Welcome to Maison Emmanuel
History
Maison Emmanuel is a community of people living together, some of whom have special needs, in the Laurentian hills. Located an hour north of Montreal, our community of 45 people is nestled in a valley on old farmland, in the midst of the forest.
Maison Emmanuel, member of the North American Council for Anthroposophic Curative Education and Social Therapy, is inspired by the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and modeled on the worldwide Camphill movement. For us at Maison Emmanuel, building community means living and working side by side, regardless of our background or “ability”, in a healthy social environment. We are conscious of the uniqueness of each individual, and the fundamental importance of building supportive relationships that can allow each of us to fulfill our potential.
Community
Living
Those in need of special care live together with their co-workers in extended family settings, sharing responsibility for the day to day running of the homes. The day is structured around communal mealtimes, domestic chores, work in our craft workshops and caring for our land and gardens. All are involved in building a supportive community environment where everyone learns to care and provide for the needs of others. Festivals, plays, concerts and a weekly ecumenical Sunday gathering, celebrations and outings of allkinds are part of a rich social life, in which meaningful and supportive relationships can develop. Maison Emmanuel aims not only to provide an alternative model of residential care for adults with developmental disabilities: it aims to provide an alternative way of living together in a society where people are often valued on their productivity and earning ability.
Our Philosophy
Maison Emmanuel´s philosophy is fundamentally rooted in the idea that a healthy and strong social life can only be found when each person works for the welfare of the community, and that through a colleagueship the needs (financial, material, emotional) of one will be met by those around him or her, as one strives to meet their needs in return.
In such relationship, ability and productivity no longer become the basis for what I receive: each gives what he or she can for the good of the other, and the needs of each one are met by the community as a whole. Thus, we can break away from the pattern of carer/caregiver relationships, and meet each other as equals in our differences.
Community in the
heart of the Laurentides
There are several ways you can support us:
Make a donation
Become a
contributing member
Make a gift in kind
or of services
Donate in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one
Participate in special events
Sponsor a volunteer coworker
Located in Val-Morin, in a setting of woods, lakes and rivers, an hour’s drive north of Montreal, Maison Emmanuel offers a therapeutic environment for adults of all ages and from all regions of Quebec.
ONLINE DONATION
Make a donation
CANADON.org
Visit our
Café Boutique
24, Rue de l'église à Val David