As part of our 40th Anniversary Year, each month we will use this space to bring you information and ideas about enhancing community living for people who have an intellectual (developmental) disability.

Can you share some history with us?

In 2005, North Hastings Community Integration Association turns 40 years old! And there’s going to be a celebration!

In the mid-1950’s, a small group of parents in the Bancroft area came together to address the “lack of opportunities and family support for mentally handicapped people”. In 1965, this pioneering group of families became the Bancroft and District Association for the Mentally Retarded (BDAMR). In the next 15 years, this group went on to open a school (in L’Amable), ARC Industries and Amethyst House.

Thus began a journey that has lead to the present day North Hastings Community Integration Association. With time, has come a change in name and an increase in the range of services available to children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability. Today, NHCIA offers supports that are more ‘tailor made’ for individual needs and that encourage community involvement and participation.

“As we look towards the future, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the many people who have contributed to this organization over the past 40 years” comments Joanne Prentice (President of the NHCIA Board of Directors). “That’s why our anniversary slogan is reflecting on our past, reaching for the future”.

On October 14th, NHCIA will be holding a very special Annual General Meeting, with a Dinner and Dance. Joanne Prentice has a simple request, “At our AGM, we want to honour the contributions of those who helped build NHCIA. We are asking the public for pictures, stories and names that people may be able to share with us for that purpose. We promise to take good care of your pictures!

If you have a picture or a story or the name of someone that we really should talk to about the history of NHCIA (formerly BDAMR), please contact Jane Mayberry or Vicky Thompson at 332-2090.

And don’t forget to mark Friday October 14th on your calendar! Plan to celebrate with us!