DPJ Foundation expands support in Gatineau amid rising needs
Tashi Farmilo
In response to growing socio-economic challenges, the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ has significantly increased its support for vulnerable youth in the Gatineau region and across Quebec. Since 2020, the Foundation has more than doubled its aid to children and young adults in need of protection, addressing both a rise in the number and the severity of requests.
"Given the current socio-economic context, seeing such a large-scale mobilisation for these young people trying to build a future is very touching and, above all, very reassuring," remarked Fabienne Audette, Executive Director of the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ.
The Foundation, which supplements state support to enhance the well-being of youth aged 0 to 25 under the care of the DPJ, has been pivotal in addressing urgent needs. Since its inception in 1998, it has quickly responded to specific and personalised requirements, significantly impacting many lives.
In recent years, the Foundation's efforts have expanded to various regions of Quebec, including significant support for initiatives in Gatineau. Starting in 2022, it began financially backing organisations that work with DPJ youth throughout the province. Over the past two years, more than $750,000 has been distributed to various initiatives through two calls for proposals in 2022 and 2023.
The first call for proposals in 2022 provided financial support for two key initiatives in the Outaouais region. One initiative, a joint effort with Fondation Santé Gatineau and the CISSS de l’Outaouais, received $45,000 to fund perseverance and skill development programs. Another initiative, aimed at enhancing housing services, saw Vallée Jeunesse Outaouais / Le Belvédère jeunesse receiving $35,000.
In 2023, the Foundation renewed its support for these initiatives, granting $35,000 to Fondation Santé Gatineau and $50,000 to Le Belvédère jeunesse. Additionally, a new initiative aimed at skill development and professional integration, led by CJE de l’Outaouais, received $25,000.
Marie-Pierre Gazaille, Senior Communications Advisor for the Foundation, emphasised the importance of these initiatives, particularly in the Outaouais region. "Witnessing the growing needs of DPJ youth, the Foundation has more than doubled the support it provides since 2020.
The current socio-economic difficulties have made our work more critical than ever," she said.
In February 2024, a new call for proposals was launched to further increase the Foundation's impact across Quebec. The supported projects from this second call will be announced in the coming months.
Photo caption: The Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ has significantly increased its support for vulnerable youth in Gatineau and across Quebec, doubling its aid since 2020 to address rising socio-economic challenges and urgent needs.
Photo credit: Screenshot of Google Maps
