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Le Groupe des aidants du Sud-Ouest, a history

Established over 25 years ago by a small group of pioneering caregivers, in collaboration with the CLSC de LaSalle, the Groupe des aidants du Sud-Ouest (GASO) has flourished, making a positive impact on the LaSalle community. As a non-profit organization, our mission is deeply rooted in the essential support of caregivers in their roles. In the face of the complexities within the healthcare system, GASO serves as a vital safety net for caregivers who are often overlooked.

We provide support to adult caregivers who are tending to individuals with temporary or permanent physical, psychological, psychosocial, or other disabilities, regardless of age or living environment, and with whom they share an emotional, familial, or non-familial connection.

GASO's essence emanates from a shared need to connect, support, and assist one another in our caregiving roles. Over the years, the persistent lack of recognition and support, coupled with challenges in accessing public services and the ever-growing societal needs, have been the driving forces behind our organization's growth and development.

Our story

In 1995, five caregivers came together with the intention of meeting monthly to provide support and assistance to one another. This marked the inception of the organization, which later became known as the Groupe des Aidants de LaSalle.
August 30th, 2000, The Groupe des aidants de Lasalle is officially incorporated.
In 2003, the Group participates in the caregivers' manifesto.
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In 2006, the Group participates in the PPALV clinical organization project of the CSSS Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle, and receives an honourable mention from the Caisse Populaire LaSalle as a support to the community. In addition, the Borough of LaSalle presented the organization with the "Moulin d'Or" award in the Organization of the Year category.
In 2007, the Group participates in the public consultation on the living conditions of seniors.
In 2008, the organization participates in the trousseau (Quebec Portrait of Caregiver Practices).
In 2011, the organization publishes a collection of testimonies entitled "These women and men who love and help so much."
In 2012, the organization expands its services to Dorval, Lachine and Verdun
In 2013, the organization changes its name for « Groupe des Aidants du Sud-Ouest. »
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In 2017, the GASO extends its services to the South-West Borough.
In 2018, GASO participates in the drafting of the national strategy for family caregivers.
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In 2014, GASO is partnering with the CIUSSS (COMTL and CSMTL) to offer burnout prevention workshops.
In 2015, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the organization unveils its new logo
In 2020, during the lockdown due to the pandemic, GASO offers 270 hours of support to more than a hundred caregivers and works only from home. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the GASO undertakes a complete visual overhaul. The original design of the silhouettes forming a heart is maintained in the new GASO logo. 
In 2021, the organization offers more than 1,500 hours (three times more than in 2017, 2018 and 2019) of individual psychosocial support to its members; This unprecedented number highlights the crucial impact of the pandemic on Montreal's caregivers.
 
2021 is also marked by the retirement of the founding president, Denise Brault, a pioneer in the community field of caregiving. 

In 2021, the GASO, in collaboration with the RAANM, is creating the Regional Roundtable for Caregivers of Montreal (TCRPAM): the first regional roundtable dedicated to community organizations in the caregiving community.
In 2022,  the organization established a position of head of associative life and set up an associative life committee to develop and grow the GASO community, in particular through the organization of one-off associative events. In addition, the Board of Directors set up a Human Resources Committee, a Philanthropic Development Committee and a Finance Committee.
 
In line with the most recent strategic plan, the Board of Directors is looking at the sustainability of the organization, its services and its staff.
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