The mission of L'Abri d'espoir is to provide housing to adult women in difficulty, to meet their immediate needs and to offer services and programs in order to foster their reintegration.
L’Abri d'espoir is active in generating positive change in its community through partnerships, faith and innovative practices.
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth. Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Each year brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, and 2023-2024 was no different for L'Abri d'espoir. A focus on our mission and strategic goals provided the stability we needed. This year, we concentrated on refining our operations and objectives.
With occupancy levels back to 70-90%, we directed our attention to internal improvements. We undertook an accreditation review covering over 70 operational standards, , updating policies to align with The Salvation Army's social mission standards. An administrative review evaluated our staffing model and operational practices, while a fraud risk assessment reinforced our internal controls and financial reporting. These efforts solidified our foundation, ensuring robust programs and services.
Guided by our strategic plan, we enhanced our participation in networks and partnerships, increasing collaboration, visibility, and referrals to our shelter. To continually improve services, we invested in targeted training, supported staff with clinical coaching, welcomed interns and volunteers, and adopted best practices in conjugal violence care. Additionally, we provided ample space for spiritual care, a unique service with a profound impact on our residents. We also prioritized a healthy work environment for our staff, addressing concerns highlighted in the Staff Satisfaction Survey through improvements in orientation, more frequent staff meetings, annual retreats, and regular celebra tions.
Looking ahead, we anticipate changes in our clientele, with a growing number of asylum seekers and survivors of conjugal and family violence. We are committed to adapting and collaborating with partners to meet these evolving needs. This fall, we will expand our care by placing twelve women survivors of conjugal or family violence into permanent subsidized housing. We also plan several building improvements, a new website, and revamped post-shelter and volunteer programs.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners, donors, staff, volunteers, and board members for their unwavering support. Your contributions have been instrumental in achieving our goals this year.
MESSAGE
L'ABRI D'ESPOIR IN FIGURES
229
29
M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Women Housed
42,099
Children Housed
16,848
Meals Served
past year, L'Abri experienced positive changes despite the nges of COVID-19 We increased our emergency shelter city from 15 to 30 beds by reintroducing shared rooms as health measures eased Through on-site screening and nation clinics, we kept COVID-19 cases among staff and ents to a minimum. Our occupancy rate peaked at 86%, and sisted 211 women in vulnerable situations
ril 2022, our Board adopted the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, ng on accessibility, community presence, service impact, and well-being. By mid-year, 54% of the strategies were mented or in progress, highlighting our commitment.
269
Personalized Intervention Plans
91
ess in advancing our first two strategic directions, especially in nce Program. Through partnerships, training, and events, we nce and improved access to our services for women escaping
22
SERVICES AT L'ABRI D'ESPOIR
HOUSING
L'Abri d'espoir provides housing solutions for women facing housing instability or homelessness, offering them a safe place to stay and meet their basic needs. Our facility can accommodate up to 50 women aged 18 to 65, along with 10 children under the age of 12. We have three distinct programs, each with its own criteria and operations:
Emergency Shelter (Short-term program) for stays of up to three months.
Transitional Housing (long-term program) for stays up to two years.
Mother and Child (family program) for stays of varying lengths, depending on the needs of the family.
For all three programs, housing includes:
• Furnished rooms with linens and towels.
• Three hot meals a day and three coffee breaks.
• A security system and bilingual staff available to them 24/7.
• Access to phones, television, computers, and WiFi.
• Laundry facilities, shared bathrooms, living rooms, patios or balconies.
The quality of the services has helped me make radical, positive changes in my life. Thank you so much. Brenda
To ensure a welcoming stay, we conduct needs assessments and provide essential items, including clothing and toiletries, to new residents and their children. Regular activities are organized to promote socialization. We celebrate birthdays, holidays and special events such as Christmas, International Women’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving, making them memorable.
abuse We have also partnere prevention initiatives and expan appreciated our investments i environment, creating a beautifu
Our staff is vital to L'Abri, as the foster a more caring and stimu support to help them handle c including a one-day staff retreat the assistance of our Spiritual a have access to a safe space for
Looking forward, we plan to e developing our post-shelter serv The Conjugal Violence Program subsidized housing for 12 surviv
REFERRED BY
I would like to thank our partn unwavering support Your encou of hope” for the women we are p
L'Abri d'espoir | Annual Report 2022-2023
d with The Salvation Army s social services in Quebec for ded our post-shelter ser nd in recreational activitie ng ul and welcoming space t
y respond to our residen To ulating environment, we nd omplex situations Addi s, t, to promote team cohe th and Religious Care Coun ts support during personal
PERSONALIZED CARE
expand our services by hiring a special education teacher, vices and day programs, and improving our online presence will focus on prevention initiatives and will provide permanent, ors of intimate partner violence by the end of 2024
In addition to the essential services, we provide each resident with personalized support tailored to her specific needs and circumstances. This includes:
ers, donors, staff, volunteers, and board members for their uragement and contributions have enabled us to be a “shelter privileged to serve.
Individualized Intervention
Customized and regularly updated plans.
Housing Assistance
Maricarmen Raudales Executive Director
Help finding affordable, long-term housing.
Community Resource Referral
Information and referrals to healthcare, employment, legal services.
Emotional Support
Regular meetings for moral support, respecting confidentiality.
Spiritual and Religious Care
Trained counselor offers spiritual support.
POST SHELTER SUPPORT
Transitioning from shelter to permanent housing can be challenging. To assist with this, L'Abri offers post-shelter support, helping residents rebuild their lives in new communities.
The process begins with a well-organized departure plan, assessing the needs of the resident and her children, if any, to provide essential items and reduce transition costs. This year, L'Abri has provided Dollarama gift cards, mattresses, and, through a partnership with Bread and Beyond, household goods and cleaning supplies to about 12 women.
P 2
Once the resident moves into her new home, scheduled visits and phone calls for the first few months offer guidance and assistance with budgeting, housekeeping, meal preparation, and childcare. These contacts also help post-shelter participants identify community resources for food security, employment, childcare, or health needs. To address potential isolation, former residents can continue accessing L'Abri's services, including spiritual care, activities, special events, and occasional meals.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive and individualized care to each resident, addressing their unique needs and supporting them throughout their stay with us.
This support is provided for as long as the former resident needs it, helping them adjust to their new environment and preventing a return to the shelter system. We believe this ongoing assistance is crucial for a successful transition to independent living.
Thanks to L'Abri d'espoir, I've regained control of my life and have become more self-confident. Manon
EMERGENCY SHELTER
(SHORT TERM PROGRAM)
The mission of this program is to meet the immedi ate needs of women seeking shelter in order to stabilize their situation and refer them to appropri ate resources that meet their primary goals. The team of psychosocial intervention workers provides individualized support, usually focusing on the areas of health, finances, employment and housing.
The residential capacity of this program is 30 beds in 15 double rooms for stays ranging from 1 night to 3 months. An intervention plan is developed with the resident according to her goals and abilities. The staff encourages and supports each woman's prog ress through regular meetings and follow-up.
If, during her time in the Emergency Shelter Program, a resident sets goals that require a longer stay, such as plans to seek longer-term counseling, return to school, or redirect her career, she may apply for L'Abri's Transitional Housing or Long-Term Program.
1,154
Hours of One-on-One Listening and Support
L'Abri d'espoir has given me shelter, comfort and self-confidence. It gave me the chance to stabilize myself, the strength to continue with my projects and to fight for the custody of my children...
SOURCE OF REVENUE
Albertine
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (LONG
TERM
PROGRAM)
This program offers personalized services to women who need extended support to regain their autonomy and work on their social reintegration plan. The length of stay varies from three months to two years and is determined by the needs and goals of the resident. There are 13 private rooms and a fully equipped kitchen available to the women in this program.
With the assistance of an intervention worker, residents participate in the development of an intervention plan and attend monthly meetings to review their progress and update the plan as needed. To break their isolation and increase their independence, residents are assigned daily chores, offered targeted workshops, and are required to volunteer or participate in community activities. The chores promote responsibility and ensure that residents re-establish good living habits they will need when they transition to permanent housing.
Residents also hold regular group meetings to share information, reinforce house rules and address any problems.
Several times a year, residents plan and prepare a community meal to practice cooking skills and build relationships. Program staff provide guidance, encouragement, and support as the women make life choices that will allow them to become self-sufficient.
Hours of One-on-One Listening and Support
L'Abri d'espoir saved me and allowed me to rebuild my life in peace and support...
STATED PROBLEM
Lucero
MOTHER AND CHILD
(FAMILY PROGRAM)
This program provides short- and long-term housing for women in crisis who have children. Psychosocial intervention workers provide support to help residents regain stability, skills and confidence to care for themselves and their children. Residents set priority goals in an action plan that they revisit regularly with their assigned intervention worker and progress at their own pace.
Seven rooms with an adjoining room accommodate seven women and 10 children. The stay varies according to the needs of each mother. Although meals are served in the dining room, a fully equipped kitchen is also available to the mothers on this floor so they can prepare meals at different times and according to their children's preferences.
In addition to family rooms that provide privacy and comfort, there is a playroom and access to basic necessities. This program welcomes many women fleeing situations of intimate partner violence. Intervention workers reassure residents of their safety and help them navigate the social service and government support network to rebuild their lives and those of their children. Caseworkers often counsel and accompany mothers to court hearings related to divorce, alimony, or child custody.
A nearby school accepts the children and works well with L'Abri. It is often overwhelming for a mother to adjust to a temporary housing situation while continuing to raise young children and supervise schoolwork. Our staff has established partnerships with community organizations that support vulnerable families, where residents can receive additional support for themselves and in their roles as mothers, while building personal confidence and promoting their social reintegration.
Hours of One-on-One Listening and Support
''L'Abri d'espoir gave us a roof over our heads, a family, and gifts that brought us joy. When my children received Christmas and birthday gifts, I really felt at home...
Mariame
CONJUGAL VIOLENCE PROGRAM
Since 2021, conjugal or intimate partner violence has become a growing concern for Quebec society and its government. Thanks to special funding, L’Abri d’espoir has been able to pay special attention to this matter through various initiatives.
In 2023, L’Abri’s conjugal violence program coordinator continued to to work with specialized agencies, such as SOS Violence Conjugale, and advanced initiatives begun in 2022 through a Salvation Army Innovation Grant to raise awareness among Salvation Army social services staff in Quebec and provide tools to help them screen for and make appropriate referrals in cases of domestic violence. At the request of the community, the coordinator also conducted workshops for local groups on various topics related to conjugal violence.
Now in its third year, our Conjugal Violence Program is fully integrated into L'Abri's overall services, with notable adaptations to meet the unique needs of survivors of violence, such as greater flexibility in program features and the intake process. There has been continued investment in staff training, participation in seminars and involvement in networks that coordinate efforts to address conjugal violence in our communities.
International Campaign
L'Abri d'espoir again participated in the international campaign 16 Days of Action to End Violence Against Women in November 2023. There were Facebook posts, activities and, for the first time, L'Abri organized a conference on conjugal violence with well-known speaker and survivor Nathalie Trottier.
Very helpful, L'Abri d'espoir gave me a renewed perspective on my life. Nadine helped me to see myself in a better light
Elizabeth
Youth Awareness Workshops
Also in November, through a second Innovation Grant, L'Abri d'espoir partnered with The Salvation Army's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) initiative to launch the Discutons Ensemble/Let's Talk About It project, which provides workshops for young people to raise awareness about violence and sexual exploitation. Targeting at-risk youth between the ages of 8 and 18, as recommended in the Quebec government's 2021-2026 Action Plan, as well as adults who influence them, such as parents, educators and coaches, the workshops have engaged in authentic discussions to address these critical issues.
Permanent Housing Opportunities
The partnership with Habitations Libr'Elles has progressed and the construction of its 55-unit women-only building is on schedule for completion in September 2024. Twelve of these units have been reserved for survivors of conjugal or family violence, who will receive psychosocial support from L'Abri d'espoir's caseworkers. L'Abri is working with this partner to develop the selection criteria and guidelines for the 12 units, which will also benefit from the Quebec government's Rent Supplement Program (PSL). Partner organizations serving the needs of victims of conjugal violence were invited to refer women to L'Abri's information session and to submit an application form.
Ongoing Commitment
In recent years, L'Abri d'espoir has deepened its understanding and commitment to the plight of victims of domestic violence. During this time, the number of women seeking shelter at L'Abri for intimate partner violence has increased from 10-20% to 20-35%. Now fully involved in community initiatives to expand services and support for survivors of intimate partner violence, L'Abri is positioned to be a refuge and advocate for the women and children whose lives have been devastated by abuse and violence.
To expand our impact, we have developed strategic initiatives within The Salvation Army's network of services.
These initiatives exemplify our commitment to raising awareness and fostering positive change within our community.
SPIRITUAL & RELIGIOUS CARE
Spiritual and religious care is a unique and valuable service provided to both residents and staff at L’Abri d’espoir. This non-compulsory program is designed to encourage, support and meet the spiritual needs of individuals while respecting their unique values and beliefs. A skilled chaplain or spiritual care counselor is available not only to current residents but also to women who have left the center but wish to continue the spiritual support received while at L’Abri.
Our spiritual care counselor is available to listen to any resident or staff member who is experiencing a personal trial, grappling with questions of faith, or is troubled by feelings of shame, sadness, guilt, loneliness or grief. The goal is to create a space for spiritual expression and dialogue to empower individuals to face life’s challenges through their spirituality or faith. The spiritual care counsellor is part of the program team, working closely with caseworkers to support residents in their efforts to regain stability, self-sufficiency and fulfillment.
The spiritual care counselor offers one-on-one meetings, weekly workshops, monthly devotionals and also organizes special events and celebrations to promote well-being.
100% of residents stated that the spiritual support services at L'Abri contributed to:
Their spiritual growth and helped them use their faith to face challenges.
Achieving their goals while they stayed at L'Abri d'espoir.
Building or strengthening relationships inside and outside of L'Abri d'espoir.
I'm thankful for the spiritual support that comforted me from my wounds and gave me the courage to believe that all things are possible...
Tracy
ACTIVITIES
In order to foster relationships, enhance skill development, and encourage healthy lifestyles, our staff organizes a diverse range of activities and outings during the year. These activities play a crucial role in promoting the social and emotional recovery of our residents, equipping them with essential skills for life beyond the shelter.
For those who prefer individual activities, we provide a selection of books, puzzles, and games. Here are some highlights from this year's activities:
L'Abri d'espoir
L'Abri d'espoir is strategically located in the southwest borough of Montreal, with convenient access to public transportation and a wide range of commercial and government services. Our four-story building is carefully maintained and designed to provide a confidential place for women seeking refuge and a place to regain stability. Throughout the year, we continued to work to ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming living environment.
MEAL SERVICES
Residents make full use of the equipped kitchens on the Mother-Child and Transitional Housing floors to accommodate their personal diets and cultural customs to help them prepare for life after shelter.
However, a continental breakfast and hot meals for lunch and dinner are served daily in L'Abri's dining room, which doubles as a multipurpose room. L'Abri is fortunate to have a dedicated kitchen staff, two of whom have served faithfully for over 15 years, ensuring that our residents and staff receive nutritious meals. In addition to the 39,400 meals served this year, the kitchen staff provided nearly 18,000 coffee break snacks and distributed 2,700 to-go meals to accommodate working women, school children and those unable to dine on site.
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Moisson Montréal, L'Abri was the fortunate recipient of approximately 30,915 kilograms of food, valued at $239,900.
By continually improving our living environment, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive space where our residents can find comfort and socialize.
It is because of the guidance and non-judgemental interventions of Nadine that I found strength and confidence
Silvia
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
Always mindful of the threat of bed bugs that plague many Montreal shelters, we are pleased to have completed the replacement of 45 worn-out wooden bed frames with new, adjustable, military-grade metal frames that are much less susceptible to infestation. Privacy and dignity are essential to our clients, so we continue to provide privacy screens in the shared rooms and have purchased a movable screen for L'Abri's foyer for new admissions. Staff can now begin the intake process with new residents while protecting their dignity and confidentiality.
This year, special funding allowed us to replace old laundry equipment for each program. Plans were also approved to install a private shower on the main floor to facilitate the intake process and another on the emergency shelter floor to provide privacy when desired or needed, such as when preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
''L'Abri d'espoir gave us a home, showed us sharing, harmony and support.
Dieyanaba
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
L'Abri d'espoir's commitment to the community takes many forms, including participation in community events, memberships and partnerships. In this way, we foster meaningful interactions and collaborations with public and private organizations dedicated to our common goals.
This year, we joined the Mouvement pour mettre fin à l'itinérance à Montréal (MMFIM) to network with other actors in the field of homelessness and to benefit from relevant conferences, research and training. Since December, our participation in the Old Brewery Mission's Projet d'aide à la relocalization rapide (PARR) has meant contributing to a platform that shows the beds available for women in Montreal, allowing for timely and appropriate referrals. This year,
L'Abri hosted networking events, organized its own conference, and held workshops in the community on topics relevant to women's well-being. We were pleased to welcome the visit of Federal Minister Marc Miller and to develop new community partners.
By actively engaging with the community, we strive to make a positive impact and create a network of support for vulnerable women in our area.
EVENTS
October 24, 2023 –
From Shelter to Housing: Supporting women towards residential stability and wellness – a forum by Project Lotus
November 8-10, 2023 –February 16, 2024 –March 22-24, 2024 –
Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH22) Conference “Conjugal Violence - Exploring the intersections between research and practice”
National Women’s Show – L’Abri had a booth
MEMBERSHIPS
• Collectif de recherche féministe anti-violence de l'Université d'Ottawa (FemAnvi)
• Fédération des OSBL d’Habitation de Montréal (FOHM)
• Mouvement pour mettre fin à l’itinérance à Montréal (MMFIM)
• Projet d'aide à la relocalization rapide (PARR)
• Réseau d’aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal (RAPSIM)
• Réseau alternatif et communautaire des organismes en santé mentale (RACOR)
• Table de concertation Petite-Bourgogne--enfance/famille
• Table de concertation en violence conjugale du CIUSSS Centre-Ouest de Montréal
• Table des partenaires contre la violence conjugale et familiale du Sud-Ouest/Verdun
• Table des partenaires en santé mentale et dépendance du Sud-Ouest-Verdun
PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS
• Association coopérative d’économie familiale (ACEF) du Sud-ouest
• Auberge Madeleine
• Bread and Beyond
• Centre d’intervention de crise Tracom
• Centre de réadaptation en dépendance de Montréal (CRDM - IU)
• Centre de réadaptation en toxicomanie Portage Centre Patricia McKenzie
• Centre local d'emploi - Pointe-Saint-Charles
• Centre Saint Pierre
• Chez Doris
• CLSC des Faubourgs (Homelessness Program)
• Comité d’éducation aux adultes (CÉDA) Diogène
• Famijeunes
• Groupe Information Travail (GIT)
• Habitations Libr'Elles
• L’Autre Maison
• La Dauphinelle
• La Rue des Femmes
• Le Chaînon
• Logifem
• Maison Exode
• Maison Marguerite
• P.O.P.I.R.-Comité Logement
• Service de police de la Ville de Montréal - Les survivantes
• Services juridiques communautaires de Pointe- St-Charles
• Shelter Movers
• SOS Violence Conjugale
• Transart - Programme Préparatoire à l’Emploi
• Tyndale St-Georges Community Centre
• Urgence psychosociale (UPS)
• YWCA of Montreal
STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
L'Abri d'espoir has 22 full-time staff members and 11 part-time and on-call staff members from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the multicultural and intergenerational nature of the women served. This compassionate and dedicated team is committed to providing a safe and stable environment for residents.
Through the Canada Summer Jobs program, L'Abri hired a caseworker who has since become a permanent employee. In addition, 46 volunteers generously contributed 180 hours to help organize events and activities such as self-care and beauty days, and celebrations such as Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and International Women's Day. L'Abri is now an accredited partner of the YMCA's Compensatory Work Program and will soon receive support for kitchen staff on weekends.
Recognizing how complex and challenging it can be to work in a shelter environment, L'Abri d'espoir has implemented several strategies to support its staff, especially its caseworkers. The contract with Centre Saint-Pierre was extended to continue to provide the intervention team with monthly group meetings with a clinical supervisor. This support system was further strengthened when this clinical supervisor expanded her availability to provide one-on-one coaching to caseworkers. In addition, a new coordinator position was created to assist the program manager with administrative tasks and provide more support to the team, including weekend staff.
This year, an administrative review of L'Abri's operations and staffing model was conducted, resulting in some staffing changes, updated responsibilities for some, and scheduling adjustments. The process also included an Staff satisfaction survey. Although generally positive, all feedback was considered and immediate changes were made. There are now monthly staff meetings with the Executive Director to facilitate discussion and keep everyone informed. A new social committee was formed to organize events and celebrate birthdays and milestones. A second all-day staff retreat was held at a lakeside location, providing an opportunity for open dialogue, presentation of important information, and team-building activities. With nearly the entire team in attendance, it was again a well-received and appreciated event that fostered positive connections.
L'Abri keeps its staff engaged and growing through a dynamic training program. We offer staff basic courses in crisis intervention, first aid and workplace safety, as well as specialized training in areas such as intimate partner violence. In June, special conferences organized by The Salvation Army were invaluable in aligning our staff with the Army's broader mission, vision and practices. By investing in its people, L'Abri aims to better serve its residents and foster a supportive work environment that encourages growth and excellence
SUCCESS STORIES
SILVIA
In the spring of 2023, shortly before my 65th birthday, I arrived at L'Abri d'espoir. My social worker had found this special place for me after a year of living in a friend's basement. I arrived scared, not knowing what to expect, but hopeful that things would get better. Always present and ready to listen, the caseworkers’ interventions are nothing short of miracles. They are wise, experienced and knowledgeable, but it is their kindness and compassion that create the overall atmosphere of this place and make all our worries bearable. Their friendly welcome and gentle manners helped ease the initial stress and took away any feelings of shame I had.
Over the next few days, I began to relax and feel safe. I was assigned a personal caseworker who helped me understand my needs and explained the services available to me. The priority was to find affordable housing in a safe environment. Within five weeks, I found an apartment in a women-only building with caseworker support. I can live in this long-term facility for about five years, giving me time to build relationships and a sense of belonging. It meets my specific needs. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of my caseworker, I was be able to move there by the end of the summer.
Each December, former residents are invited to L'Abri d'espoir's Christmas luncheon to reconnect and encourage the women who have passed through our doors. This year, L'Abri was moved by the visit of Vicky Harvey, who shared her testimony about her stay in 2020 and 2021.
Vicky faced significant challenges as an expectant mother struggling with addiction but found refuge and new hope at L'Abri. With the resources provided and an iron will, she began her detox journey. The shelter's case workers helped her address her substance abuse and mental health issues, creating a safety net that allowed her to rebuild her life piece by piece.
Vicky reflects, "By supporting me, L'Abri d'espoir did something great for me. It helped me discover my willpower and strength and gave me the necessary push to get to where I am today." Three and a half years later, she is unrecognizable. She has maintained her sobriety, secured stable employment, reconnected with her children, and regained her self-confidence. "I have regained my independence—a normal life that I never thought possible," Vicky says.
Motivated by her experience, Vicky now looks to the future with a desire to give back to the community. She concludes, "Everything they've given me, I want to give back. It has affected me deeply, and I want others to benefit from it. I want them to understand that we are not alone."
VICKY
SATISFACTION SURVEYS
L'Abri d'espoir strives to provide excellent services to the women who come through its doors seeking support. The goal is for the time spent at L'Abri to be transformative and for residents to leave satisfied with the services provided, having largely achieved the goals they set for themselves when they arrived.
For this reason, at the beginning of their stay, residents are asked to complete a voluntary Resident Satisfaction Survey, which assesses the quality of sixteen service areas and asks questions about safety and suggestions for improving our services. Here are some highlights:
83% of residents were satisfied or very satisfied with all services.
90-100% were very satisfied with the welcome they received, the respect for their rights, the support they received from case workers, the spiritual care services, and the response to their daily requests and needs.
100% of the women said they felt safe at L'Abri d'espoir.
L'Abri d'espoir has has helped me discover and understand myself, as well as feel truly heard...
Brigitte
PROGRAM IMPACT
In addition, when residents leave, they are asked to complete a voluntary exit survey to determine the impact L'Abri has had on their lives. Here are some highlights:
For the majority (88%), this was their first stay at L'Abri, and most (65%) stayed less than 3 months.
Most of the respondents came to L'Abri to escape domestic or family violence (58%) and most left to move into an apartment (67%), while the rest (33%) had come to the end of their stay.
The services they rated most highly (85%-100% satisfaction) were the level of security, the services provided by the support and administrative staff, the attitude and services provided by the case workers, the activities, the respect for their rights and the response to their daily requests and needs.
At the end of their stay, 100% of the respondents were very satisfied with the support they received to get back on their feet.
In a commitment to continuous improvement, L'Abri's management team will review this feedback, share the successes with the team and work to make the necessary changes to address the areas of lower satisfaction.
FUNDERS & DONORS
CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
• Programme de soutien aux organismes communautaire (PSOC)
• Plan d’action interministériel en itinérance
• Plan d'action gouvernemental en matière de violence conjugale 2018-2023
Ministère déléguée à l’Éducation, responsable de la Condition féminine
Moisson Montréal
George Hogg Family Foundation
FINANCES
REVENUES $ 2,055,535.19
148,689.00
1,693,299.27
30,792.28
2,754.64
MANAGEMENT TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
SPIRITUAL CARE COUNSELOR
BUILDING MANAGER
HEAD COOK
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
- Maricarmen Raudales
- Silvia Regina
- Nadine Benoît
- Ahmed Lannabi
- Jacqueline Mbemba
- Flor Castillo
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
L'Abri d'espoir's Staff
Sixteen dedicated individuals make up L'Abri d'espoir's Board of Directors, which meets four times a year as a full Board and as part of five different committees. They also attend the Annual General Meeting held in June each year. Our board members come from a variety of backgrounds and have professional and volunteer experience in a variety of fields, including business, law, finance, health and social services. In particular, two members are former users of Montreal's shelter services and bring valuable lived experience to the Board.
Sandra Mastrogiuseppe CHAIR
(Kugler Kandestin)
VICE-CHAIR
Mélisa Tardif
(The Salvation Army, Atlantic Division)
CO-SECRETARY
Maricarmen Raudales
Harout Tarakjian
(L'Abri d'espoir)
(Montreal Booth Center)
MEMBERS
Amr El Shiaty
Brigitte St-Germain
Frank Vela
Glen Shepherd
Jennifer Ball
Josée de Billy
Matthew Craggs
Nancy Stephens
Rosalind Davis
Shaheen Bajgiran
Stephanie Purdy
Valéry Nabi
(Former men’s shelter user)
(Salvation Army, Quebec Regional Office)
(Tidan Hospitality and Real Estate Group) (Salvation Army, Quebec Regional Office)
(Community Volunteer)
(Community Volunteer)
(Salvation Army, Territorial Headquarters) (Former resident of L’Abri d’espoir)
