This text is part of the special Philanthropy section
Since its creation in 2002, the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Center (CMJC) of the Le Pilier Foundation has become a reference organization in Quebec for the support and integration of people with disabilities. Located in Laval, this multifunctional center has been able to adapt its services to meet the changing needs of its communities.
“We started with small accommodation settings: we bought houses for two or three occupants. This period also coincided with the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric services. Over time, the organization was able to acquire new ones,” explains Nassim Belaïd, director of operations of the Le Pilier Foundation, in an interview.
Since its expansion in 2014, the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Center (CMJC) now welcomes more than 250 disabled people, young people and adults. Whether they are semi-autonomous or not, they can benefit all year round from a program of adapted activities involving, among other things, arts and sports, thus offering respite to their family.
Multifunctional installations
The strength of the CMJC is above all its multifunctional side. Over the years, the establishment has been able to optimize the use of its facilities. They are used for adapted daytime activities, specialized weekend respite, weekly summer respite and alternating autism-youth accommodation.
“From Monday to Friday, the young person goes to school and, when he leaves, instead of going home, he goes to the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Center. This is what we call alternating accommodation: he comes with the school transport and the next day, he goes back to class directly from the center,” explains Mr. Bélaïd. This initiative allows 18 children and adolescents divided into three cohorts to do a multitude of activities at CMJC, in addition to offering their loved ones a week of respite each month.
“We sometimes hear that the center is a second lung. […] It really makes a difference for the families involved. I believe in the positive impact we have on those around these people, because they need it,” he emphasizes.
With demands for services increasing exponentially, the foundation works closely with government institutions to ensure user support. “The health network in Laval or other regions informs us of the needs: we have agreements with them,” specifies the director. […] There are families who approach us directly, but it is mainly social workers from everywhere who approach us. »
Lack of sustained funding
Although government funding constitutes nearly 80% of the foundation’s revenue, it remains “very insufficient,” says Mr. Belaïd. According to him, the challenges do not affect accommodation resources and living environments, but rather the center of activities. The organization receives assistance from the Community Organization Support Program (PSOC), but this only represents 20% of the cost of CMJC activities.
Increased funding would make it possible, among other things, to expand the services already offered by the center, particularly specialized respite. “We try to stay on top of what’s happening elsewhere, so why not respite at home? […] We would offer the same service, but by developing it to meet needs, whether with daycare, home respite, emergency respite, or other,” lists the director.
For the moment, the CMJC’s growth is largely attributable to the commitment of major donors, who financially support the foundation’s initiatives. In 2022, a partner’s donation made it possible to expand the Snoezelen room, a multisensory space where users can be stimulated in a safe and appropriate way.
“We need to find a longer-term solution. The donor provides added value for improvement, but for operating costs, I think it should be supported by the health network,” believes Mr. Belaïd.
Thanks to the support of philanthropic partners, the CMJC today offers a swing for people in wheelchairs, bicycles designed for those with physical or intellectual disabilities as well as tailor-made transportation to facilitate travel outside the city. the organization. The establishment is even planning the construction of an adapted outdoor swimming pool over the next year.
The vision for the future? “Continuous improvement, development and innovation of programs,” summarizes Mr. Belaïd. […] We would also like to expand geographically, or even implement projects outside the center to reach more people and ensure the sustainability of our services. »
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