THE MISSION
La Maison d'Ariane is an independent community organization based in the Rivière-du-Nord and northern Mirabel MRCs. Its mission is to help abused women and children regain power over their lives and advocates to end domestic violence.
Our history
Rationale for the name
"LA MAISON D'ARIANE" According to an article published in the newspaper Journal Écho du Nord on January 30, 1985, Greek mythological figure Ariadne (Ariane, in French) gave Theseus a ball of thread which he used to escape the labyrinth after slaying the Minotaur. Inspired by this legendary fresco, La Maison d’Ariane tries to be that thread that will help each woman escape from her own labyrinth of problems.
A group of eight socially conscious women decided to open a women’s shelter in Saint-Jérôme after noticing there were few resources for women in the community. They wanted to create a space where victims of domestic violence could get help and support without having to move away from their families, jobs, or children’s school just to be safe.
They worked for nearly three years to make this a reality, with efforts ramping up in the fall of 1984 and winter 1985 and culminating in the letters of incorporation (Charter) on January 29, 1985. The founding pioneers formed a temporary board of directors, comprising: Lise Bastien, Marcelle Bastien, Shirley Ann Leclerc, Céline Nadon, Gyslaine Paquin, Suzanne Varin, Christiane Forget and Marie Campbell Boucher.
January 29, 1985
Incorporation of La Maison d’Ariane
August 12, 1985
Shelter opens with 3 bedrooms
November 1985
Logo design
THE VALUES
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Respect
Being considerate of oneself, others and the environment, both in our actions and our words. -
Solidarity
Being inclusive and joining forces so that our diversity makes us stronger. In solidarity we can regain our collective power. -
Authenticity
Being honest with oneself and with others. Acting with congruency and transparency. -
Empowerment
Feeling, thinking, and acting freely according to your own choices. -
Equality
Everyone has the same rights and obligations. Equity recognizes the difference among women.
The feminist approach
All our actions, services, assessments and management methods are inspired by the feminist approach.
The feminist approach to domestic violence is grounded in a set of principles that guide our daily actions. Our interventions, in addition to being based on feminist principles, are designed to be non-judgmental, empathetic and to result in the establishment of egalitarian relationships.
The ultimate principle of the feminist approach, and the basis of everything we do, is that: « Women and children can regain power over their lives through solidarity with other women, equality and advocacy for their rights.
To do this, we hold to our 3 « specific » principles:
- Women and children are not responsible for the violence they suffer.
- Women have the right to autonomy, respect, and freedom.
- Women have the potential and skills to lead their lives and make decisions that are in their best interest.
We consider domestic violence to be a social problem – not an individual one – that is a direct result of the historical power imbalance between men and women in relationships.