A Promising Spring at Maison des enfants Marie-Rose

Maison des enfants Marie-Rose (MDEMR) is welcoming Spring with exciting news and a program full of creativity. Starting April 7, children will return for a new session of workshops in theatre and visual arts, led respectively by Janine Lefebvre and Line Desrochers.

Free Cultural Activities for Families

Beginning in April, the MDEMR will also offer four to six free performances for children and their parents, thanks in part to the support of the City of Beauharnois. Held on Sunday mornings, the “Once Upon a Time at the Manor” series will provide families with moments of discovery and enjoyment. The full program is available on the City’s website and social media platforms.

A Strong Partnership with the City

Collaboration with the City is also growing in preparation for the summer season. Young people will be able to take part in artistic and cultural activities offered by the MDEMR at Manoir de Beauharnois, a historic site located on Ellice Street. This initiative aims to diversify the City’s day camp offerings and enrich children’s experiences.

A Welcoming and Lively Gathering Place

Since the opening of Le Bistroquet café last fall, the manor has attracted a growing number of visitors. Under the direction of caterer Mélissa Gagnon, the café offers an accessible, high-quality menu from Monday to Friday in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This space encourages social interaction and helps bring new life to this heritage building dating back to 1852.

The Manor is also seeing increasing interest in room rentals. Families, community organizations, and businesses are hosting events in this unique setting, generating essential revenue that supports the MDEMR in maintaining the site.

Building a Sustainable Future

The board of directors, elected in September 2025, is actively moving forward with its strategic plan. Key priorities include securing stable and sustainable funding, particularly through the development of social economy initiatives, as well as seeking grants and partnerships.

In the longer term, the organization plans to hire a coordinator to further structure and enhance the artistic programming offered to young people.

A Living Mission

Founded in 2007 by Janine Lefebvre, Maison des enfants Marie-Rose is a community arts center dedicated to children aged 5 to 12. Its mission is to foster creativity, self-expression, and self-esteem by making the arts accessible to all.

Driven by the commitment of its team and board members, Maison des enfants Marie-Rose continues to grow and shine, benefiting children and the broader community.

Since last Fall, the MDEMR has relied on a highly committed board of directors, composed of the following members: Véronique Lalande, James Dunn, Yvon Bouthillette, Geneviève St-Jacques Thériault, Annie-Claude Houle, Philippe Leduc, Eric Ayotte, Philip Ouimet.