Photo courtesy
Santa spreading holiday cheer at Manoir St. Francis last Christmas, delighting residents and staff with festive surprises and warm smiles
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a remarkable achievement underscoring its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Manoir St. Francis in Lennoxville has been recognized with the Cultural Diversity Award by Actions Interculturelles. This accolade highlights the facility’s success in integrating a culturally diverse workforce, reflecting its values of fairness, stability, and empathy.
The award, presented by Actions Interculturelles, a Sherbrooke-based organization advocating for immigrant integration, marks a significant milestone for the manor. While the facility had been a finalist in the past, this year’s win cements its reputation as a model employer in the region.
General Manager Gabriela Rotariu expressed her pride in an email to staff: “This award recognizes our shared efforts and values. It’s a testament to the welcoming environment we’ve created together.” Rotariu, who has been instrumental in implementing inclusive policies at the manor, spoke about the tangible steps the team takes to support new employees, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds.
“We welcome people from all over the world—Philippines, Africa, Romania, Hungary—you name it,” Rotariu explained during a recent interview. “When someone joins, we make sure they feel at home from day one. This includes a comprehensive orientation, guided tours, and assigning a mentor to help them adjust.”
One standout initiative is the provision of temporary housing for newly arrived immigrant workers. “For personnel from places like Tunisia, we offer accommodations until they can find their own apartments. We even assist in their housing search,” Rotariu said. This hands-on support extends beyond the workplace, fostering a sense of belonging that employees often pass on to their peers through recommendations.
Rotariu credited the manor’s employee manual, which strictly prohibits discrimination and intimidation, as a cornerstone of their success. The policies are supplemented by cultural sensitivity training conducted in partnership with Actions Interculturelles. These sessions educate staff on recognizing and addressing microaggressions, such as inappropriate nicknames or dismissive behaviours.
The benefits of these efforts ripple through the organization. “Our residents, initially hesitant about diversity, now embrace it,” Rotariu shared. “It’s been a learning curve, but they’ve come to appreciate the warmth and dedication our diverse team brings.” She highlighted how cultural enrichment has become a shared experience, with employees showcasing their traditions through food, storytelling, and celebrations.
A key aspect of the manor’s hiring success lies in its collaborative approach with local institutions like Bishop’s University and Champlain College, as well as word-of-mouth recommendations from current and former employees. “If someone enjoys working here, they spread the word. It creates a network of trust and opportunity,” said Rotariu.
While the province’s requirement for French language proficiency poses challenges, Rotariu sees it as an opportunity to foster bilingualism. “We hire English speakers and support them in learning French,” she explained. This approach not only broadens the talent pool but also strengthens the manor’s bilingual capabilities, benefitting both employees and residents.
Looking ahead, Rotariu emphasized the manor’s ongoing commitment to improving its practices. “There’s always room to grow,” she said. Plans include further collaboration with Actions Interculturelles and expanding language training programs.
As the holiday season approaches, the manor is planning a festive celebration that reflects its multicultural ethos. Staff and residents will don traditional outfits from their respective cultures, offering a glimpse into the richness of global traditions. “I’ll wear a Romanian outfit, and we hope others will join in with their own traditions,” Rotariu said with enthusiasm.
This award is not just a recognition of past efforts but a call to continue fostering an inclusive and harmonious community. As Rotariu aptly put it, “It’s teamwork that makes diversity thrive. I’m grateful for our incredible team that makes this possible every day.”