A ROOF FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN

I see this as an opportunity to create a centre in which women leave stronger and more empowered than when they came in. A centre where women can rely on us for assistance and a place that women can call home in times of difficulty. Social support is a true healing power. As someone who has worked with Afrique au Féminin as a volunteer and now a part-time employee, I’ve grown so attached to the organization and its staff, not only because the women there feel like family, but because I am completely inspired by the revolutionary work they are doing.

Afrique au Féminin is the organization in Parc-Extension that is closest to marginalized residents, including low income women and their families. It is also the organization that brings people together; all the community organizations in Parc-Extension look to Afrique au Féminin for leadership. A new centre for Afrique au Féminin is essential because community groups rely on the space for childcare, social services, popular education and the food bank. Acquiring a new facility shows the organization is looking ahead in order to provide for residents long-term.

I imagine this new centre as a shelter, a refuge in times of difficulty, a place to meet, to learn new skills or experiences, to share moments of celebration and intimate discussion, to discover other cultures, to network and to be advised by mentors. I have seen the impact of Afrique au Féminin in the lives of the women I accompanied in the PAM program last year: new-found confidence, freedom of expression, the pleasure of being together and sharing! A new, larger centre in the northern part of the neighbourhood would better accommodate the women of Parc-Extension.

Afrique au Féminin is the primary organization in Parc-Extension that opens the door to Quebec for newly arrived women. Despite its name, Afrique au Féminin welcomes all women through a variety of programs and responds to the needs of families in the neighbourhood with weekly food baskets, French classes and leadership activities that add value their skills. As an organization, Afrique au Féminin has been able to adapt to the changing realities of the neighbourhood, Quebec, and the waves of migration. This project will be a place where women will be able to blossom and take flight with all the tools they need.

Afrique au Féminin est l'organisme de Parc- Extension qui est le plus proche des résidents marginalisés, notamment des femmes à faible revenu et de leurs familles. C'est aussi l'organisme qui rassemble les gens; tous les organismes communautaires de Parc-Extension se tournent vers Afrique au Féminin pour son leadership. Un nouveau centre pour Afrique au Féminin est essentiel car les groupes communautaires comptent sur cet espace pour la garde d'enfants, les services sociaux, l'éducation populaire et le dépannage alimentaire. L'acquisition d'un nouveau centre témoigne de la volonté de l'organisation de se tourner vers l'avenir afin de répondre aux besoins des résidents à long terme.