Mon Shack administrators, board members, members, volunteers, and residents gathered for its 2024 Annual General Meeting.Photo by William Crooks

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Mon Shack, a prominent community organization dedicated to mental health support located in Lennoxville, held its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) June 26. The AGM officially commenced with the formalities of opening the assembly; the atmosphere was light-hearted, with laughter among attendees, setting a positive tone for the evening.

Annual Activity Report

Executive Director Josée Parent expressed gratitude to the board members and volunteers, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. She ran through the organization’s Annual Activity Report:

Mon Shack has experienced a transformative year marked by growth, adaptation, and community impact. The organization, dedicated to providing supervised residential units for adults with mental health challenges in Estrie, has successfully expanded its services and housing capacity while maintaining financial stability.

The construction and official opening of Mon Shack 2.0 was a significant achievement for the organization. This new building added 22 affordable supervised housing units, effectively doubling the housing capacity of Mon Shack. The expansion was driven by the increasing demand for supportive housing for adults of all ages experiencing mental health issues. The original Mon Shack building, with its 18 affordable units, continues to cater to young adults aged 18-35, providing intensive to moderate follow-up support.

Mon Shack has been at the forefront of addressing mental health needs in the community. The new building not only provides additional housing but also extends the range of services offered, including light support to maintain autonomy and aid recovery for residents. The services are bilingual, reflecting the community’s needs and ensuring accessibility for all.

Volunteers played a crucial role in the success of Mon Shack’s initiatives. The organization benefited from 1,283 hours of volunteer work, including significant contributions from the general management team. The dedication of these volunteers ensured the continuity of high-quality services and the maintenance of the new facility.

Mon Shack’s community support was evident through various fundraising activities. Notable among these was the second edition of the benefit dinner, which raised $22,943 to support the organization’s mission. Additionally, the “Pump for the Cause” campaign and other local partnerships collectively contributed thousands of dollars, demonstrating strong community involvement and commitment.

Mon Shack continued to offer a diverse range of programs aimed at fostering community integration and improving the mental health of its residents. Activities such as art therapy, physical fitness sessions, and group cooking workshops were well-received, with a total of 3,522 participations recorded. These activities not only support the residents’ recovery but also promote social inclusion and reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.

Looking ahead, Mon Shack has outlined several strategic priorities:

1. Development and implementation of a strategic plan: To ensure effective management and clear goal-setting, Mon Shack aims to establish a comprehensive strategic plan.

2. Equitable salary structure: Implementing a fair and transparent salary scale to attract and retain qualified staff.

3. Funding search: Continuous efforts to secure necessary funding to sustain and enhance service offerings.

4. Organizational and financial stability: Strengthening the organizational structure and financial foundation to support both existing and new facilities.

5. Communication plan development: Crafting a targeted communication strategy to enhance public recognition and support fundraising efforts.

Financial report

The financial report for the year was presented by auditors from Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. Shawn Frost, an associate at the firm, provided an overview of the financial statements. The report revealed a substantial increase in revenue, totaling $685,519 for the year, compared to $626,806 the previous year. This increase allowed Mon Shack to expand its services and hire more staff.

Frost elaborated on the financial details, “Obviously, with this new building, there are additional revenues and government grants. It’s all good news for the organization.” The total expenses for the year amounted to roughly $626,000, leading to a surplus of $58,713. Frost praised the organization’s financial health and effective management.

Testimonial from a former resident

One of the most touching moments of the evening was a testimonial from a former resident, who shared her personal journey and the positive impact Mon Shack had on her life. She said, “A year ago, I decided to take flight in my new life with my 17-year-old daughter in my own apartment. Josée reassured me at that time about my fears by saying that Mon Shack will always be there to support me and that I am always welcome to come to activities when I feel the need. She also reminded me that I had acquired many good and beautiful strengths during my three years at the Shack.”

A current resident then chimed in, “Mon Shack has allowed me to find peace of mind, regain my creativity, and build my self-esteem. Now, I feel safe and can sleep soundly. I have rediscovered the joy of making jewelry and painting, which has significantly boosted my confidence.”

Adoption of new regulations

The meeting addressed several administrative matters, including the adoption of new regulations and budget forecasts for the coming year. The proposed changes were explained in detail, and members were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. The regulations were adopted unanimously.

Parent presented the budget forecasts, highlighting the organization’s financial health and future plans. “We expect to maintain a healthy financial status with a small surplus,” she noted. The budget includes provisions for staff salaries, operational costs, and community programs. Parent emphasized the importance of donations in sustaining their activities, acknowledging the efforts of the fundraising team.

Board member elections

The AGM also included the election of new board members. Three existing board members – Hélène Boivin, Frédéric Bossé, and Émilie Beaudet – were re-elected by acclamation. Parent thanked the outgoing board members for their contributions and welcomed the new members.

Closing remarks and adjournment

In concluding the meeting, attendees were invited to share their thoughts and highlights from the past year. One member expressed admiration for Parent, stating, “Josée, you are my super-woman. I know you have a great team, but I don’t know how you do it.” This sentiment was echoed by others, who praised the dedication and hard work of the Mon Shack team.

The meeting ended with a vote to adjourn, and as members lingered and enjoyed lasagna and Caesar salad, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future.