Who we are
Create a united and safe community
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.
Our Values
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.
Objectives :
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Develop and offer preventive services in sexual health, drug addiction, homelessness and violence.
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Promote the integration of young people into the community by facilitating and supporting the implementation of collective projects.
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Foster consultation and partnership with West Island organizations.
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Prevent crime and youth joining criminal gangs.
Our Story
2005
Following the release of a report on the needs and realities of youth in Montreal’s West Island, the Table de concertation jeunesse de l’Ouest-de-l'Île launched an outreach community work program to begin taking action across the territory.
2007
On September 12, 2007, Action Jeunesse de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (AJOI) was officially incorporated under the Quebec Enterprise Registrar.
2007–2013
Over the years, AJOI steadily expanded its reach. Initially active in Sainte-Geneviève and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, then Pierrefonds-Roxboro (2007), the team grew to serve Dorval, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Île-Bizard (2008–2009), Pointe-Claire (2012–2013) and eventually all municipalities across the West Island.
2008
Starting in 2008, AJOI developed a wide range of outreach initiatives addressing diverse community issues, including:
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West Island Jeux de la rue (sports tournaments)
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AJOI Angel & ACE Project (sexual exploitation prevention and sex education workshops)
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AJOI-Mobile (accompaniment to specialized services such as addiction support and emergency housing)
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Stabilize Yourself with AJOI (adult homelessness support)
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TOGA (free sports activities)
2012
As early as 2012, AJOI team members began identifying and documenting the growing issue of homelessness in the West Island.
2013
A study on youth housing instability in the West Island was conducted in 2013–2014 in collaboration with UQAM and the City of Montreal.
2014
In 2014, a working committee was created to develop a housing resource. A feasibility study followed in 2015–2016.
2017
AJOI officially founded Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes) in 2017.
2020
During the global pandemic, AJOI was recognized as an essential service in the West Island and took part in multiple emergency response initiatives alongside the CIUSSS and community partners.
Services were rapidly adapted to meet increasing and more complex needs, with an older beneficiary population.
On December 19, 2020, under AJOI’s leadership, Ricochet, the first emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness in the West Island, opened its doors. A shuttle service was also launched to transport beneficiaries to the shelter in the evening and to other services in the morning.
2021–2024
AJOI continued to establish itself as a leader and advocate for outreach street work locally, in Montreal and across Quebec, through active involvement with the ROCQTR and ATTRueQ, including participation on their boards of directors.
2025
In January 2025, thanks to the mobilization of its outreach street workers and the support of the federal government and the City of Dorval, AJOI launched a warming station service in Dorval during the winter season.
Located behind the transit terminal, a heated trailer installed by the city offers 10 seats, coffee, snacks and psychosocial support from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., 7 days a week, for people experiencing homelessness in the area.
Our Awards and Recognition
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Excellence Award
Excellence Award from the Health and Social Services Network in the category of Prevention, Promotion, and Protection of Health and Well-being.
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Inclusion Award
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.
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Solidarity Succession Award
Solidarity Succession from Centraide of Greater Montreal awarded to Tania Charron, Chief Executive Office.
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Youth Recognition Award
Youth Recognition Award in the Health category presented to Mardoché Mertilus, then Clinical Coordinator.
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Community Service Award
Canada 150 Community Service Award from the House of Commons of Canada.
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Finalist : Excellence Award
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.
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Best training
Best training by the Youth Development Project - Next Generation Initiative.
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Community Service Award
Community Service Award from the West Island Montreal Chamber of Commerce.
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Tribute Award
Tribute Award to the AJOI team by the Montreal Police Service for the establishment of the "Comité l'Aut'Gang"
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Solidarity Succession Award
Solidarity Succession Award from Centraide of Greater Montreal awarded to Benoit Langevin, then General Manager.
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Community Service Accolade
Community Service Accolade from The West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce.