DOING EVEN MORE FOR MONTREAL’S STREET YOUTH
Dans la rue’s 25th anniversary celebrations began in the fall of 2013. This milestone provides us with an ideal opportunity to reflect on our past achievements and identify the building blocks for our future success in making a difference in the lives of homeless youths. This planning exercise will be ongoing throughout the coming year.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
In the quarter of a century since Father Emmett “Pops” Johns took the first Van out into the streets of Montreal, a wide range of services and programs has emerged. Today, we are proud to offer a fully integrated approach targeting a multitude of fundamental needs: food, shelter, hygiene, physical and mental well-being, safety, security, community, education, employment, self-awareness and self-sufficiency. None of the aspects involved in the difficult transition to adult life is overlooked. Thanks to the support of our generous partners, our professionals and volunteers provide nourishment for the body and spirit, an attentive ear and a shoulder to lean on, be at the day centre, on the Van or in the Bunker, to help these youths build a better and brighter future.
It is with a tremendous sense of satisfaction that we can now confirm that a major project that has been years in the making will soon be a reality: the development of a supportive housing facility for close to 20 Dans la rue youths. All the papers are signed, all the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed, and we will be breaking ground any day now!
I salute Pops’ remarkable vision and the tireless efforts of everyone at Dans la rue who strives day in and day out to make his dreams come true. In particular, I would like to thank our outgoing Executive Director, Aki Tchitacov, for his outstanding work at the head of the organization for the past seven years. And last but not least, my fellow board members and I bid a warm welcome to Cécile Arbaud as she takes over in this role.
Together, we can and we will continue to do even more for Montreal’s street youth!
Peter J. Cullen, Stikeman Elliott LLP
