By : Françoise Stanton (Translation : Tempo staff)

Children, teenagers, families, seniors, immigrants, vulnerable people — Action communautaire Lac-Brome (ACLB) has something for everyone in the activities and services offered by this non-profit organization.

Founded as a non-profit in 2019 following a tragic event involving a young person from Lac-Brome, the organization truly took off a little over five years ago. This explains why it is still relatively unknown to many residents of Lac-Brome, Brome, West Brome, and Bolton-Ouest, to whom it offers an impressive range of services and activities.

Its mission: “To support seniors, youth, and families through local services, inclusive activities, and compassionate accompaniment.”

Activities for Youth

For young people aged 9 to 14, Action communautaire offers themed evenings — pajama, pizza, and movie nights — whose popularity continues to grow.

Combining socialization and prevention, these evenings provide support tailored to the needs of young people. The presence of qualified workers ensures early detection of mental health issues, a challenge that is all too often underestimated, says Nathalia Guerrero Velez, the organization’s executive director.

Dance classes and a promising Youth Leadership initiative round out the offerings.

Another priority project — under discussion with the Brome Lake recreation department — is the creation of a permanent gathering place dedicated to youth, similar to the Maisons des jeunes that already exist in Cowansville, Sutton, and Waterloo. It would be a welcoming space that also encourages intergenerational connections.

Helping Hands

For seniors, the organization offers support and referral services, as well as fitness classes for seniors at the Lac-Brome Community Centre. A home physiotherapy project, in partnership with the Sport Physio clinic, has recently been launched for independent seniors looking to better manage knee or hip osteoarthritis.

At a time when food prices continue to rise, ACLB distributes prepared meals to seniors and families in vulnerable situations. A brand-new initiative has also been launched in partnership with restaurant Le Relais: Le Repas solidaire de Lac-Brome, a free monthly hot and nutritious meal attended by community outreach workers.

Support for Immigrant Families

Importantly, ACLB is the first organization to offer immigrant families — a growing presence in Lac-Brome — guidance and referrals to local services, as well as intercultural gatherings.

For information, to donate or to do much-needed volunteering,

Contact Nathalia Guerrero Vélez 450-830-1016, direction@aclb.ca