The Organization
Founded more than 25 years ago by a group of caregivers, the Groupe des aidants du Sud-Ouest (commonly known as GASO) has grown significantly thanks to its positive impact on the LaSalle community.
Our Mission
We work to improve the quality of life for caregivers, prevent their burnout, and promote their recognition and interests within the community.
Our Vision
We aim to meet the needs of adult caregivers in the West and Southwest of Montreal, ensuring they feel supported, heard, and equipped to face the challenges they encounter daily.
Our Values
Self-determination: Empowering both our staff and caregivers by recognizing their ability to take action and make decisions. Self-determination is central to our approach: caregivers are the experts of their own situations and are best equipped to choose their own solutions when supported appropriately.
Le respect du rythme et des enjeux de chaque personne proche aidante. Un respect mutuel entre les intervenant.e.s et les membres permet d’installer une atmosphère saine et sécurisante bienfaitrice pour tou.te.s.
Transparency: Every individual involved in GASO values transparency, which fosters good organizational management, smooth internal procedures, and strong relationships with community partners.
Accessibility: We strive to offer personalized support with reasonable wait times, ensuring our members have easy access to our services. GASO is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming space for all caregivers, regardless of their life circumstances.
Uniqueness: We recognize and celebrate the individuality of each caregiver—their reality, journey, and experiences. This value is at the heart of our organization’s functioning, inspiring an innovative spirit in our staff and services.
Confidentiality: The privacy of personal information, shared stories, and lived experiences is of utmost importance. Our secure and professional data management system is handled exclusively by our internal administration. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of all our interventions.
Board of Directors
Hélène Bourduas
President
Sylvie Gravel
Vice President
Lucie Desgroseilliers
Secretary
André Valoir
Treasurer
Jean-Pierre Lavoie
Board Member
Nathalie Maillette-Lacroix
Board Member
Our Team
Jiri Snitil
Executive Director
Mélanie Branchaud
Development Coordinator
Maryann Morin
Counselor
Valérie Hill, Psychosocial Counselor
Psychosocial Counselor
Mélanie Montpetit
Psychosocial Counselor
Stéphanie Ouellet
Psychosocial Counselor
Samantha Dobbin
Certified Art Therapist (MA ATPQ)
Annabelle Brault
Certified Music Therapist (MA MTA)
Annie Cusson
Relaxation Workshop Facilitator and Social Worker
Élaine Clavet
Clinical Supervisor, Social Worker, and Psychotherapist
Annual report of the past year
Browse Our 2023-2024 Annual Report :
- Key moments from the past year.
- The impact of our services on the caregiver community we serve.
- Our organizational profile, achievements, and feedback on our services.
- Inspiring testimonials from our members.
- Our collaboration and communication efforts.
- Our partnerships and joint initiatives.
ProAllié Program
The ProAllié Program by the Fondation Émergence aims to create ally-friendly workplaces that ensure the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. Our entire team GASO has been trained on the fundamentals of sexual and gender diversity, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, and the best practices to ensure inclusive spaces. Thanks to the ProAllié Program, GASO is committed to being a proactive and engaged ally.
