Role of the Centre Jeunesse de l’Estrie Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Centre Jeunesse de l’Estrie Foundation is a regional charitable foundation based in Estrie, Quebec. It exists to complement the work of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie–CHUS (youth protection mission) by providing flexible financial resources and tailored programs for children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, violence or abandonment. Each year it supports hundreds of young people followed by the DPJ by financing projects that their public services alone could not cover.
The foundation’s funding focuses on several key areas: access to health and therapeutic services, sports and cultural activities, school perseverance and post‑secondary education, preparation for independent living and housing, and emotional well‑being. Through its programs it offers direct financial assistance, bursaries, in‑kind support such as starter kits for housing, and the development of specialized living environments like the Foyer Kelly.
Main funding programs and initiatives
Among its flagship initiatives, the foundation operates the Foyer Kelly, a supervised residential home in Sherbrooke for adolescents aged 12 to 18. While the house itself is a service environment, the foundation finances its maintenance, educational and recreational activities, and the material resources needed to create a safe and structured living space.
The foundation also runs the Projet CLÉ, a structured bursary program designed for young people leaving youth protection who wish to pursue post‑secondary studies. Eligible participants can receive up to $5,000 per year in financial support, paid monthly and complementing government loans and bursaries. Additional ad‑hoc assistance can be granted for essential needs directly related to education, such as purchasing a computer, transportation or emergency food support. Candidates are referred by CIUSSS interveners and are supported by volunteer mentors from the community.
The "Mon Toit à moi" program focuses on housing autonomy. It provides financial help and a starter kit so that 18‑year‑olds leaving care can furnish and equip their first apartment. In 2021, for example, the program distributed $37,665 to 35 young adults. Other initiatives support everyday needs and therapeutic settings, including sensory and calming rooms, comfort items like blankets and bundles for children who must leave their family home, animal‑assisted interventions, and donation drives for practical goods.
General evaluation criteria and target groups
Across its portfolio, the foundation targets children and youth aged 0 to 17 followed by youth protection services in Estrie, as well as young adults in transition to independence. Programs typically require that applicants be connected to the DPJ or to services of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie–CHUS, with many referrals channelled through interveners who assess the young person’s motivation, educational plans and basic autonomy. For the Projet CLÉ bursary, for example, candidates must be enrolled full time in post‑secondary studies, maintain their academic commitments, apply for government loans and bursaries, and accept mentoring.
Transparency, governance and accountability
The foundation publishes detailed annual reports that present financial information, highlights of funded initiatives, and the impact of the sums distributed each year. These reports describe the amounts allocated to different projects such as day camps, social and cultural activities, housing support and therapeutic programs. This level of transparency helps donors and partners understand how their contributions are transformed into concrete assistance for youth.
Supported audiences and overall impact
By combining financial aid, material support and mentoring, the Centre Jeunesse de l’Estrie Foundation seeks to rebuild hope and provide young people with tools to succeed. Its programs contribute to school perseverance, access to enriching experiences, stabilization of living environments and smoother transitions to adult life. Working closely with institutional partners and community volunteers, the foundation occupies a central place in the regional funding ecosystem for vulnerable youth in Estrie.