Our History

The Father J. Angus MacDonald Centre (incorporated in 1983)/The MacDonald Centre for Independent Living Inc. (incorporated in 2014)

 

The new 52-unit residential complex for the physically handicapped welcomed its first tenants in early April 1983. Located at 36 High Street in Moncton, The Father J. Angus MacDonald Centre is inspired by an original philosophy: the individual who will live there will be called upon to develop to the utmost the skills that will enable him to become independent enough to occupy housing adapted to his needs in the community. The Father J. Angus MacDonald Centre will not be a permanent residence. The goal is to provide a temporary residence where people with physical disabilities will have the opportunity to gain practical experience of living in their own homes. This experience will be invaluable to the Centre’s tenants, who will eventually have to leave to live in another apartment or house in the community.

 

As you can see, the Father J. Angus MacDonald Centre offers physically handicapped people an encouraging alternative that is unique in the province. Its opening marks an important step in the recognition of the rights of people with disabilities, and the development of this new concept will demonstrate that a physical disability need not be an obstacle to independent living.

 

Over the years, it became clear that client assessment was more effective and appropriate in an environment that corresponded to social housing, and so the units intended for initial assessment became uninhabited.

 

Some of these units were converted into offices, others into spaces to better deliver services, while (9) of these units were made available to provide long-term housing with assistance with activities of daily living.

 

In 2011, following a significant reduction in its clientele and the departure of team members, an external study was initiated, at the request of the Board of Directors. A renewal plan is drawn up, to reposition the Centre to better meet current and future service demand. A meeting with the Ministry is convened, to share the significant challenges facing the Centre, and to secure a commitment to the Centre’s ongoing mission in the community. Having received a commitment to support the Centre’s mission from the Ministry, the Centre launches the implementation of the six-part Renewal Plan for 2012-2013.

 

In early 2012, the MacDonald Centre began a major process of renewal, in order to re-launch its corporate identity, review its operations and programs, and ensure the long-term viability of its destiny. A new logo was created, and from now on, the Centre will be known as the MacDonald Centre for Independent Living Inc. / Centre de vie autonome MacDonald Inc.

 

Following extensive discussions with the Ministry, a major renovation project begins at the Center in 2019. The Centre will have a new mission and vision: the Centre will be a facility offering affordable and accessible apartments with on-site attendant services. Most of the tenants will be people who need hourly care and can’t be left alone in the community. Housing for these tenants will be permanent. The project includes updating the building’s exterior, new windows, roofing, kitchen cabinets, flooring and bathrooms. The Centre now comprises 40 apartments. (38 singles and 2 doubles)