Help for families on the chopping block: government cuts hit locally

Tashi Farmilo

The Centre de Ressourcement pour la Famille de l’Outaouais (CRFO), a non-profit organization based in Val-des-Monts, that has provided vital support to families in the Outaouais region for more than 35 years, has indefinitely suspended all activities following unexpected and severe funding cuts from the Quebec Ministry of the Family. The abrupt decision has left families, volunteers, and staff scrambling to adjust to the loss of essential services.

On January 15, CRFO officials received confirmation of substantial budget reductions, forcing the organization to halt all planned programs, including respite stays, parenting support initiatives, and community events. In response, the organization had no choice but to lay off the majority of its employees, exacerbating the strain on families already struggling to find affordable support services in the region.

The CRFO has long been regarded as a cornerstone of community support in Outaouais, offering services that ease the burdens of parenting and promote family well-being. Its programming, particularly its nature-based respite stays, has been instrumental in providing relief for parents and fostering emotional health among children. Over the years, CRFO has offered various initiatives, including family wellness retreats, crisis intervention workshops, peer support groups, and parenting skill-building sessions. The organization’s suspension has left a significant void, with 45 families who had been scheduled for respite stays in the coming months now without those crucial services.

The Quebec Ministry of the Family, which oversees funding for community-based organizations, stated that CRFO’s offerings did not align with the criteria of the government’s Financial Support Program for Community Action with Families. According to the ministry, the organization was notified two years ago that its services, which focus primarily on respite stays rather than daycare-like activities, did not meet funding requirements. Despite ongoing discussions and efforts to adapt, the ministry determined that CRFO had not made sufficient changes and subsequently withdrew its financial support.

CRFO officials dispute the claim that they did not attempt to align with ministry requirements. "We have worked tirelessly to enhance our programs and address concerns, but despite our efforts, the ministry maintains that we have not met their evolving criteria," said Kim Chartrand, the organization's interim director. She noted that CRFO had implemented additional activities to support parental skill development and community-building. "Our focus has always been on the well-being of families, and we have done everything possible to adjust to these demands."

Families and community members have expressed outrage over the closure, calling CRFO’s services essential. Many have taken to social media and written letters, stressing that it is the only organization in the region offering respite care for parents in need. Supporters warn of the strain on families already facing significant stress and mental health challenges, emphasizing that no comparable services exist to fill the gap. The organization is encouraging the public to share testimonials highlighting its impact, which will be used in lobbying efforts to restore funding and continue its mission.

Despite the current shutdown, CRFO leadership remains committed to seeking alternative funding sources to resume operations. Chartrand noted that discussions with government officials and other financial partners are ongoing, with hopes that a resolution may be reached in the coming months. Board President Mélanie Lanois reiterated the organization’s dedication to Outaouais families, vowing to continue fighting for the resources necessary to reopen. "We will not abandon the families who rely on us. We are exploring every possible avenue to secure funding," Lanois said.

The Ministry of the Family has stated that it remains open to working with CRFO should it choose to realign its services with government criteria. In the meantime, officials have indicated that they are working with other organizations to mitigate the impact on families left without support.

For families seeking information or wishing to support CRFO’s advocacy efforts, the organization can be reached at 819-457-4066 or 819-230-4066.