About Us
The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults aged 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Cummings Centre embraces its Jewish heritage and enthusiastically welcomes people of all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
As the hub of Montreal’s 50+ community, the Cummings Centre touches the lives of 10,000 people annually. In keeping with the ever-changing needs of this demographic, Cummings has evolved into a multi-dimensional membership-based community organization. The Centre offers programs and services at its main campus site at 5700 Westbury Avenue in Snowdon, various off-site locations throughout Montreal, and online.
The Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors Foundation provides the financial resources necessary to enrich the quality of life of seniors by supporting projects and activities that promote excellence in healthy aging.
Mission, Values, and Code of Conduct
Mission
The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults age 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Building on its Jewish heritage, Cummings embraces people from all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Values
Excellence
Compassion
Empowerment
Respect and Dignity
Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity
Code of Conduct
We pride ourselves on ensuring that the Centre provides a professional and welcoming experience for everyone who comes through our doors. Participation in the Centre’s programs is subject to the observance of the Centre’s rules and procedures.
The activities and behaviours outlined below are strictly prohibited. Any member, volunteer or employee who violates this Code is subject to discipline, up to and including removal from the program and/or Centre. The Executive Director may, when necessary, restrict the participation of any person who does not adhere to the rules.
- Rude or abusive language towards a staff member, volunteer or another participant.
- Disruptive behaviour in a Program at the Centre or off-site.
- Actual or threatened violence toward any individual or group.
- Unauthorized possession or use of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Failure to follow any agency policy or procedure.
- Failure to cooperate with a supervisor/leader/mentor/employee of the Centre.
DEI Policy
The Cummings Centre is committed to creating an inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong and have equal access to opportunities and advancement. We are an organization that promotes and values diversity. We welcome and respect everyone without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other factor. We will not tolerate discrimination on any basis. Together, we strive to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our staff, volunteers, members, and clients.
Our commitment to inclusiveness will be reflected in our organizational policies and procedures, in our employment practices, in our strategic plan, within our organizational goals and evident in our diverse programming and allocation of resources.
Future DEI Priorities
1
Align both Human Resources and Financial resources to support best practices.
2
Provide Training and Professional Development opportunities.
3
Prioritize Governance Diversification.
4
Improve Accessibility – Review and apply best practices for accessibility, including the Centre’s facilities and technological and communications platforms.
DEI Accomplishments to Date
- Align both Human Resources and Financial resources to support best practices.
- Provide Training and Professional Development opportunities.
- Prioritize Governance Diversification.
- Improve Accessibility – Review and apply best practices for accessibility, including the Centre’s facilities and technological and communications platforms.
History
The Centre’s early roots began with a survey regarding Jewish seniors conducted by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). The results indicated a strong need to create a senior citizens club, and so began the NCJW Golden Age Clubs throughout Montreal.
The Golden Age Association, recognized and funded by the Allied Jewish Community Services (now Federation CJA), opened its doors.
The Cummings family generously funded the construction of the Centre’s main location at 5700 Westbury Avenue.
Following a merger of the Golden Age Association and Jewish Support Services for the Elderly, the Cummings Centre flourished as the hub for Montreal’s 50+ community.
The Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors Foundation was created to help meet the challenges of an ever-growing senior population. With a mandate to enrich the lives of seniors, the Foundation strives to promote charitable giving and planning to benefit and support the Centre’s mission as the aging population continues to grow.
The Centre has evolved into a vibrant multicultural organization, providing over 300 diverse programs and services each season. With both in-person and virtual offerings, the Centre accommodates a wide spectrum of user needs, from independent participants to those seeking more support. The Centre’s achievements stem from the collective efforts of a dedicated team of more than 200 staff and specialists, 650 volunteers, and numerous community partners and collaborators.
The Cummings Centre is marking its milestone of 75 years of empowering seniors and serving Montreal's 50+ community.
