Maison Phoenix: a new social endeavor for the de Gaspe Beaubien Foundation

As well as being involved in the cause of water and supporting families in business around the world, the de Gaspe Beaubien family is firmly committed to helping their community. After having made a major contribution to our Sainte-Agathe des Monts hospital, we, once again called upon to help our community. Having lived in the Laurentians for over 40 years, Philippe and Nan-b, once again, have decided to give back to their community. The Foundation will therefore support a new organization in their region: Maison Phoenix in Val-David.

“We firmly believe in the strength of community. After being served so well by our Laurentian community. We have always considered that the elderly hold a privileged role within our families. They have the duty – and honour – of sharing their knowledge and wisdom stories, giving back, and contributing to the community.” – Nan-b de Gaspe Beaubien

What is Maison Phoenix?

Maison Phoenix is a non-profit organization which provides intergenerational co-operative housing for seniors with diminishing autonomy. The organization will supply apartments for seniors over 65 years of age who wish to live close to the heart of Val-David. The building will be near the village’s new public school in order to facilitate intergenerational exchanges between residents and young people. Maison Phoenix’s mission combines a collective approach, mutual assistance, and intergenerational exchanges.

The intergenerational side of things is already in motion! Last fall, first and second grade students from Sainte-Marie school read to seniors in the community. It was a source of pride and motivation for these young students who had the chance to use their recently acquired reading skills. For the seniors, it was both original and adorable entertainment as well as a chance to interact with the new generation.

Not Only for Primary School Students

Maison Phoenix would like to expand the intergenerational pairing beyond primary schools. They would like to provide the opportunity to adolescents and young people in difficult situations to exchange with the residents. People who are suffering with addiction, for example, will be able to seek out support from seniors who have been in similar situations. By sharing their experiences, the residents will provide visitors with support and understanding.

The Foundation’s Role

In 2022, the de Gaspe Beaubien Foundation will contribute in order to hire a resource for the coordination of the organization’s intergenerational activities. Maison Phoenix highlighted the importance of this funding: “This is a major contribution for our organization. We are looking to the future with a lot of hope and gratitude towards all the people and organizations who are financially supporting our mission.”

This resource will be the organization’s first contractual employee. Having trained as a teacher, Genevieve Beachamp accepted the mandate. She is motivated to tackle this challenge and develop the new intergenerational pairing programs.

Maison Phoenix may just be getting started, but they are starting off with a bang! It would not be surprising to see other similar initiatives emerge elsewhere in Quebec over the next couple of years.