Saint-Antoine 50+ Community Centre is a non-profit social service organization that offers diverse programs and services to all seniors, as well as other adults, in the community. We strive to enhance the quality of life of individuals and communities of the South West sector of Montreal. We strive to foster friendships and create opportunities for members to share with and learn from people coping with similar life experiences.
Saint-Antoine 50+ Community Centre has a long history within the community and has served the marginalized and vulnerable citizens of Montreal for many decades. Since its construction in the 1870s, the Centre has undergone many changes, serving a variety of people,but has remained steadfast in its goal to alleviate the suffering and break isolation for those less fortunate in our society.
1870: Begins as a private residence for a notable Montreal resident of the time, Sir Francis Hincks, a banker and politician.
1898: The house becomes a residence for impoverished single women.
1907: The building becomes the property of Henry Dart and his family. Mr. Dart’s daughter, Grace M. Dart, who suffered from tuberculosis, requests that her family use the building to create a hospital for impoverished people with TB. It becomes the Grace M. Dart Home Hospital.
1966: The centre is transformed into residences and becomes a centre for poor or homeless men, run by the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd.
1970: The Brothers extend their services to include daily phone calls and friendly visits to isolated seniors in the community. By 1970, the Brothers have 200 seniors receiving friendly visits.
1974: The centre starts being administered by the Catholic Community Services (CCS) and continues serving the senior population. In true tradition, the programs and services offered reflect the steadfast values of being inclusive, breaking isolation and providing a space where seniors can flourish by actively participating in their community, thus influencing perceptions and policies affecting the senior population of Montreal.
1993: Opening of individual apartments for seniors.
2008: The Good Shepherd changes its name to Saint-Antoine 50+ Community Centre.
2013: Saint-Antoine 50+ separates from CCS and becomes an independent organization.