Carrefour Familial du Richelieu

Carrefour Familial du Richelieu is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in the Montérégie region, specifically around Chambly, Quebec. Established to respond proactively to the needs and interests of families, the organization provides a variety of community services aimed at family well-being and social development.

Mission and Services

The organization operates with the philosophy that "it takes a village" to raise children and support families. It offers comprehensive programs for children from infancy to five years old, including full-day and half-day sessions designed to foster social skills in a safe and stimulating environment. The child-focused services include a dedicated play and stimulation room that encourages physical activity and creativity, catering to the developmental needs of young children.

Carrefour Familial du Richelieu also organizes activities featuring mascot characters that promote literacy and imagination through storytelling, creating a joyful introduction to the world of books. For parents, the organization provides monthly wellness sessions called "Espace Parents," which include diverse activities focused on well-being and social support, often accompanied by childcare services during these events.

Communication workshops are another key offering, presenting effective and easy-to-implement strategies that help parents and families overcome common cooperation challenges within households.

Community Role and Funding

As a parapublic organization, Carrefour Familial du Richelieu receives funding from a mix of provincial sources, Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska, and donations. The organization actively promotes exchanges and cooperation not only among families but also between community organizations concerned with family welfare. It also offers charitable services such as food banks, Christmas basket programs, and thrift store operations providing affordable goods to those in need.

In the fiscal year 2024-2025, Carrefour Familial du Richelieu received regular funding of approximately CAD 118,298 from Centraide du Grand Montréal, reflecting its recognized role in the community service sector.

Geographic Coverage and Impact

Located in Chambly, Quebec, the organization serves the broader La Vallée-du-Richelieu regional county municipality, including several surrounding municipalities such as Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Beloeil, and others. Through its programs, Carrefour Familial du Richelieu addresses issues related to poverty alleviation and family support, enhancing social cohesion across its service area.

Recognition

Celebrating over 30 years of service, Carrefour Familial du Richelieu continues to be a vital community hub where families find support, resources, and opportunities for growth in a welcoming and inclusive environment[1][2][3][4][5].