Hand-In-Hand

Thriving for over 40 remarkable years and lovingly stewarded by Melissa Chamberlain and Assistant E.M.S.B. teacher, Karen Spilak, this inclusive day program provided the equivalent of 1,100 hours of specialized care to members of our community last year.

Hand-In-Hand is the only program of its kind offered in English on the island of Montreal. Despite exceeding our capacity to meet demand, we are committed to fostering a welcoming community where every participant is cared for, celebrated, has a voice, and feels valued.

Aged between 25 and 70 years old, our participants often live on low-income, are stigmatized in society and are rarely given the opportunity to partake in affordable cultural, recreational and leisure activities. By promoting a supportive atmosphere, our participants are equipped to hone vital skills across various disciplines including mathematics, literacy, art, creativity, and physical fitness. This meticulously crafted curriculum not only showcases the depth of our shared humanity, but also fosters cohesion and allowed us to provide care for 17 adults in 2023.

Hand-In-Hand acknowledges the distinctive challenges encountered by adults living with disabilities, and we are committed to empowering them throughout their life journey. Our mission centers on nurturing their communication abilities, facilitating genuine connections among peers, and promoting their autonomy. Guided by principles of safety, collaboration, and respect, we establish a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates the unique strengths and potential of every individual.

During the summer months, Hand-In-Hand offers a Six-Week Day Camp program which provides recreational and leisure activities in the community. Our activities are adapted to meet the needs and abilities of our participants. From day trips to the Eco-museum, to bowling at the Rose Bowl, from visits to the Atwater Market to swimming at the community pool, our program also includes a range of educational activities aimed at fostering awareness and inspiring change. With a focus on timely topics like the environment and climate change, we introduced workshops on permaculture, agriculture, and other relevant subjects. Our commitment goes beyond fun and learning as we aim to educate our participants on social issues, providing them with knowledge and empowering them to effect positive change.

For more information, contact Melissa Chamberlain at hand-in-hand@saintcolumbahouse.org.