Our Story & History
From our beginnings as a grassroots volunteer initiative in NDG to becoming a trusted community organization serving older adults across Montreal, our work has always been driven by people — their voices, their experiences, and their right to live with dignity.
For over 50 years, we’ve supported older adults with dignity, compassion, and community.
Our story began in 1974, when a student-led community service project was created to better understand the needs of isolated and homebound older adults living in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG). The findings revealed a growing need for accessible support, advocacy, and connection for seniors in the community.
In response, local leaders and volunteers came together to establish a community-based information, referral, and advocacy centre dedicated to supporting older adults.
Originally known as the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Senior Citizens’ Council (NDGSCC), the organization quickly became a trusted resource for English-speaking seniors navigating healthcare, transportation, housing, isolation, and access to services.
Milestone Timeline
A Legacy of Action and Advocacy
For more than five decades, EMC has grown alongside the communities it serves, adapting, advocating, and expanding support for older adults every step of the way. Explore some of the key moments that have shaped our history and continue to guide our future.
The Needs Assessment Survey
A Student Community Service Project is officially launched to survey the needs of isolated and shut-in seniors living in the local area. Based on the results, the Conference Advisory Committee recommends creating a local, volunteer-based information, referral, and advocacy center.Official Inception
The organization officially establishes itself, undertaking an ongoing, deep responsibility to advocate on behalf of the older population on a broader scale.Gaining Autonomy
The NDGSCC achieves financial independence from the NDG Community Council, officially establishing itself as a separate, independently Centraide-funded agency.The Agnes Higgins Award
The organization is awarded the prestigious Agnes Higgins Award by Centraide in recognition of its progressive, innovative approach to respite care, known as the Day Away program.Joining the NPI Network
The NDGSCC is invited to join the Community Health and Social Service Network (CHSSN) as a Network Partnership Initiative (NPI). As one of only 25 such organizations across Quebec, we step up our role to improve access to health and social services, particularly for the English-speaking community within the CIUSSS-CODIM territory.Pandemic Response
The global pandemic takes a heavy toll on the entire health and social service system. Meeting the challenge head-on, the organization rapidly adapts its programming and reaches out to funders to protect vulnerable older adults as their daily needs continue to grow.The Rebrand to EMC
To mirror our expanding territorial reach, public system integration, and systemic social justice focus, the organization officially rebrands to the Eva Marsden Centre for Social Justice and Aging (EMC).Quebec’s First Social Prescription Program
Clic Social launches its pilot phase. Operating as a 6-month testing program for the CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and local community groups, it marks the first time a social prescription framework is introduced anywhere in the province of Quebec.Strengthening the Safety Net
Marking a half-century of continuous community action, EMC continues to expand its territory and lead social action campaigns, actively fighting for a living wage for community workers and ensuring the English-speaking community retains uncompromised equity in public care.
Over 40 Years as a Centraide Agency
For more than four decades, the Eva Marsden Centre has proudly partnered with Centraide to strengthen community support systems for vulnerable and isolated older adults.
This longstanding relationship reflects EMC’s deep roots in community care and its ongoing commitment to improving quality of life through accessible services, outreach, advocacy, and collective action.
The woman behind the name
Who was eva marsden?
Eva Marsden was a long-time NDG resident and a founding force behind the organization. She dedicated years of her life to advocating for the rights and well-being of older adults in her community — volunteering, organizing, and showing up for her neighbours when systems didn't.
Her belief was simple and unwavering: every person deserves to age with dignity, respect, and connection. When we rebranded the centre in her honour, it wasn't just a tribute — it was a promise to carry that belief forward in everything we do.
Today, the Eva Marsden Centre for Social Justice and Aging bears her name as both a legacy and a compass.
Meet the People Behind EMC
Behind every program, conversation, and act of advocacy is a dedicated team working to support older adults with compassion, dignity, and care.
Explore our impact
Discover annual reports, organizational updates, media coverage, research initiatives, and stories that highlight EMC’s ongoing work in the community.