Chomedey-based Agape social services took a courageous leap forward last Monday in their ongoing determination to see that members of Laval’s English-speaking community are provided with adequate service in their own language.
Many services available
Agape, which has had its headquarters for decades at 3950 Notre Dame Blvd., held a grand opening for their new Laval English-speaking Seniors’ Wellness Center. It’s located on the third flood at 3860 Notre Dame just east of Curé Labelle Blvd.
With the new centre, Laval’s English-speaking seniors will be able to participate in presentations on health, learn about the resources available to seniors who prefer to be served in English, take part in special activities, or receive referrals for their social service needs.
Elevator access
The building has an elevator and there is a large parking lot on the side and behind the building. For those curious about what’s available and what there is to see, the Agape Seniors’ Wellness Center (Suite 305) is holding an open house from 9:30 am to 4 pm May 30-31 and June 1.
According to Agape executive-director Kevin McLeod, who played host to more than 40 people (including Quebec Liberal Minister for Senior Citizens Francine Charbonneau and Chomedey Liberal MNA Guy Ouellette), it’s been a little more than a year since Agape had the opportunity to meet Premier Philippe Couillard during a lunchtime gathering when the idea for the Wellness Center was brought up.
English seniors’ needs
According to McLeod, it was during that meeting that he first raised the issue of the specific needs of English-speaking seniors of Laval. The upshot is that the English-speaking Seniors’ Wellness Center ended up receiving $140,000 financing from Quebec’s Ami des Aînés program, in addition to guidance received from the Community Health and Social Services Network.
“The English population has needs and they need to come forward – not behind, not in front, but just beside the French community,” said Charbonneau, pointing out the extensive efforts that Agape made to apply for the provincial funding. “If anybody is to be applauded, it has to be you guys,” she said.
Congratulations from Ouellette
For his part, Ouellette noted that from the third floor at the intersection of Curé Labelle and Notre Dame boulevards, the bird’s eye view of Chomedey is spectacular. “I hope that you will have success for many years. You are answering a need. I think that we are going in the right direction.”
In an interview, McLeod acknowledged the help Agape received from the CHSSN. “A lot of what we are doing with this centre was inspired by the CHSSN, because they have experience with wellness centres in the past,”
he said.