The community is founded on the principle that people in need of special care possess life qualities and gifts which often go unrecognized.
Maison Emmanuel’s goal is to provide a way of life which allows discovery and expression of these qualities and gifts. Work, which contributes towards the well being of the community, creates a sense of self-worth and joy in achievement for co-workers and our residents alike.
Nurturing, loving relationships can be created in a warm and accepting environment. Maison Emmanuel was inspired by the philosophy of the international Camphill movement, built on the ideas of Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy. Interested in becoming a volunteer at Maison Emmanuel?
Follow these 4 steps:- Familiarise yourself with the following information that all potential volunteer must know.
- Fill out the initial enquiry form.
- You will then receive additional information from us.
- Fill out the application form.
1 - Familiarise yourself with the following information.
Life at Maison Emmanuel
Maison Emmanuel is home to approximately 60 people, including 23 adolescents and young adults in need of special care, living and working together in a rural setting in the beautiful Laurentian mountains 80 kms. north of Montreal.
We are an international community with volunteer coworkers of all ages coming from countries around the world.
Both French and English are spoken in the community, our people in need of special care come from francophone and anglophone families. The predominant language in the surrounding community is French.
The basis of community life
Is an extended family program. This means that house- parents as well as coworkers share their lives with our people in need of special care. All are involved in the day to day running of the houses, the estate, the garden and the small farm, to the full extent of their abilities.
Within the community, in Val-Morin, are workshops for woodwork and candle making, in addition to the work on the land and in the farm and garden. In Val-David, we have a weavery, a pottery workshop and a bakery workshop, where we have another house, Maison Julia.
Volunteer coworkers are allocated to one of our houses, where they support and assist the daily routine of the villagers and the basic running of the house. They also participate in the workshop programme working alongside our villagers.
House Parents Maison Emmanuel is actively seeking individuals and couples who would be interested in making a longer term commitment and in taking on the responsibility for the day to day running one of our houses. We have openings both in the more rural setting of our main site in Val Morin, and in a smaller house in the nearby village of Val-David (9 kms. away). This house is home to three long term residents and is an opportunity for someone who, while interested in community living, would also be attracted to the unique character of a smaller house with closer links to the wider community. Val David is also home to three of our workshops, and we wish to build better links to our local community.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact us with any questions they may have.
An important part of the life of the community
Is the rhythm of the daily routine and the cycle of the year. Seasonal festivals and plays are an integral part of community life in which all participate.
People come to Maison Emmanuel from different cultural and religious backgrounds. We ask that everyone have an openness to the non-denominational spiritual life of the community, which has its basis in Christianity. Participation is expected in our weekly Sunday service as our people in need of special care must be accompanied. Other religious events are open to those who wish to participate.
Weekly Seminars
Volunteer co-workers who are not familiar with the background of our life and work participate in our Orientation Course, held one morning a week and usually extending from September to May. An introduction to curative education and social therapy, working with people with special needs, community life, crisis intervention and artistic activities, such as clay-modeling, painting, theatre plays, spatial dynamics and eurythmy are some examples of the contents of this course.
Volunteer co-workers and Policy
There are around 24 coworkers of all ages in the community, some of whom are long term carrying members, others who come for a year. Each volunteer receives a monthly stipend.
In addition, we offer the use of our cars to those with an international permit. A 100.00$, deposit is required of all cowokers wishing to drive a community car. This deposit may be used, for example, to pay any traffic violations, pay for the loss of car keys or cover dammages caused by negligence, etc. Deposit could be refundable if nothing happens.
Board and lodging are of course covered by the community. Our co-workers are covered by the Quebec health insurance once they have been here for three months.
The initial three months are considered a trial period:
for all new co-workers to determine whether they are able to integrate in to the life of the community and work appropriately with the people in need of special care. You are required to sign an agreement to this effect on arrival.
Each co-worker has a free day each week, and a double day per month.
Vacation Policy
- One year co-workers receive 2 vacation days for each full month they are at Maison Emmanuel. vacation is taken at the end of the coworkers stay, in addition they receive 5 days vacation during the Christmas period for a total of 29 days.
- Co-workers who stay for more than 4 full months receive 2 days vacation for each full month of work at Maison Emmanuel. For a stay of less than 4 months there are no vacation days included in the agreement.
- Co-workers whose agreement extends beyond a year, receive 4 weeks vacation per year.(one week being a 7 days period) and 2 days vacation for each additional full month of work, plus 5 days vacation during the Christmas period.
Co-workers coming from abroad require a volunteer work permit.
Once your application has been accepted, Maison Emmanuel will send you all the necessary documents to apply for a visa.
You should know that the work permit application process can take up to 3 months.
The physical and emotional well-being, of our people in need of special care is paramount.
The conduct of the coworkers must be supportive of this requirement.
The use of drugs and alcohol is not permitted.
For those who wish to do an internship or practicum as a school or work requirement, all of the above applies except you will not receive pocket money. Attendance in the co-worker training seminar is reserved for those who stay for three months or longer.
Voluntary Social Year Abroad - Alternative Service Abroad Applicants
All of the above applies to those who wish to do their alternative service abroad at Maison Emmanuel.
For German Applicants who apply through accredited agencies, all financial remuneration is taken on by the referring organisation. To receive the necessary information from the German government, you can get in touch with, among others, the:
2 - Initial enquiry Please fill out the enquiry form (click here).
For those of you who do not wish to use our website to submit your enquiry, please contact us by mail, telephone or fax at:
The Admissions Group
Maison Emmanuel, Centre Éducatif
1561 Chemin Beaulne
Val-Morin QC Canada J0T 2R0
Tel. 819-322-7014 Fax: 819-322-6930
Email:
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3 - Do not go to step 4 - You will receive additional information from us.The Admissions Group will then let you know about the availability of positions for the time period you have specified.
4 - Final application -To fill out the application form (click here).
The Admissions Group will be in touch with you. |
Volunteers 
