About us
Who are we?
OUR MISSION
A story of fighting poverty among francophones in Greater Vancouver
La Boussole is a charitable organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged francophones in Greater Vancouver. Through a comprehensive range of services and activities, the community center welcomes, accompanies and guides people according to their needs, and facilitates their social integration.
Founded in 1992, La Boussole cultivates the diversity of its community and raises awareness of the challenges faced by some of its members: poverty, social and/or linguistic isolation, addiction or mental health problems. Our ambition is to bring the community together to help those who need it most, while reducing the stigma that weighs on them.
Our ambition is to bring the community together to help those who need it most, while reducing the stigma attached to them.
OUR HISTORY
La Boussole at a glance
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OUR VALUES
Services & Activities
Social Services
At La Boussole, we offer a complete range of services in French to support you in your day-to-day life, according to your needs and desires.
Cultural & Community Activities
La Boussole offers a wide range of community activities to help you speak and learn French, and keep in touch with Francophones from all walks of life.
OUR TEAM
Richard HOJJAT
Executive DirectorRichard HOJJAT
Arriving in the Vancouver area in 2019 after more than fifteen years leading teams in France, Richard's inspiring and humane leadership style enables him to excel in uniting talents around projects with high social impact. Passionate about organizational development, human sciences and collective intelligence, he is convinced that organizations can transform lives. Sensitive to community and social issues, he joined La Boussole in November 2022 as General Manager, with the determination to create an inclusive and caring environment serving the most vulnerable.
Camille ESCANDE
Cultural and Community Programs ManagerCamille ESCANDE
Arriving in Vancouver in March 2022 after a season as a sled dog guide near Victoriaville, Quebec, Camille quickly became part of the La Boussole team. Starting out as a project coordinator, she went on to manage cultural and community programs. After starting her career in the hotel industry, Camille felt the need to turn to an organization that reflected her values and allowed her to develop fully. Passionate about animals, especially dogs, she also enjoys sharing good food with family and friends.
Malaury FABRE
Health and Social Services ManagerMalaury FABRE
C’est en été 2023 que Malaury a quitté le sud de la France pour rejoindre le calme et la belle nature de Vancouver. Psychologue Clinicienne de formation, elle a commencé sa carrière en soins palliatifs, où elle s’est servie de toutes ses qualités humaines pour accompagner les patients et leur famille dans les moments les plus difficiles. Ayant apporté avec elle son empathie, sa bienveillance et son authenticité, c’est en cherchant à avoir un impact positif qu’elle découvrira la mission de La Boussole, qu’elle rejoindra finalement en tant qu’Intervenante Sociale puis Gestionnaire des Services Sanitaires et Sociaux.
Eléa TROUTTET
Communications and Advocacy LeadEléa TROUTTET
After completing her law studies in Strasbourg, Eléa felt the need to get away from it all, to travel and improve her English. So, in October 2022, she arrived in cold Manitoba as a communications officer. After a trip to British Columbia, she fell under the spell of the province's natural beauty and decided to leave Winnipeg for Vancouver in 2024. Her various jobs have enabled her to realize her commitment to causes that are in line with her values. Passionate about travel and sport, and eager to meet new people, she is always on the lookout for new activities during her days off.
Tristan POUPARD
Outreach WorkerTristan POUPARD
Trained as a social and socio-cultural facilitator, Tristan has worked in a number of organizations dealing with access to rights, the fight against discrimination, and more particularly with health issues. It was while on vacation that he fell under the spell of the region and the city of Vancouver. He decided to move here from Bordeaux. Convinced of the importance of providing caring and inclusive support for French-speaking people, he naturally applied to work at La Boussole.
Marion LANDEMAINE
Outreach WorkerMarion LANDEMAINE
Arriving in Vancouver in August, she quickly fell in love with the city. Prior to that, Marion spent five months traveling across Canada and the West Coast of the United States in a van, an incredible experience that allowed her to discover North America. In the course of her various professional lives, she has discovered that what drives her deeply is creating links and supporting the well-being of others. Today, she is fully involved in community initiatives, participating enthusiastically in projects designed to enrich collective life and encourage exchanges.
Leila FAKIH
Peer Outreach WorkerLeila FAKIH
Trained as an engineer in the Paris region, she worked for 13 years in digital agencies and Internet startups, exploring innovation and the dynamics of cutting-edge companies. Her arrival in Vancouver marked the beginning of a new phase. After benefiting from La Boussole's services, she felt a deep call to reorient herself towards social and community services. This benevolent support confirmed her desire to help those in need. Passionate about writing, reading, nature and travel, Leila enjoys taking on new challenges and contributing to the well-being of her community.
Juliet WARE
Outreach WorkerJuliet WARE
Originally from Montreal, Juliet completed her bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on environmental studies and climate justice at UBC. Since discovering Canada's west coast, she has been keen to explore Central and South America for several months, stimulating her curiosity and improving her Spanish. Now back in Vancouver, Juliet demonstrates her interest in humanitarianism and her knowledge of the multiple determinants of health in the Downtown Eastside population.
Massimo PASSALACQUA
Employment Services SpecialistMassimo PASSALACQUA
Massimo Passalacqua is an employment consultant. He comes from Belgium, where he studied social work. Before arriving in Vancouver, he was lucky enough to make a living from his passion as a musician.
Junior MUKENGA
Settlement Services SpecialistJunior MUKENGA
After leaving Mozambique at the age of 8, Junior settled in Ottawa, where he spent the next 16 years of his life. He studied social work at Carleton University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree. His work experience with French-speaking communities, particularly in the settlement sector, has strengthened his commitment to helping newcomers integrate and participate in a thriving society. In his spare time, Junior enjoys reading, playing various sports, meeting new people and trying out new activities.
Joseph BEGIN
Community AssistantJoseph BEGIN
A native Canadian from Quebec's Eastern Townships, Jo arrived in Vancouver in 2010. Jo is passionate about social justice, the green economy and anything that contributes to building a better world. He has a colorful personality for whom sharing and empowering others is second nature. He arrived at La Boussole in June 2022 as a beneficiary, then joined the team as a contract worker in September 2022. He provides invaluable assistance to the food support program, as well as to the Ensemble eco-solidarity thrift shop.
François Yves LE DOUJET
Food Bank SupervisorFrançois Yves LE DOUJET
François comes from the lost lands of Brittany. After several years as an expatriate in Canada and Mexico, he decided to return to Vancouver in 2022 to set up his Menhir, to be reunited with his family and nature. He joins La Boussolle as a volunteer for a year before officially joining the team in 2024. On the days off, you'll find him restoring bikes or simply enjoying nature.OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LILY CRIST
Chair
ANNABELLE GLAS
Vice President
SIMON CHICOINE
Treasurer
SOFIA LEMAY
Secretary
NOËLIE VANNIER
Advisor
PAULINE DELAVEAU
Advisor
GATIEN KAMGA FOSSOUO
Member Advisor
OUR SPACE
La Boussolehas its own space in the shared offices at 312 Main. The community center now boasts brand-new facilities in a pleasant, friendly and inclusive setting.
Proximity to public transport and accessibility for people with reduced mobility makes the space truly inclusive and facilitates everyone's participation in our our activities.