By Rhonda Massad
www.thesuburban.com
A much-awaited expansion that will add and improve respite services for people living with a cognitive disability is underway at the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Center (CMJC) in Auteuil.
CMJC is a multifunctional facility that provides a home away from home for temporary and short-term residential respite. The facility accommodates those with an intellectual handicap or complex needs requiring specific human or physical support.
The centre opened its doors 12 years ago with accommodations for nine people. The future expansion will allow seven new rooms dedicated to specialized respite for those with autism.
The Pilier Foundation, created in 1985, whose goal is to build and manage residential facilities such as CMJC that favor the social integration of the handicapped, has to date a goal of $5 million for the project. Phase two of the centre is the largest project for the foundations major fundraising campaign from 2005-2010.
The 8,500 sq.ft. extension of the existing facility will accommodate up to 50 more people at the centre located in Auteuil. The opening is slated for late October or early November.
The centre opened its doors 12 years ago with accommodations for nine people. The future expansion will allow seven new rooms dedicated to specialized respite for those with autism.
It will provide a living environment suitable for young people with autism. In addition the new rooms will be accessible to people with multiple disabilities.
The Pilier Foundation, created in 1985, whose goal is to build and manage residential facilities such as CMJC that favor the social integration of the handicapped, has to date a goal of $5 million for the project. Phase two of the centre is the largest project for the foundations major fundraising campaign from 2005-2010.