ABOUT
The Beginning
Maison Marie-Louise was born of the desire of the Daughters of Wisdom to create a place of sharing and solidarity for families and individuals in need of short-term support in the Vanier community.
Named after the Blessed Marie-Louise Trichet, who co-founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom in 1703, Maison Marie-Louise opened its doors in 1997 at 67 Genest Street. At the heart of the Maison’s day-to-day operations are those values that promote the sacred dimension of life: the dignity of the person, compassion, justice, and community spirit. The Maison’s initial goals were to identify the needs of the Francophone population and find concrete ways of fulfilling them. Since then, the Maison has expanded its services and now provides consultation, computer literacy training, community field trips and outings, and holiday gatherings.
From its early days, Maison Marie-Louise has made a difference in the lives of those who walk through its doors, and in recent years it has increased its reach to an even greater portion of the community.
In 2001, Maison Marie-Louise moved to 287 Montreal Road in order to increase its visibility and develop its programming. By moving to the heart of Vanier, on its main street, Maison Marie-Louise has experienced continuous expansion, requiring greater financial and material needs.
Recognized as a place of welcome that has proven its community impact, Maison Marie-Louise obtained its non-profit status in 2005 and set up a lay board of directors. It also established itself at 235 Ste-Anne Avenue, the address it still occupies today.
Over the years, the Maison Marie-Louise has become a privileged place for intercultural connections, which owes its success to a program that advocates a human approach based on listening, welcoming, positive consideration of others and compassion.