About Us
About us
Mission
Since 1985, RACOR for Mental Health has worked to unite, support, equip, and represent community and alternative mental health organizations across the Island of Montreal.
We are committed to advocating for the unique expertise of the alternative community mental health sector, and to highlighting the innovative and essential nature of the services it provides to people experiencing mental health challenges.
40 years of RACOR in mental health
Every person has a story, and every story has a face...
RACOR for Mental Health also aims to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote a better public and governmental understanding of mental health. We work to break down the stigma and taboos that negatively impact people living with psychological distress.
Our services
RACOR is a network of community-based organizations focused on mental health in the Greater Montreal area. United by their deep commitment to community engagement and mental health, our members offer a wide range of support services and personalized guidance. Their work is grounded in diverse approaches that meet a variety of needs.
Media
Articles, announcements, and guidance to help connect you with the right contact for your mental health coverage.
Board
Our Board of Directors
The RACOR for Mental Health Board of Directors is composed of nine members elected at our Annual General Meetings. They are drawn from our member organizations.
Over and above their involvement on the Board, these people play an active role in RACOR’s life and activities—participating in meetings, committees, and major events.
Board of Directors 2023-2024
Chair
Alex Chayer
Le Mûrier (East)
Vice President
Virginie Paquin
Maison St-Jacques (Regional)
Secretary
Johanne Talbot
La Clé des champs (Regional)
Treasurer
Martine Thomas
PART Group (Regional)
Directors
Céline Ménard
Arborescence (Regional)
Marie-Pier Neault
Centre de crise Le Transit (Centre South)
Jessica Soto
Diogène (Regional)
Marie Maud Audette-Sylvestre
Maison St-Dominique (Centre)
Marie-Josée Boisvert
Cypress Community Services (East)
The work team
Marc Lopez
Elizabeth Tran
Tania Leduc
Jonathan Rehel
Mathieu Dostie
Diane Vinet
Gil Labescat
Farah El-Bizri
Executive Assistant
Farah joined RACOR in 2022 and serves as the primary point of contact. With a background in humanitarian work in Lebanon, she brings valuable experience in supporting individuals in emotional distress. Her versatility and excellent organizational skills make her an essential part of our team.
Reports and publications
Each fiscal year, RACOR publishes a detailed update on its activities, advocacy work, and major issues affecting the mental health community — both in the public and community sectors. We also address topics relevant to non-profit community organizations, such as funding programs and policy developments.
5-year reports
Latest report: 2023-2024
2022-2023 |2021-2022 |2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 |
(Printable and downloadable PDF documents)
Intersectoral involvement
Our advocacy
As an umbrella organization, RACOR represents its member organizations and advocates for mental health issues across all levels of government and through various coalitions.
Our commitments
We work to amplify the voices and concerns of the Montreal community mental health sector. Our collaborations span across public health, justice, housing, homelessness, employment, education, and recreation — working with both community and institutional partners.
RACOR initiates or follows up on many issues related to mental health, and participates in work on related issues according to current priorities.
RACOR also contributes to sector-wide discussions on funding, working conditions, PSOC agreements, and more.
Collaboration
Our partners
In keeping with its mission, RACOR partners with diverse organizations to strengthen its representation, access training, co-lead projects, and improve working conditions for staff in the community sector.
