THE LITTLE STORY OF CAB SAINT-JÉRÔME

• 1972

  Birth of the CAB

  The Centre d’Action Bénévole de Saint-Jérôme Inc. was born out of a Nouveaux-Horizons project in 1972.

  At that time, there was an information centre at the Saint-Jérôme Bishopric which was subsidized by the diocese. It was during the parish visits of Canon Matte and during the social communication meetings of the Bishopric that the need for an information centre was established. But when the diocese could no longer subsidize this project, the centre had to close its doors.

  In 1972, Major Lionel Gauthier of Saint-Jérôme, well aware that there was a pressing need to help seniors fill out forms, submitted a project to «Nouveaux Horizons de Montréal».  His project would push for the opening of a help desk for seniors wishing to fill out different forms. At the same time, this office could double as a reference and information office. 

  Major Gauthier made his case and “Nouveaux Horizons” granted him the necessary funds.

• 1973

  Establishment of the Centre

  In November 1973, people aged 65 and over interested in the project assisted Major Gauthier in establishing the centre and hired an experienced secretary, Margot Ladouceur, who had been a volunteer in the service centre project of the diocese.  With local help, the project obtained two 18-month terms but the third one did not go through. Still, they continued operations through donations received from the Saint-Jérôme community.

• 1978

  Letters Patent

  The Centre de Bénévolat de Saint-Jérôme inc. was incorporated in the province of Quebec by Letters Patent granted on April 11, 1978 and registered on May 30, 1978.

• At the service of volunteer action...

  First Executive Director

  Following this, the Centre de Bénévolat de Saint-Jérôme Inc. began its activities and the organization continued to offer seniors a helping hand when it comes to paperwork. Margot Ladouceur was the organization’s first executive director.