Our services Living Options Cedar Celebrates Ardkeen's 40th Milestone Moment The Cedar Foundation (Cedar) is thrilled to announce that Ardkeen has achieved its 40th anniversary milestone, marking four decades of providing supported living options to disabled people in the Belfast locality. Forty years ago, Cedar opened Ardkeen. Since its establishment it has provided living options services for disabled people supporting individuals to live their lives the way they choose as part of the community. Elaine Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of Cedar said: “We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone. This is an incredible achievement that deserves our recognition, pride, and gratitude. We celebrate the connections we've made, our partnerships the memories we've created, and the bonds that have strengthened over the years.” To commemorate its 40th anniversary, Ardkeen hosted a special celebration event on Friday 28h June 2024. The celebration focused on a series of reflections from guest speakers on Ardkeen’s 40 years. The main highlight of the event was a panel hosted by Registered Manager, Michelle Porter, and tenant panellists. Tenants spent time discussing how Ardkeen is their home and the impact that has. The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray presented a ruby red rose bush as a commemorative anniversary gift: “As the Lord Mayor of Belfast, it is an honour to recognise the incredible achievements of this service. For four decades, Ardkeen has been providing a safe and supportive environment to individuals with disabilities, offering accommodation designed to meet the needs of each individual to empower them to live fulfilling lives. The story of Ardkeen is one of passion, commitment, and compassion. It began with a vision to create a place where people with disabilities could find a sense of belonging, where they could receive the support and care they needed to thrive and to be part of an inclusive community.” Jeanette McGeown, Head of Living Options at Ardkeen, said: “It is very heartwarming to come together today to mark this occasion. For forty years we have welcomed and supported many tenants to live independently. Ardkeen has changed over the years with an extensive renovation in 2008. We are proud to say that as a result, the whole site could be accessed by tenants and assistive technology supports independence. Our tenants can ‘Have their own place, own front door and own space’.” Marjorie McAleer, Ardkeen tenant, said: 'I was one of the first people to move in here in 1984, I like living here, I have enjoyed living here. Staff are very good to me, they're like family'. The event concluded with an acknowledgement to all the incredible people who have made Ardkeen what it is today. Gratitude was paid to tenants, staff, and partners who have been instrumental in shaping the journey over the past 40 years. It was highlighted how their dedication, passion, and commitment has made all the difference. The event closed with a huge congratulations on 40 years of Ardkeen and a future commitment on the provision of opportunity, choice, and inclusion to those who call Ardkeen their home.