Nourishing Joy and Connection
Creating a space where community can thrive
On weekdays and a few evenings a week a large light-filled, welcoming space at Actionmarguerite St. Boniface transforms into a community hall where seniors and younger adults living with support and care in their own homes gather and find connection and belonging.
On a Tuesday, you might see a group of women, who have become friends over several years, share cups of coffee, stories, advice and look to make sure everyone is doing OK. On Fridays, younger adults talk, play games, and share their experiences and hopes in the space. On Thursdays, the room hums with French conversation as seniors celebrate a birthday or participate in some gentle exercise or a craft activity.
These are some of the many faces and voices of the 85 participants in the Adult Day Program, affectionately known as the ADP, offered by Actionmarguerite. This is a place where people, who might otherwise be alone, find friendship and belonging. It is a time that they look forward to with great anticipation each week. And it is a vital service that those that care for them and love can trust and count on.
Everyone here shares a deep appreciation for how the program enriches their lives — and a shared excitement about what could come next. To build on that sense of community and possibility, Actionmarguerite Foundation is raising funds to create a proper kitchen and a safe, upgraded courtyard — spaces designed to deepen connection, creativity and time together.
For ADP Program Coordinator, Laura Routhier, this is not a nice-to-have; it is essential to living Actionmarguerite’s mission of service and compassion and fulfilling a promise to co-create environments where life is good. “This isn’t just a program,” she said. “It’s a second home. For many people we support, this is their only chance to connect and to socialize and bring meaning and purpose to their days.”
Some participants live on their own or are cared for by family in their home. The ADP team provides a regular and important touchpoint in their lives. As the population ages, the demand is increasing for community supports to help people live in community longer and to support full-time caregivers with much-needed respite, time for themselves, and peace of mind.
The kitchen is the heartbeat for the St. Boniface ADP community. Built in the 1990s, it has an outdated U-shaped design that is not suitable for people using wheelchairs, walkers or those who have mobility challenges. Equipped only with a dated dishwasher, sink and fridge, the kitchen relies on a warming cart, coffee maker, toaster and microwave for food preparation and service.
Plans for the renovation include proper appliances—an oven and stove—along with lower cupboards accessible to wheelchair users and a large island where participants can gather for preparation or conversation.
As part of Actionmarguerite’s commitment to person-directed living, participants, families and program staff have been very involved in the planning. “When we ask them what matters most to them, this is the number one request,” says Laura. They dream of the smell of muffins baking in the morning, celebrations around birthday cakes and holiday treats, and everyone sitting together at the island, chatting over coffee or preparing favourites like pancakes, puddings or rice krispie squares. Cooking and baking workshops could also become part of the program.
“It’s a game changer,” Laura says — an opportunity each day to celebrate, share, create memories, get involved, and be nourished in body, mind and soul.
This vision extends to the outdoors. Renovation plans also include much-needed upgrades to an existing courtyard adjacent to the ADP space. Used during the COVID pandemic for a visiting pod, the well-loved outdoor space no longer has a fence and is not accessible or safe for wheelchairs or unsteady feet.
“We started a small garden and got a wheelchair accessible swing, but we could do so much more,” says Laura, noting the importance of fresh air and nature as therapy. Staff member Kaytie is excited by the possibilities, such as birdwatching, picnics, chalk art, horseshoes, croquet. “I can imagine people relaxing outside, enjoying the sun, listening to music in the warm weather, and smelling the flowers.”
Actionmarguerite is grateful that many have already embraced this vision, with 75% of the funding secured for the project. As the need grows for this caring support in the community, Actionmarguerite Foundation is seeking support for the final steps to complete the project.
“Our clients deserve this and our families absolutely depend on this support, and we may need it ourselves some day” says Laura. “We all need compassion, dignity and meaning in our lives.”
“I really like it here. It’s nice to communicate with others because most of the time I am alone.” (Martha)
“I love the program. Activities stimulate my brain and it’s a good way to get out of the house.” (Rita)