In 1989, Central Frontenac Community Services was founded to provide in-home support services for seniors and physically disabled adults. In 1988, a group of concerned citizens had applied to the Ministry of Community and Social Services for funding for van transportation. The group was instructed to carry out a survey to identify other area needs in the spring of 1989 and that fall funding was received to hire staff and start service provision. By February of 1990, seven services were available for individuals age 55 or over and physically disabled adults. Incorporation and charitable status were obtained in July of 1990. At the end of the first year of operations, the Ministry Program Supervisor stated that the organization had accomplished in one year what was anticipated in five. The Board was encouraged to expand the service area to include Storrington Township and rural Kingston Township north of Highway #401. This expansion was approved by the Membership in 1991.
The original office was located in Hartington at the Princess Anne Building. This space was quickly outgrown. When considering a new head office, the Board of Directors noted that a Sydenham location would be central for the entire catchment area. In 1991, the organization re-located to the basement of the MapleRidge Seniors Apartments owned by Loughborough Housing Corporation. In July of 2001, the organization moved to its current location at 4419 George Street. The building was named Rural VISIONS (Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhoods) Centre in October of 2001. In 2002, the front garage was renovated to provide additional office and activity space to accommodate new projects for children age 0 to 6 and their parents. These services complement the existing services for low-income families, funder through the County of Frontenac.
In 2003, the Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Early Years Centre began purchasing services from CFCSC to provide Early Years activities beyond the Challenge funding.
In 2004, new funding was announced for the organization to open an Adult Day Service and then Rural VISIONS Licensed Home Child Care service was established.
After years of self-funding, Bereavement Support, this service and Palliative Care recieved funding in 2005.
In 2006, initiatives to prevent homelessness were enhanced to include assistance to homeowners with mortgage or tax arrears, energy source equipment upgrades, and assistance with first or last month's rent.
Access to needed services within our area can be maintained with the ongoing support of our community.