The Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre (CAB MN) is a non-profit community organization partly financed and recognized by the Agence de santé et services sociaux de l’Estrie (regional health board) as a partner in the health and social services network. The mission statement is “An improved quality of life.” The aim of the Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre is to attend to issues concerning health, social services, protection, education, and other quality-of-life issues for all but especially for the marginalised and youth.
Incorporated in 1982, the CAB MN opened its doors in Magog as the Eastern Townships Citizen Advocacy with a mandate to locate, match and support volunteer citizen advocates with persons needing assistance. In 1984, it moved to Mansonville to serve the population of Potton and East Bolton, gradually increasing its services to include volunteer drivers, respite care, job training and more.
From 1986 to 1995, the organization received major funding from the United Church of Canada as a program of the Mountain Valley Outreach Mission. Further health and social services were added to include a comprehensive youth program, support groups, referral, counselling and crisis intervention.
The CAB MN became a member of the Fédération des centres d’action bénévole du Québec in 1993. As such in addition to offering direct services we support volunteers, volunteer organizations and promote community development and volunteer action.
In 1995, the volunteer centre returned to its original independent-charity status, then gradually broadened its territory to include the western sector of the MRC Memphremagog (Potton, East Bolton, Stukely Sud, Stukely Village and Eastman). A capital campaign was initiated in 2002 for the construction of a permanent home for the volunteer centre’s youth centre programs which exist since 1987. The opening was held in November 2003. In 2006, it adopted its present name. In 2008 building on the site of the present day office was demolished and re-constructed. The premises are provided free by the Municipality of Potton and is shared with the CSSS Memphrémagog service point in Mansonville. In 2008-2009 the Youth and Ken Jones Centre benefited from a $35,000 cycling fundraising campaign sponsored by Jacques Marcoux. The yard was transformed into a recreational field and half of the basement now has a mirrored dance floor.
Today the CAB MN works in close cooperation with the local health network. The volunteer centre offers more than 30 health and social services to the wider community, including youth, seniors, those with disabilities and the marginalized. Service extends to the western region of the MRC Memphrémagog; governance is by a volunteer board of directors.