CSAI: 75 Years of Welcoming and Supporting Immigrants and Refugees
Welcome to Chapter 3 of the Centre Social d’Aide aux Immigrants (CSAI) story! In this chapter, we’ll explore CSAI’s history from 2000 to 2017, a period of pivotal change and growth. If you haven’t yet read the earlier chapters, we encourage you to check out Chapter 1, covering CSAI’s early days from 1947 to the 1960s, and Chapter 2, which delves into the 1970s to 2000s. Together, these stories highlight CSAI’s long-standing commitment to supporting immigrants and refugees.
2001 to 2010: Navigating Change and Embracing New Leadership
The early 2000s brought significant global changes, with the tragic events of September 11, 2001, reshaping perspectives on immigration, particularly for Muslim communities. As anti-immigrant sentiments grew, CSAI remained steadfast in its mission to combat prejudice, racism, and discrimination, ensuring that newcomers continued to feel welcomed and supported.
Shifting to Lay Leadership
By 2003, the founding sisters of the Institut Notre-Dame du Bon-Conseil faced challenges with staffing and aging within their community. They decided to step back from managing CSAI, opening a new chapter with secular leadership. After considering several options, CSAI’s board chose to move forward with a lay management team. This transition was carefully handled, with Sister Lorette Langlais stepping down in 2005 and Sister Ester Champagne and Gary Obas taking on leadership roles. Together, they navigated the organization through significant changes, including finding new premises and securing stable funding. During this period, CSAI welcomed many newcomers, including refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Middle East, continuing its tradition of providing comprehensive support to those in need.
2010 to 2012: Expanding Services in Verdun
In 2010, CSAI launched an innovative Intercultural School Intervention (ISI) pilot project in collaboration with the Commission scolaire de Montréal (CSDM). This project aimed to bridge gaps between schools, immigrant families, and the broader community, offering support in schools to help students and their families integrate successfully. The project’s success led to its expansion across Quebec.
By 2011, CSAI opened a point of service in Verdun, a borough where one in five residents was an immigrant. This new location quickly became a hub for francization classes, integration services, and various social activities, helping immigrants feel connected and supported in their new community.
2013 to 2016: Strategic Planning and Syrian Refugee Response
In 2013, CSAI embarked on its first-ever strategic planning process, setting the stage for future growth and improvement. This involved consulting stakeholders and identifying key areas for development, including refining management practices and enhancing community engagement. During this time, CSAI also responded to the Syrian refugee crisis, welcoming and supporting refugees as part of Canada’s ambitious plan to resettle 25,000 Syrians. Quebec’s focus on private sponsorship presented unique challenges, but CSAI stepped in to assist sponsorship groups, offering guidance and support to ensure refugees were well-accompanied in their new lives.
With the help of partners like the City of Montreal, the Canadian Red Cross, and private foundations such as Centraide of Greater Montreal, CSAI was able to provide essential services, including transportation assistance and community integration support.
Celebrating 70 Years of Service
In 2017, CSAI celebrated its 70th anniversary with a special event at the Paradoxe Theatre, bringing together over 250 participants, including past and present clients, volunteers, and community partners. This milestone was a moment to reflect on CSAI’s rich history and to look forward to a future of continued service and growth.
Looking Ahead
CSAI’s journey from 1947 to 2017 is a powerful testament to its dedication to helping immigrants and refugees build new lives in Quebec. As we continue to grow and evolve, CSAI remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all newcomers, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive.
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