The History of Pathways Health Centre for Children
Pathways Health Centre for Children has been a crucial part of development for countless children in Sarnia-Lambton since it first opened its doors in 1975. Many people were a driving force in bringing the Centre to the area. Now over 40 years after its first day, the Centre has undergone a 12,952 square foot expansion and renovation to fulfill the growing needs of the community.
The Pathways Post
A special publication commemorating our 40 years of serving the community. Revisit some of the milestones of our journey.
1940 | Need for Treatment Centre in Sarnia-Lambton recognized by members of the Rotary Club of Sarnia, parents of children with physical disabilities and local health officials |
1950 | Treatment began for the first 18 children |
1950- | Service provided in a variety of locations with limited government funding support and significant financial commitment from the Rotary Club of Sarnia |
1970 | Centre incorporated as the Sarnia & District Crippled Children's Treatment Centre following many years of dedicated work, financial commitment and support by the Rotary Club of Sarnia |
1975 | Official opening of building at present location on land leased to the Centre for $1 per year by the Rotary Club of Sarnia |
1980 | Established Adaptive Equipment Workshop, with funding from the Rotary Club of Sarnia and the community |
1981 | Changed name to Sarnia & District Children's Treatment Centre |
1985 | North expansion of the Centre with funding provided by the Rotary Club of Sarnia to complement support from Centre's Capital Fund (Audiology, Speech and Clinical Records) |
1987 | Opening of Therapeutic Pool, with funding from the Rotary Club of Sarnia to complement Ministry of Health (MOH), Easter Seal Society and community contributions |
1988 | Expanded services to include Respite Care Program and Augmentative Communication Services |
1990 | Expanded services to include Special Services at Home Program |
1991 | Augmentative Communication Service designated as a General Level Clinic by the MOH Assistive Devices Branch |
1995 | Expansion of building to accommodate growth in Speech-Language Pathology, Augmentative Communication and Audiology Services, with funding from the Rotary Club of Sarnia to complement support from Centre's Capital Fund |
1996 | Establishment of the Family Resource Centre through a $17,000 grant from Ronald McDonald Children's Charities |
1998 | Designated as lead agency for local Preschool Speech and Language Initiative, with additional funding from the Public Health Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)to enhance service |
1999 | Launch of SoundStart, the Lambton County Preschool Speech and Language Initiative |
2001 | Upgrade to the playground made to meet CSA standards through a grant from the County of Lambton |
2002 | Augmentative Communication Service received Expanded Level designation by the MOHLTC Assistive Devices Program |
2004 | Pathways Health Centre for Children, as a Children's Treatment Centre, moved under the new Ministry of Children and Youth Services |
2005 | Opening of C.A.C.H.É. (Care Assisting Children's Health and Education) Child Care Launch of ECE Resource Support services for Lambton County |
2006 | Launch of First Nations Resource Support Services C.A.C.H.É. renovated to provide day care for toddlers (from 18 months) |
2008 | The School Health Support Contract with the CCAC was discontinued. Sarnia-Lambton families began a public campaign and petitioned the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to transfer funding for the program to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services for delivery of service through Children’s Treatment Centres. OACRS and the CTCs lobbied both Ministries for a speedy resolution. |
2010 | Pathways is no longer a Group K Hospital under the Public Hospitals Act |
2011 | Pathways is under construction! The Centre is renovated and expanded |
