In May 2018, Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) approached Debbie Ford-Caron to explore creating a Networking and Partnership Initiative (NPI) in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

The goal: better understand and support the health and social service needs of the English-speaking community.

Debbie brought together 14 community members and partners for a first round table — including representatives from health services, education, families, and seniors.

This conversation laid the foundation for what would become ECO-02.

Following this meeting, Debbie was hired to lead the creation of a new community organization, supported by an initial $25,000 budget graciously provided by CHSSN.

In September 2018, ECO-02 was born.

A small group of founding members worked together to:

• Incorporate the organization

• Develop its identity (name, logo, structure)

• Secure office space and staffing

All within the first year.

On May 3, 2019, ECO-02 was officially incorporated and opened its first office in Carré Davis, Arvida.

This milestone unlocked core funding — $74,000 from Health Canada (via CHSSN) — allowing ECO-02 to begin developing partnerships and programming.

ECO-02 established its first three-year Strategic Plan, defining its mission, vision, and priorities.

An interim Board was formed, followed by the first Annual General Meeting on September 30, 2019, where the official Board of Directors was elected.