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On the evening of September 9, the 4 Korners Family Resource Center held its annual general meeting. Now in its fourth year, the non-profit organization has become a staple in the city of Deux-Montagnes. Mayor Marc Lauzon was present at the meeting and spoke about the importance of serving the Anglophone community. "4 Korners does a great job for Deux-Montagnes. I think it's important for higher government to recognize we have an English community too. Helping groups like this is a good start," said Lauzon.
4 Korners is dedicated to assisting youth, adults, seniors and their families in the Laurentian region to access information, resources and services in English. At the meeting, the president of the 4 Korners board Michael Sinclair, highlighted the organization's activities and programs over the past year. The main objectives include securing stable financing and continuing to develop more programs. "It can be frustrating at times, but it is very, very rewarding," said Sinclair to the crowd of about 40 gathered at 1906 Chemin D'Oka.
A year of transitions
4 Korners is still settling into their new location after moving last May. "We couldn't afford the rent at the old place. We want to put our money elsewhere, not all on rent," explained Sinclair. The move was challenging, but with the help of the community and volunteers, it was completed. "When we came, it was just a cement wall. We had over 30 volunteers help out. We had the Laflamme family donate an amazing kids room. Every wall, every dry piece of wall, everything you see here today is from the community. It's been great," said Sylvia Schatrowski, 4 Korners general manager.
The past year also saw the departure of the organization's executive director Darlene Gurgul in May. She helped create 4 Korners when the idea arose four years ago. "It was very hard, especially for myself. She was a mentor for me and I learned so much. She's retired now but I'm sure she will continue doing amazing things," said Schatrowski.
The search for a new exective director began. Shane Corrigan was hired to fill the spot just last week. "It left a big hole for us but we wanted to make sure we found the right person" said Sinclair. Corrigan has a background in media and promotions and is looking forward to raising 4 Korner's profile within the community. "People have to know we are here and we are doing this. I'm looking forward to taking a small organization with great ideas and turning it into a great organization," he said.
Annual General Meeting
On the agenda at the meeting was the approval of changes of two by-laws. The board motioned to make it an obligation to have at least two residents of the Upper Laurentian region on the board. "We want to also try to serve that area and we thought this change would help," said Sinclair.Two members were nominated: a principal in a local high school and a health services employee. Approval is still pending. Also, the by-law concerning the term length for members of the board was altered. It was changed from a minimum of one year to two.
The meeting highlighted the importance of getting young people involved in the community, specifically within the organization. Aspiring filmmakers Frances Breault and Alex Bowes presented a short film to the crowd. The Lake of Two Mountains students were approached by Lise Palmer, who works at the school and is also a member of 4 Korners board of directors. It presented sounds and images from the Laurentian Youth Forum where young people between the ages of 16-29 participated in workshops and activities around issues of education, health, economy, arts and media/heritage. "We have to motivate the young people in our community for our future," said Palmer.
Looking ahead
The non-profit organization's main focus remains obtaining funds so they can continue to provide their services. There will be a fundraising golf tournament taking place September 27 at Le Victorien golf club. The cost is $125 for an all-inclusive day of golf. "We have over 140 members and we continue to grow every year. There is a big demand here and we are working closely with the CLSC, translation services. It's all on-going," said Schatrowski.
Corrigan is looking forward to putting his experience in promotions to work for the non-profit organization as the new executive director. "We're going to re-build the infrastructure, get sustainable funding, and re-evaluate our programs. We want to expand," he said. Corrigan lives in Montreal but has already fallen in love with Deux-Montagnes. "It's an amazing community. Just yesterday, I was running to catch my train when somebody in a car pulled up and asked me if I was running for the train. He offered me a ride! I'm really impressed by how friendly people are over here. It's a nice feeling, I love it," said Corrigan. For more information on 4 Korners Family Resource Center, visit http://www.4kornerscenter.org/
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