It was in June 2002 that a group of women from the region came together as a working committee to discuss and assess the needs regarding sexual assault in Charlevoix. Recognizing the service gap and growing needs, they acted together to apply for funding, with the goal of establishing a community organization that would help victims of sexual assault.

It was only a few months later, on September 18, 2002 to be exact, that CALACS de Charlevoix was officially established. At first, two workers were lent an office space, but soon, in August 2003, the organization had its own space. Initially, the organization had a 24/7 on-call service that the workers struggled to maintain given the limited staff. This on-call service ended some time later, and major changes were made to the activities and operations: a coordinator was hired temporarily to support the workers in decision-making and develop a plan.

Gradually, the CALACS team grew, solidified, and the Board of Directors became a collective, allowing the organization to operate more horizontally: this structure corresponds to and better adheres to the feminist vision. In 2006, CALACS applied to become a member of the Regroupement québécois des CALACS, thus promoting exchanges and knowledge sharing.

Over the years, the services offered and activities organized by CALACS diversified: awareness and training, self-defence, partnership symposiums, information booths, 12 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women, Day of Action Against Sexual Violence—in short, the workers are not afraid of new challenges!

A major change was made around 2017: following mediation and major restructuring, the organization established a coordinator and administrative assistant position, which somewhat modified internal operations. The team saw the positive in this and adapted to the change. In 2020, the coordinator’s departure shook the organization, which was already struggling to meet the challenge of adapting to the COVID pandemic. CALACS experienced the greatest challenge in the Collective’s history, forcing the large team to act. Of course, the organization adapted, showed resilience (ou: demonstrated resilience), and acted with compassion in its choices and actions, and towards the workers who were holding the organization together.

In 2021, the workers prepared to mark CALACS’s 20th anniversary, which began on September 18. The team rolled up its sleeves, decided to move forward, and imagined a renewed CALACS. The 20th anniversary was marked by several events, including the organization of a symposium: Towards a Culture of Consent, the update of the logo and brand image, the launch of a brand new website, and concluded with a celebration and the presentation of a legacy to the community. In parallel, the direct support and prevention areas developed and underwent restructuring. An outreach intervention service and an intervention coordinator position were created. As well, self-defence was re-established and a brand new support group was launched. CALACS de Charlevoix also made it its mission to shine and become better known in order to offer its services to the greatest number of citizens through a service pathway. This was finally presented during the partner tour, a much-anticipated and necessary tour. The team of 6 passionate and dedicated workers fully intends to continue this momentum of development and hope as it begins its 21st year of existence.

Thank you for trusting us for over 20 years! That’s what we’re here for!