Get to know us
About the center...
forty years and counting!
We are an autonomous, non-profit community organization that helps women in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region by offering a wide range of free and confidential services:
- Counselling and one-on-one sessions, with or without an appointment;
- Group workshops on personal development, popular education, women’s issues and regular coffee meetings;
- Seasonal activities;
- Conferences on women’s issues;
- Collective creation and cultural mediation projects;
- Mobilizations;
- Referrals;
The center actively participates in several local and regional consultation groups and is also a member of L’R des centres de femmes, our national association.
Our mission
La Moisson is an inclusive center for women of all ages and backgrounds. It serves as a space where women can come together to share information, support each other, and take action.
The center takes a comprehensive feminist approach to preventing and raising awareness about violence against women, while also promoting women’s physical and mental well-being. This approach encourages women’s autonomy and their equal participation in society.
Our objectives
- To provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where women are supported, regardless of their age, social situation or life experience, by encouraging diversity, acceptance and mutual support.
- Implement public education, awareness-raising and mobilization initiatives to support women in their quest for autonomy and equality, helping them to develop the skills and confidence needed to regain power over their lives, both individually and collectively.
- Develop prevention and education initiatives focused on women’s physical and mental health, offering resources and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Establish links with other organizations and institutions to strengthen the support network available to women and increase the impact of the center’s initiatives.
- Promote the advancement of women by intervening with women who are victims of all types of violence, including sexual and domestic violence.
Discover our story
The women's center La Moisson is celebrating its 40th anniversary!
The center was established as part of the Alternative Violence Project, with Nicole Coussement serving as the first director. One of their initial actions was to form a team of volunteers. They organized a brunch to raise both funds and awareness about domestic violence. This event helped to increase awareness among police, doctors, psychologists, and other professionals.
The center acquired its first house, which is too small to adequately meet the needs of the women.
1989: Start of personal growth activities, awareness-raising and domestic violence prevention.
The center sets up the La Passerelle shelter, after more than 2 years of hard work by many workers and volunteers from the women's center La Moisson.
Relocation to a larger house to house the shelter for women experiencing domestic violence, free of charge.
The center actively participated in the 2000 World March of Women, where 50 women marched from October 9 to 17 under the slogan, "2,000 good reasons to march," to advocate for change.
The Centre has moved to Île-Perrot, residing in its new home alone.
Centre d'hébergement La Passerelle is now an independent organization, located at a confidential address.
A facelift to the center's interior paintwork in September 2015, thanks to Bétonel and several volunteers.
Day of welcome and unveiling of the new slogan "Le pouvoir dans la liberté de soi" (October 2015)
Creative project in collaboration with the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion named "Accent féminin".
Participation in the Parade Mozaïk!
The Covid-19 pandemic hits hard. The team is working hard to help women who are more vulnerable than ever. The center has not stopped its activities. All interventions and activities are carried out by videoconference. For the first time in 30 years, Spaghetti Day is cancelled!
A social fundraising campaign on the La Ruche platform will begin on August 1, 2025, followed by a benefit dinner on October 2 at the Auberge des Gallant.
The evening will mark the start of our 40th anniversary! A volunteer committee will be set up to fuel our 40th anniversary!
What's more, several activities will take place in the spring of 2025 as part of La marche mondiale des femmes 2025, to be held in Quebec City on October 18.
Meet our team
Karine Giguère
- Coordinator
- 514 453-8720
- coordo@centredefemmeslamoisson.com
I have been serving as a coordinator at the women’s center since October 2018. My background as a dental hygienist took me to Switzerland for six years, which allowed me to travel frequently. I truly love travelling!
For ten years, I worked as a coordinator in two community organizations focused on HIV and hepatitis C prevention, where I collaborated with various vulnerable populations.
I’ve always had a passion for the arts and completed a certificate in visual arts in December 2024. In addition to that, I enjoy cooking, watching films, listening to music, and basking in sunshine and warmth!
As a daughter, wife, sister, partner, and mother of an 8-year-old girl named Zaïa, I have a keen interest in women’s lives. I feel that my role at the Women’s Centre allows me to make a meaningful difference and have a positive impact on women’s lives.
Hello, my name is Patrizia. I am of Chilean origin, but a large part of my heart belongs to Québec. It was love for a Québécois that brought me here, and I have been living in this beautiful region for many years.
I have a passion for choral singing and appreciate the positive energy it brings me.
I have been fortunate to be a part of the Centre’s wonderful team since 2011.
Commitment, cooperation, and solidarity are values I hold dear, which is why I enjoy engaging with the women at the Centre. Whether I’m welcoming them or participating in activities, I feel that my work allows me to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Diane Lalande
- Social worker and facilitator
- 514 453-8720
- intervenante2@centredefemmeslamoisson.com
Passionate about supporting women
After starting my career in customer service, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a therapist at the age of 40. This journey led me to the community sector, where I discovered my true calling.
Since 2010, I have had the privilege of supporting women at the La Moisson Women’s Center by running workshops and providing a space for listening and discussion.
In 2016, I undertook specialized training in grief counselling, which further strengthened my mission to help others navigate life’s challenges. Today, working alongside an exceptional team, I feel truly in my element and more committed than ever.
Nature is a vital source of energy for me. I enjoy gardening, swimming, and paddleboarding. Being surrounded by flowers, trees, and wide-open spaces brings me a profound sense of well-being. Additionally, my family plays a central role in my life, reminding me daily of the importance of connections and sharing.
Maria Jose Heredia
- Social worker and facilitator
- 514 453-8720
- intervenante3@centredefemmeslamoisson.com
My name is Maria José. If I were to describe myself, I would say I am a sensitive, passionate, empathetic, and curious woman who deeply loves life and values forging sincere connections with others.
As an immigrant from Venezuela, I find winter quite challenging! 😊 I am also the proud mom of two wonderful kids, Bella (5) and Zack (4), who inspire me every day to become a better person.
I have a great passion for psychology, personal development, music, sports, and gastronomy (I love to eat), and above all, I enjoy learning new things.
Professionally, I hold a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a certificate in personal development coaching. A few years ago, after experiencing some personal challenges, I decided to reorient my career. I felt compelled to find a path that aligned more with my values and my deep desire to have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Meeting resilient, inspiring, and courageous women every day at the Women’s Center is truly a gift.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is elected at the Annual General Meeting for a two-year term.
Véronique Trottier
President
Marianne Montpellier
Administrator
Lucy Khatchadourian
Claudine Léger
Vice President
Dolly Tohmé
Secretary-Treasurer
Johanne Ferland
Nathalie Dupéré
Consultation
- Vaudreuil-Soulanges Community Development Corporation (CDC-VS)
- Vaudreuil-Soulanges Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Committee
- Table de concertation des centres de femmes de la Montérégie
- L’R” des Centres de femmes du Québec
- Table régionale des organismes communautaires et bénévoles de la Montérégie (TROCM)
- Table des groupes de femmes de la Montérégie Accueil – TCGFM et comité Vigie
- Comité en relations interculturelles de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CRIVS)
- Table itinérance de Vaudreuil-Soulanges
- Réseau- échanges santé mentale adulte/continuum d’intervention santé mentale et dépendance
- Table de concertation Ainés
- Territorial partnership table Vaudreuil-soulanges