In 1986, a group of parents came together to advocate for a continuing education program for their children who had recently graduated from the Mackay Centre School and had no available options for further education or integration.

Parents were told their children would have to remain at home or be institutionalized as there were no programs in the city of Montreal to continue their education.

Founding members were parents of young adults with physical disabilities who were no longer eligible to attend school after the age of 21. These parents wanted their children to have a program during the day which would provide social and educational opportunities instead of "staying home in front of the TV". With the help of the English Montreal School Board and the Quebec Provincial Government, the first class for 21+ was opened a few days a week. This program was able to provide much-needed respite for the family caregivers.

This grassroots program started by parents has since grown into the Centre d'activités récréatives et éducatives, better known as the C.A.R.E. Centre which was officially incorporated in 1995.  Since its beginnings, the C.A.R.E. Centre has provided countless hours of programming and respite. A few of the original young adults still attend the program daily. Now, these original group of adults are in their 50s, but the C.A.R.E. Centre continues to provide a vital role in their lives. Respite is important as family caregivers age. Together with these original members are a younger generation of adults who benefit from our services. There is an ever growing need to provide services to the upcoming generations.