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 centre 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
Mary
Directrice GénéraleMary
Arrivée à Vancouver il y a près de neuf ans. Déjà membre de l’équipe de La Boussole entre 2018 et 2021, elle revient aujourd’hui en tant que directrice générale. Sa connaissance approfondie de l’organisme et des réalités sociales du territoire constitue un véritable atout pour guider La Boussole. En dehors du travail, Mary est une grande amatrice de plein air : elle aime profiter de la nature, pratiquer diverses activités sportives et s’adonner à des activités créatives. Très attachée à la C.-B., elle y a trouvé un équilibre de vie qui lui ressemble.Camille
Cultural and Community Programs ManagerCamille
Arrivée à Vancouver en mars 2022 après une saison en tant que guide de chiens de traîneaux près de Victoriaville (Québec), Camille a rapidement intégré l’équipe de La Boussole. D'abord coordinatrice de projet, et ensuite gestionnaire des programmes culturels et communautaires. Après avoir débuté sa carrière dans l’hôtellerie, elle a ressenti le besoin de se tourner vers un organisme qui reflète ses valeurs et lui permet de s’épanouir pleinement. Passionnée par les animaux, en particulier les chiens, elle aime aussi partager de bons repas avec sa famille et ses amis.Eléa
Communications and Advocacy LeadEléa
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.Massimo
Employment Services SpecialistMassimo
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.Tristan
Outreach WorkerTristan
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
Outreach WorkerMarion
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
Peer Outreach WorkerLeila
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.Junior
Settlement Services SpecialistJunior
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.François
Food Bank SupervisorFrançois Yves
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.Joseph
Community AssistantJoseph
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.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 centre 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.