Nearly 200 people gathered on Saturday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Centre Prénatal et Jeunes Familles (CPJF). Families, friends and partners of the organization were in attendance.

For the occasion, guests were invited to the Opticentre in Vaudreuil-Dorion, where several activities were on the program. Among the guests were several families who use or have used the Centre, as well as members of the Board of Directors, Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, and the MNAs for Vaudreuil and Soulanges, Marie-Claude Nichols and Marilyne Picard, Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC Prefect Patrick Bousez, Saint-Lazare Mayor Geneviève Lachance, Vaudreuil-Dorion City Councillor Paul Dumoulin, and Richard Dubois of Caisse Desjardins Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

“Today, we're celebrating not only the journey of our organization, but also the strength and resilience of families. It's thanks to parents and children that the center is what it is today, a pillar in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges community,” said Nancy Pelletier, the organization's Executive Director.

“We have seen children born, blossom and grow. We have supported parents on their journey, helping them find answers, comfort and the strength to move forward. We witnessed many first steps, first smiles, first steps, first words, first day of school. These precious moments were shared with the families who inspired us to redouble our efforts to meet the needs of our community,” adds Pelletier.

“It's great to have an organization, but the most important thing is to have families who trust us, who participate in our activities and who believe in us. Thank you to the volunteers, but also to the whole hard-working team. It's quite something to open your heart like that,” says co-founder Chantal Darcy. 

Ten years of challenges and adaptation

Founded in 2014 by Chantal Darcy and Christina Maurice, CPJF has, to date, welcomed 9,031 families and over 19,400 children. 

“The last 10 years have been marked by challenges. The pandemic was extremely difficult for CPJF, but the support of our partners enabled us to continue our mission,” says Ms. Pelletier.

“When I heard, just before Covid, that the center might close, I contacted Nancy to tell her that closure was a possibility. We only had $150 in the bank account to keep the Center going. If she hadn't had the courage to say “OK, let's go for it”, we wouldn't be where we are today. We raised funds every month to ensure the Centre's survival. Without Nancy, it wouldn't have worked. People say that Covid was tough, but for me it was beneficial because it enabled the center to finally be recognized as a community organization,” adds the center's co-founder.

Over the years, the CPJF has adapted its services to meet the particular challenges that parents can face, right from the moment of conception. Prenatal workshops, motor development activities for infants, musical awakening workshops for toddlers, café-causeries, workshops for dads, intergenerational activities - in short, the specialized programs offered by the CPJF are numerous. 

“Our growth has been supported by invaluable partners and various community and public players who share our vision of a better future for families in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. It is this constant evolution, this ability to adapt, this unwavering link with our community that is the strength of the Centre prénatal et jeunes familles,” adds Nancy Pelletier.

A first president

For the first time in its history, the Centre prénatal et jeunes familles has a man, a father, at the head of its Board of Directors. 

“As a foster parent for the DPJ, I can testify that the role of father is far from simple. It's not an easy role. It's often said that it takes a village to raise a child, and the Centre has always embodied that village. It's this idea, this deep conviction that we need collective support to raise our children, that has driven me to get more involved so that everyone can find the listening ear and support they need. Together, we will continue to grow this community for the good of our children,” said Jonathan Fontaine, Chairman of the Board. 

When we met them on site, the partners had only good things to say about the organization.

“The whole team at the center, I'm talking about Nancy, Chantal, the volunteers, and the interns I was lucky enough to meet this summer, they all do an exceptional job. It's been an honor to work with them and support them, since 2015. Long live the Centre prénatal et jeunes familles,” exclaimed Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP Peter Schiefke.

“Often as elected officials, we're approached by citizens looking for services, and sometimes we're not sure where to refer them. Since the first year, we've been in contact with Chantal, with the Center, and we send citizens there. They come back to us saying how good the services are. We need organizations like the Centre; they are an asset to our community. As elected officials, we're privileged to be able to count on them,” says Marie-Claude Nichols, MNA for Vaudreuil. 

The very first president of the Centre's Board of Directors, Soulanges MNA Marilyne Picard, recalled her history with the Centre. “As you know, I have a severely disabled daughter. When she was younger, she attended a rehabilitation center right next door to the Prenatal Center. One day, I decided to go and see what it was all about. I got to know the team and its richness. The Center has become an anchor for us, for our family. Having been here in 2014, I can say that we've worked really hard, and now to be celebrating the 10th anniversary is incredible. The center is an incredible resource for the region,” she confided.

“Congratulations to Ms. Darcy for creating the center. I'm convinced that 10 years from now you'll still be here. It's a pleasure to work with CPJF. Congratulations, you're doing a wonderful job,” said the prefect, Patrick Bousez.

For her part, Mayor Geneviève Lachance reiterated that the CPJF is always welcome in Sait-Lazare. As for Richard Dubois of Caisse Desjardins de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, he praised the Center's uniqueness. 

“Over the years, the center's team has been able to offer a range of services that meet the needs of the population. It has also gone beyond its mission by getting involved in the community through structuring projects, notably with seniors, in partnership with other local organizations and community players. The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion has always been committed to providing families and seniors with quality services and a welcoming, dynamic environment that meets their needs. This could not be achieved without the contribution of organizations and volunteers. I would like to thank all CPJF employees and volunteers for their dedication, passion and commitment. Their services make a real difference in the daily lives of our families,” added city councilor Paul Dumoulin, in the absence of Vaudreuil-Dorion mayor Guy Pilon.

Finally, the event ended with the unveiling of a work created by blacksmith and welder Fabien Berrard of Rock N' Forge. The wooden base was created by cabinetmaker Bellarosa. Made of metal and black walnut, the work represents the organization's logo, all illuminated in mauve, the Centre's emblematic color.

“This work is not just our logo, it's a representation of our mission, which is to create a bubble, a safe space where every family can find the resources, support and encouragement they need. This bubble around the families and the light represent our role as a guide to accompany them on this wonderful journey of life,” explained Nancy Pelletier.