Founded in 1973, the Centre St-Pierre (CSP) has stood out as a pillar of social action in Montreal. It aims to promote social commitment in its role as a centre for training, support and public debate. With deep roots in the Centre-Sud, it provides a dynamic space where people can bring their ideas to life and where agencies and individuals can find resources to contribute to the well-being of society.
For our 50th anniversary, CSP Executive Director Charles Fillion told us what Centraide means to him.
Constant evolution
Both Centraide and the CSP are turning 50 this year. Although many things have changed over the decades, our two agencies have always shared the same desire to fight poverty, social exclusion and inequality by supporting the field work of community agencies. Our paths became even more intertwined in 2005, when the community movement reached a turning point with the rapid growth of some agencies, the start of collective action, and the emergence of new social issues. The community sector has also gradually become an employment sector and one that must transfer skills to a new generation, which makes organizational management more demanding.
To meet these needs, the CSP designed and tested a training program to systematize nascent practices and develop materials adapted to the community’s values. Based on the principle of a learning circle, we combined various formats into our governance, management and planning program with training workshops, discussions, informal learning activities, and personalized coaching.
To sustain the program over the long term, we turned to Centraide, which wanted to go beyond its role as a funder and support the community through things like skills development.
Sixteen years later, over 300 people have taken this program, which is constantly evolving. We are also collaborating with Centraide through the Accompagnement O2 and clinical supervision program. We are deeply grateful to them for establishing a partnership based on listening, mutual respect and, above all, the desire to build a better society.
“Our paths became even more intertwined in 2005, when the community movement reached a turning point.”
– Charles Fillion, Executive Director, Centre St-Pierre
1 out of 5 people receives our help.
5 out of 5 people benefit from it.
Let’s all lend a hand
Supporting a network of over 375 community agencies also means promoting an inclusive, poverty-free society.