History Milestones
The Ottawa Rotary Home first opened in 1982 after many years of planning. The land for the building was rented from Central Mortgage and Housing on a 75 year land lease, and the Rotary Club of Ottawa raised $290,000.00 towards the capital costs of the Home. Construction of the building was completed in October 21, 1981. With an operating budget of $150,000 the Home was officially opened on June 14, 1982, by the Hon. Frank Drea, then Ontario’s Minister of Community and Social Services. The Home at this time was named “The Rotary Home for Crippled Children”, and the Ministry of Community and Social Services was committed to 97% of the operating budget. The Rotary Club of Ottawa made up the remaining 3%.
Respite was a new idea at this time as children with severe disabilities had usually been institutionalized away from home. We were the first respite care facility of its kind in Canada. Over the years the occupancy rate soared, indicating a great reliance on the program by the families in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Today, over 275 families are registered with The Ottawa Rotary Home. Although some use it frequently, others only like to know it's there "just in case".
1982
The board hired the first Executive Director to the Home, Miss. Paula Goff. Miss Goff oversaw the exciting challenges of beginning the program.
1983
Miss. Paula Goff resigned due to family reasons and Mrs. Faith Detchon took over the position of Executive Director. Faith Detchon was the director from 1983–2004 and guided the Home as it grew into the successful program it is today.
1988
The Ministry of Community and Social Services began funding 100% of the operating costs.
1990
In response to objections raised to the word “crippled” the name of the Home was officially changed to “The Ottawa Rotary Home”.
2001
We received additional funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services to begin our Multiple Special Needs (MSN) Program. Renovations began to expand the Home in order to accommodate 3 extra beds needed for the program.
2002
With the addition of registered nurses to the staff, we began to accept children who are medically fragile, technologically dependent, or who have multiple special needs.
2004
We welcomed our current Executive Director, Mrs. Gina St.Amour, who will guide us as our organization continues to expand and we prepare for the new Home we hope to move into in the year 2009. The new home will include respite for adults with disabilities as well as children.
2004
It was recognized that there was a need for a manager to oversee the nurses to ensure best practice guidelines were in place and the Home was meeting standards set out by the College of Nurses of Ontario. A Nurse Manager position was created and filled on a part-time basis by one of our staff nurses, Ms. Lauri Cox.
2005
With the expanding responsibilities of the Executive Director in building partnerships with community agencies, and working on the New Home Project, the Nurse Manager position expanded to a full time position that oversees the daily operations of the Home.
2007
The Ontario Government provides the organization with a 2 million dollar grant towards the New Home Project.
2008
Construction on our new respite home begins.
2009
Our 21 bed respite home in Lietrim opens it's doors!