About the Vero & Louis Foundation
MISSION OF THE VÉRO & LOUIS FOUNDATION
Founded in 2016, the Véro & Louis Foundation’s mission is creating long-term living environments for autistic adults over 21, with or without an intellectual disability. In addition to being a housing environment built according to the best architectural practices in the world providing a physical environment adapted to autistic people, the Foundation has developed educational programs to support the residents and help them develop their potential and autonomy. This innovative project is supported by various research projects to validate its approach, and improve it in real time, with an objective to replicate this model across the Province of Quebec. The first home located in Varennes was inaugurated in June 2021. Two Véro & Louis Home projects are confirmed, one in Victoriaville in Mauricie-Centre-du-Québec which will start to materialize in 2025 and the other one in St-Jérôme in the Laurentians, to come later.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATIONS
When you donate to the Véro & Louis Foundation, you have a direct impact on the quality of life and well-being of autistic adults and their families.
The funds raised will be used to:
1. Build two new Véro & Louis Homes one in the Centre-du-Québec region, specifically in Victoriaville, and after, in the city of St-Jérôme in the Laurentians.
Based on the concept of the Véro & Louis Home in Varennes, the future Homes will welcome 16 to 20 residents. Infrastructure will also provide the daytime Centre d'activités éducatives et socioprofessionnelles (CAESP), which will welcome, in addition to the permanent residents, other autistic adults living in their family environment in region of the Véro & Louis Home.
2. Creating a sustainability fund
These secured funds will be used to deal with unforeseen circumstances and ensure the continuance of Véro & Louis Homes. It will be replenished on an on-going basis from the Foundation's annual revenues through fundraising activities.
3. Funding research
The Véro & Louis Home is a true social innovation project, relying on research to validate and optimize its model. Our current and future research projects will help ensure the relevance of our homes, the quality standards of our services and housing and consequently, improve the quality of life of autistic adults and their families.
4. Expanding the Varennes Home
The expansion will not only accommodate a greater number of autistic adults in an environment specially designed for them, but it will also offer new living spaces enabling them to better welcome their families, develop their culinary skills in an educational kitchen, and take part in stimulating activities in a new activity room.
AUTISM
What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. People with autism form a very heterogeneous group. It is often said that there are as many forms of autism as there are people with autism.
Each individual presents a unique combination of characteristics, strengths and challenges. As a result, the degree of support needed for a person with autism to function well varies according to age, cognitive and behavioral characteristics, and the presence or absence of an autistic child.
Understanding autism
Autism affects two areas of development: communication and social interaction, and specific interests, behaviors and activities.
Communication and social interaction often present a challenge for people with autism. There are persistent difficulties marked by an absence or lack of social reciprocity, and a lack of understanding of social codes.
In addition, most people with autism have restricted or repetitive behaviors, activities and interests. They often develop a very precise routine, based on repetition. The slightest change to this routine can be a source of stress, even profound distress.
Autism after age 21
Autism is a lifelong condition. Although most people with autism are diagnosed in childhood, they will continue to learn about their peculiarities - and the world around them - throughout their lives.
Despite crying needs, services for autistic adults over the age of 21 are limited. Indeed, young adults with autism sometimes attend day activity or respite centers, work platforms, or school services for adults. However, these activities are generally not full-time or are of limited duration, access is restricted and waiting lists are long. Thousands of families find themselves without means, without resources and at the end of their tether.
Meanwhile, their now-adult children struggle to receive the support they need to continue their development. Every human being continues to learn and develop into adulthood. The same is true for people with autism.
In early adulthood, like everyone else, autistic people go through a pivotal period and aspire to greater autonomy. Such autonomy is possible, but for it to be lived harmoniously, some autistic people need day-to-day support.
It's this need that the Véro & Louis Foundation seeks to meet by offering quality permanent housing and daily support to enable its residents to blossom and develop their full potential.