Who we are
A story of goodwill
AJOI was founded in Sainte-Genevieve in 2007. During its first year of existence, AJOI worked mainly to establish and maintain intervention services in relation to being with young people aged 12 to 25 at risk and / or in difficulty in the West Island of Montreal. Noting the need and the lack of resources in the sector, the organization then opened its services to vulnerable people of all ages, focusing on several issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, mental health, legalization, poverty, social exclusion, violence and sexual health. AJOI has come a long way since its founding and is now a recognized organization that helps thousands of young people and vulnerable people every year.
Create a united and safe
community
Mission
AJOI's mission is to offer outreach street and community work prevention and intervention services to young people and vulnerable people in the West Island of Montreal.
Vision
AJOI is committed, through its actions, to creating a united and safe community. It weaves a social net allowing everyone to develop their potential and improve their quality of life. This is AJOI's vision.
Our objectives
Our goal is to offer reception, listening, support, accompaniment, referral and distribution of prevention materials to young people and vulnerable people struggling with one or more problems: homelessness, drug addiction, mental health, legalization, poverty, social exclusion, violence, sexual health, etc.
Develop and offer preventive services in sexual health, drug addiction, homelessness and violence.
Foster consultation and partnership with West Island organizations.
Promote the integration of young people into the community by facilitating and supporting the implementation of collective projects.
Prevent crime and youth joining criminal gangs.
Our values
INTEGRITY
We act with transparency, honesty and respect while remaining true to our values and those of others.
DETERMINATION
We are committed and determined to develop solutions to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people and the whole community.
SOLIDARITY
We work as a team, and with our partners for all members of our community, to achieve our vision.
INCLUSION
We adapt ourselves to the diversity of the people we serve and we welcome them with openness, authenticity and neutrality as they are, with dignity. We are non-judgmental and respect confidentiality.
GOODWILL
Our actions are always guided by kindness, tolerance and compassion.
Historical
2005
Following the release of the Portrait of the needs and realities of young people in the West Island territory in 2005, the "Table de concertation jeunesse de l’Ouest-de-l’Île" is piloting the community work program which allows actions to be taken on the West Island (WI) territory.
2007
On September 12, 2007, the Registraire des entreprises du Québec issued letters patent to AJOI.
2007-2013
Over the years, AJOI expanded the territory it serves. First present in Sainte-Genevieve and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue then in Pierrefonds-Roxboro (2007), the team grew to cover Dorval, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Île-Bizard (2008-2009), Pointe-Claire (2012-2013), as well as all of the municipalities of the WI.
2008
From 2008, AJOI developed numerous street/community work projects tackling various issues, including:
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Jeux de la rue of AJOI (sports tournaments);
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L’Ange de l’AJOI and Projet ACE (prevention of sexual exploitation and sex education workshops);
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AJOI-Mobile (accompaniment service to second-line resources – drug addiction, emergency accommodation);
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Stabilize yourself with the AJOI (adult homelessness);
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TOGA (free sports activities).
2012
The members of the AJOI team began to observe and name the growing problem of homelessness in the WI as early as 2012.
2013
A study on the precarious residence of young people in the WI was carried out in 2013-2014 in collaboration with UQAM and the City of Montreal.
2014
In 2014, a working committee for the creation of an accommodation resource was set up. An opportunity study was carried out in 2015-2016.
2017
AJOI officially incorporates Ricochet (Hébergement·Homes) in 2017.
2020
2020, the year of a global pandemic, AJOI is officially declared an essential service in the WI and participates in several emergency cells set up by the CIUSSS of the WI and community partners. Activities and services are adapting to the context of the pandemic. Requests for help are more numerous, the problems more serious, the beneficiaries are older.
On December 19, 2020, under the wing of AJOI, Ricochet, the first emergency accommodation in the WI, opens its doors. A regular shuttle service is also set up to bring beneficiaries back to Ricochet in the evening, and to other services in the morning.
2023
The team at the heart of AJOI's mission now has 13 street work positions as well as 7 animators throughout the year.
Awards and Recognition
Excellence Award from the Health and Social Services Network
in the category of Prevention, Promotion, and Protection of Health and Well-being
2019
Inclusion Award
presented by the Regroupement of Autonomous Community Youth Organizations of Quebec for exceptional service to a less visible and bilingual clientele, encompassing a large territory and a significant community
2019
Solidarity Succession
from Centraide of Greater Montreal awarded to Tania Charron, Chief Executive Officer
2019
Youth Recognition Award
in the Health category presented to Mardoché Mertilus, then Clinical Coordinator
2017 - 2018
Canada 150 Community Service Award
from the House of Commons of Canada
2017 - 2018
Finalist in the field of
Prevention, Promotion, and Protection of Health and Well-being
at the Excellence Awards of the Health and Social Services Network
2017 - 2018
Best training
by the Youth Development Project - Next Generation Initiative
2015 - 2016
Community Service Award
from the West Island Montreal Chamber of Commerce
2013
Tribute Award
to the AJOI team by the Montreal Police Service for the establishment of the "Comité l'Aut'Gang"
2013
Solidarity Succession Award
from Centraide of Greater Montreal awarded to Benoit Langevin, then General Manager
2013
Community Service Accolade
from The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce
2010 - 2011