégie can offer similar services.

The AFSAS participates in the establishment of the Regroupement des organismes montérégiens d’aidants naturels (ROMAN). Anyela Vergara becomes President. A few years later, the ROMAN unveils its Internet site.

The AFSAS becomes the owner of a property located at 1688 Gustave-Désourdy Street, St. Hubert to house the centre and its activities.

The AFSAS is recipient of the Prix Armand-Marquiset, presented by the Little Brothers of the Poor organization to recognize the importance of “E-MOI” Day of Recognition for Caregivers in the Montérégie.

On the occasion of the 10th ceremony of the Hommage bénévolat-Québec the AFSAS is honoured with an award in the “Organization in Action” category for the Montérégie. The quality and loyalty of our volunteers are more important to us than the number of hours they give per week. This award is, therefore, entirely dedicated to our team of volunteers.

AFSAS’s application was selected and team members (Johanne Després, Mélodie Roy and Isabelle Hardy) are chosen to participate in the program Union fait la force which was broadcast on Radio- Canada in October. The organization raised $ 3,000 for its participation.

The AFSAS’ candidature is accepted and employees Johanne Després, Mélodie Roy and Isabelle Hardy are chosen to participate on the program “L’union fait la force” which is broadcast on Radio-Canada in October 2007. Our organization raises $3,000 for its participation.

Camil Bouchard, Deputy for Vachon, approaches the AFSAS to organize a benefit concert for International Women’s Day in support of our organization. Chloé Ste-Marie takes the stage at the Monument National on February 26th with the profits from ticket sales donated to the AFSAS.

A service agreement is signed between the AFSAS, CSSS Champlain and Services d’aide domestique de Saint-Hubert to provide respite to caregivers of seniors with a loss of autonomy.

The AFSAS receives a Special Mention at the Hubert-Bernard Awards Ceremony, presented by the Human Promotion Team of the Saint-Jean-Longueuil Diocese. This recognition is awarded to the AFSAS for its contribution to the elimination of all forms of poverty, exclusion and social injustice.

At a special meeting held prior to the 20th Annual General Assembly, the change of the organization’s name to “Centre de soutien Entr’Aidants” was adopted unanimously by its members.

An Open House is held for the unveiling of a Directory of Resources for Seniors launched by the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants. The directory includes the resources of 300 community and government organizations which serve seniors in the territory of the CSSS Champlain. 5,000 copies are printed and are made available at a cost of $5 each.

The Centre de soutien entr’Aidants officially unveils its Internet website: www.centredesoutienentraidants.com

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our organization, a special event is held during Volunteer Appreciation Week. Staff members, members of the Board of Directors and volunteers (past and present) enjoy a cocktail party organized in their honour.

Following a disruption of the Survival + Service, we recognize that the devices in use are aging and outdated and decide to stop offering this program. A personalized follow-up is done with all clients, who are referred to resources offering similar services.

As part of the Prix d’excellence in Health and Social Services, the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants is awarded a Mention of Honour in the category “Prevention, Promotion and Protection of Health and Well-being”. This commendation is accompanied by a cash award of $10,000. At the ceremony, held in the Red Room of the Quebec National Assembly, the staff receives the award personally from the Minister of Health, Yves Bolduc and the Delegate Minister of Social Services, Dominique Viens.

We are approached by TVRS (Television Rive-Sud Cable 9) to participate in a 5-part series of programs entirely devoted to the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants. We are responsible for the content, the choice of guests and filming. The series airs recurrently during Summer 2012.

Following a second call for projects from the ROMAN/L’APPUI Montérégie, we submit a proposal for a “Caregiver Support, Self-Esteem and Respite” project. The Centre de soutien entr’Aidants is granted funding of $410 614 to be spread over three years. Consequently, two new counsellors will be hired to provide services to anglophone and allophone clients. In addition, a partnership with the Services d’aide domestique de Saint-Hubert is established to provide respite to caregivers while they are participating in our activities.

Already, the first English-speaking caregivers are benefitting from the centre’s services. Although the first groups in English are set to begin in winter 2013, they are able to take advantage of individual support, referrals and counselling services.

Within the framework of the International Day of Older Persons, the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants and the Seniors’ Council of the agglomeration of Longueuil unveiled the latest edition of the Seniors’ Resource Guide as well as the related Web portal. In the presence of local government ministers, the mayor of Longueuil and deputy representatives, the event took place at the Georges-D’Or Library. 5000 French copies and 2,500 English copies are distributed to various community and municipal organizations/agencies across the urban agglomeration of Longueuil. Copies of the guide are free for seniors.

Anyela Vergara receives the National Assembly Medal. . The Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy of Vachon, Martine Ouellet, presents this honour at a special ceremony.  In February 2014, Anyela goes to the National Assembly to be commended by the Provincial Deputy. This event marks her 20th anniversary as  Executive Director of the Centre.

On January 27th, 2014 a group of counsellors who work at member organizations of the ROMAN, including Katerine Ouimet and Isabelle launch a manual to help caregivers to develop resilient behaviours.  Under the direction of Michelle Arcand, Psychologist, this manual is the result of several years of committed work.

At the cocktail for employer recognition, held on May 28th, and organized by the “SDEM SEMO Montérégie”, the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants receives a certificate of recognition for its openness and its continued commitment to the integration of people with disabilities.

Through thé support of Funding Enabling Accessibility and the New Horizons for Seniors Program, major renovations were carried out in order to make our centre more accessible. The roof and the drain were replaced. The foundation was sealed and a parking-lot was built.

Martyne-Isabel Forest, president of our Board of Directors and expert in Elder and Caregiver Law, gave a conference entitled “L’équilibre des temps de vie dans la conciliation entre vie professionnelle, vie personnelle et vie familiale”, during the conference-debate about supporting  family caregivers on October 9th. This event was organized by the “UDAF 62 » and “AG2R Mondiale”, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Moreover, the É-MOI Art Collection, created for the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants, by Sylvain Gadbois, was displayed during the cocktail-dinner held at the end of the event.

At the 15th Anniversary Celebration for the ROMAN/APPUI Montérégie, held on October 22nd, the Centre de soutien entr’Aidants received an award in the category “Culture of Excellence”.  Our organization was honoured because we have the highest rate of participation in professional training sessions and clinical follow-up meetings organized by the ROMAN.  This exceptional level of participation enables our counsellors to continue to develop and maintain a culture of excellence.

On April 15th, during National Volunteer Week, the 2nd edition of the “Gala bénévole d’honneur” in the City of Longueuil was held. In addition to recognizing the excellent contribution of these volunteers, the City of Longueuil also recognizes an organization that is successful in the recruitment, training and mentoring of volunteers. Of the 5 organization finalists, the “Centre de soutien entr’Aidants” was named “Organisme en action” and received an award.