OCYI partner Le CAP is a vibrant organization serving approximately 30,000 Francophone children, youth, adults and families across Ontario each year. Founded only three years ago, Le CAP was born from a decision to combine two organizations so that Ontario’s French population could access services through one point of entry. Offering 20 programs and specialized services for addictions (substances and cyberaddiction) and concurrent disorders (mental health) Le CAP runs fourteen locations, including live in treatment programs.
According to Hanane Abdelmadjid, Director of Communications and Development, a partnership with OCYI makes sense based on similarities in mission and commitment to kids and youth. “Our mission is to help kids, youth, families and the entire community. To offer a continuum of inclusive services, in French, from early childhood to adulthood, that promotes optimal development and support for wellness when facing the challenges of mental health, addictions and concurrent disorders.
Our vision is to be the ultimate reference for the well-being of Ontario’s Francophone communities from early childhood to adult life. Le CAP wants to have a positive impact on the community as a whole and to help its members to live their lives with integrity. We say “with épanouissement” which loosely translates to, “thriving”.
Francophone youth, ages 12-24, and their families are eligible for Le CAP’s outpatient and school-based services, intensive programs, both day treatment and live-in treatment and services for parents and families. Criteria includes showing signs of problematic use of substances and/or technologies and a willingness to participate in the designated process.
Le CAP can also be accessed through 1Call1Click.ca, a bilingual service connecting kids, youth and families to mental health, addictions and substance use health care in Eastern Ontario. Proud of this partnership as well, Hanane says that Le CAP is grateful for the role that collaboration plays in getting children and youth the care they need. “Since inception, our aim has been to make our services accessible to the Francophone community. Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts, we acknowledge that we cannot work in isolation. In this regard, 1Call1Click.ca has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in linking Francophone youth and families with our organization."
Hanane says that one of Le CAP’s biggest strengths is the organization’s ability to really make a difference in people’s lives, often completely free of charge. “What I personally love about working here is the staff. They are all people who care about people. We are a family, of over 200 employees, which captures the essence of what it truly means to be Francophone.”
Asked how the community can support Le CAP, Hanane requests promotion. “Let people know that we are here for the Francophone community. And that we are here to stand up for them.”
When it comes to the reasons why Le CAP feels it important to help children and youth to grow up great, Hanane is passionate and clear. “Supporting children today will ensure they have a bright future and can contribute positively to our city, province and country. Le CAP has seen an increase in demand for services and, sadly, in the complexity of cases. The last three years were stolen from our youth, and they need our help more than ever. We will be there for them. That will be our legacy.”
Learn more about Le CAP at: centrelecap.ca
Check out this activity for children from Le CAP about discovering emotions.
This story is part of the March 2023 Ovation. This story is also available in French.