9 About Us 9 History

History

Counselling and Support Services of S. D. & G.

In May of 1938, the Social Services Council was established with the goal of coordinating the provision of clothing and emergency food to Cornwall residents in need.  In the 1940s, with the help of a coalition of clergy, labour, industry and others, the Social Services Council extended its mandate to raise the issue of the need for better housing.  It was in the 1950s that the Social Services Council became referred to as the Family Welfare Bureau and began to provide preventative counselling-focused services.  In the 1960s, the agency changed its name to the Family Service Bureau where the coordination of services became a focal point as poor economic conditions resulted in new clientele in need of local services. In the 1970s, the agency became referred to as Family Counselling Centre where credit counselling services were introduced.  The agency became known and skilled in providing counselling to assist with social and financial concerns.  In 1980, a partnership with the Ministry of Community and Social Services began to provide family relief to caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.  In 1986, the agency expanded their services with the help of Ministry funding to provide counselling services to women who are victims of domestic violence.  In 1995, a drop-in clinic was established to assist with long wait lists.  In 1995, the agency was selected for the transfer of services to assist developmentally disabled adults under the program name Community Integration Services.  A new administrative structure was also established during this time.  In 2000, the Creative Coping for Kids program was established, followed by the Partner Assault Response program in 2003.  In 2010, the agency changed its name to Counselling and Support Services of S. D. & G. In 2015, talks began of a possible amalgamation with S. D. & G. Developmental Services Centre.

S. D. & G. Developmental Services Centre

S. D. & G. Developmental Services Centre was established in 1986.  The Centre was created as an amalgamation of five programs from five different agencies from both the anglophone and francophone sectors in the community.  The Centre provided services in English and French to children and adults who were developmentally and/or physically challenged or at risk, while also supporting their families in the counties of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, the city of Cornwall and Akwesasne.  In 2015, talks began of a possible amalgamation with Counselling and Support Services of S. D. & G.

Inspire – Community Support Services

On May 1, 2019, after many discussions, meetings and a great deal of work, Counselling and Support Services of S. D. & G. and S. D. & G. Developmental Services Centre officially amalgamated and became known as Inspire – Community Support Services.