About
Who We Are
We are a place where adults with special needs and their caregivers can socialize, play games, learn new skills, and enjoy life! We are passionate about inclusion and believe that by providing a space for people to come and interact, our centre is helping those whose lives might otherwise be lonely. Check out our Programs section for more information about the services we offer.
Our History
The Geraldine Rubia Centre Inc. was founded by Geraldine Rubia, a recognized Newfoundland poet and writer. Formerly known as The Longside Club, a play on words that meant "come sit along side of me."
As the mother of a son with special needs, Geraldine saw the need for a place where adults with special needs and their caregivers could gather to socialize, learn and play.
Our Board Members
President
Gary Furlong
Retired City Employee
Secretary
Sherry Thorne
Home Support Worker
Director
Sister Paula Delahunty, PBVM
Sister of Presentation, Retired Teacher
Vice President
Walter King
Respite Worker
Director
Steve Chaytor
Respite Worker
Director
Charlene Brophy
CEO and President of Foremed
Treasurer
Leon Mills, CAE, M.Ed, COHC
Executive Director at CHHA-NL
Director
Sister Rosemary Ryan, RSM
Sister of Mercy, Retired Teacher
Director
Madonna Power
Respite Worker
Our Supporters
In September 2016 the Centre was renamed in honour of its founder Geraldine Rubia and incorporated on October 29, 2018. It is governed by a Board of Directors. Its director and staff are all volunteers, thus no salaries are involved, and all donated financial assistance is used for supplies for the clients and the upkeep of the Centre.
We are extremely grateful to Smith Stockley Ltd., the owners of the building we use; to generous businesses and service clubs such as the Rotary Club and Verafin; to the Sisters of Mercy and Presentation Sisters and to many thoughtful individuals who support our Centre financially, materially and emotionally to enable us to operate the Geraldine Rubia Centre Inc.
Contact Us
Visit us at 41 Shaw Street