The “Building Bright Futures” Campaign aims to raise
$550,000
to create a new, permanent space for the children and youth of Stanstead.
Our kids deserve more than just a building - they deserve a space that reflects their potential:
a place to learn, grow, and truly belong. Here's why...
In Stanstead, nearly half of all adults across both language communities lack a high school diploma, and employment rates are 30% below the provincial average. Rural isolation, rising financial insecurity, and language barriers compound the effects of multigenerational cycles of poverty and limited opportunity
Without support at this critical time, vulnerable children fall further behind and the gap keeps growing. The consequences reach far beyond the individual: high dropout rates strain public services, hinder economic growth, and weaken community well-being.
The data mirrors our experience. In Estrie:
13.3%
of children start school with cognitive and language vulnerabilities.[1]​
55%
of residents lack Level 3 literacy, essential for daily life and work.[2]
​
21.8%
In 2020, 21.8% of Stanstead residents lived below the poverty line — nearly double the provincial rate.[3]​
21%
Food bank requests in Memphremagog rose by 21% in 2023–2024.[4]​
This isn’t the future we want - for the bright, capable youth we serve, or for the vitality of our region.
Phelps:
Breaking the cycle through education, career and social support.
Phelps is a space for both English and French-speaking youth, offering structured out-of-school support beginning in elementary school and continuing through young adulthood. Through six free programs focused on education, career development, and well-being, we support over 400 youth aged 6 to 35 - a 150% increase since 2017.
​
Rooted in the Stanstead community of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, our grassroots initiative is there for young people at every stage. For those facing significant life challenges, we help bridge systemic gaps by providing consistency, trust, and a strong sense of belonging. Our work isn’t a quick fix but a steady, stabilizing presence - designed to build confidence, skills, and brighter futures. We believe that our long-term commitment is key to shifting trajectories and strengthening the resilience of our community.
Our Impact:
Early intervention builds lasting impact
Our model reaches 100% of children attending elementary school in Stanstead, laying the groundwork for strong, lasting connections that carry into adolescence and beyond.
20%
Graduation rates rose by 20%
85%
85% of teachers report significant student improvement
50+
50+ partnerships built to extend our impact
40
40 previously unengaged youth joined through our new Youth Club
96%
96% of youth say Phelps is a safe, welcoming place
Your Support Will Build a Space Where Youth Thrive
The “Building Bright Futures” Campaign will transform a central Stanstead building into a vibrant, youth-focused space. With a total project cost of $550,000, renovations begin this fall with doors opening in January. With your support, we’ll reach more youth - offering a place where they feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
An Ideal Location
Flexible Tutoring Spaces
A Teaching Kitchen
Our new space gives Phelps a stronger presence in the community and easier access for youth. Centrally located near elementary schools and along all high school bus routes, it removes the transportation barrier faced by many families. With this move, we anticipate a 15% increase in participation - reaching up to 450 youth.
Designed for all learning styles, the new building will offer both open, social learning areas and calm, enclosed rooms for those needing quieter spaces. These rooms will feature adjustable lighting, ergonomic furniture, and sound-dampening features to support focus and sensory regulation.
Cooking workshops have proven especially effective in engaging youth who are harder to reach. Learning to prepare meals fosters autonomy, confidence, and life skills. This space will also allow youth to help prepare snacks, reinforcing responsibility and connection.
A Multifunctional Outdoor Space
A Space for Parents and Community
Provide Long-term Stability
The new centre will feature a basketball net, street hockey, raised garden beds, and a shaded outdoor tutoring area. These additions promote physical activity, teamwork, and well-being - key to reducing anxiety, as shown by recent research from Dr. Mélissa Généreux (Université de Sherbrooke).
With more room, we’ll expand our family engagement efforts - offering parent workshops, community roundtables, and mental health sessions like our recent pilot on youth anxiety. These gatherings will strengthen connections between families, schools, and community partners.
By securing a permanent space, Phelps is protected against rent increases or sale, ensuring consistent program delivery, and reducing organizational vulnerability.
Your gift to the “Building Bright Futures” Campaign is more than a donation - it’s a commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and unlocking potential to lay the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant Stanstead.
Be part of the change
When you give, you’re investing in the potential of every young person in Stanstead.
Together, we’re building bright futures that will impact generations to come.
To kick off our campaign, every dollar you give will be matched*
Thanks to the Fonds Mille et UN activated on La Ruche with support from the Gouvernement du Québec.
*matching up to $100,000.
References
​
[2] R3USSIR. (n.d.). La littératie en Estrie. Retrieved June 11, 2025, from https://www.r3ussir.com/la-litteratie-en-estrie/
​
[3] Statistics Canada. (2022). Table 11-10-0239-01 Low income statistics by age, sex and economic family type using after-tax Low Income Measure (LIM-AT). Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1110023901
​
[4] Banque Alimentaire Memphrémagog : https://www.banquealimentaire.ca/en/news/la-banque-alimentaire-memphremagog-voit-grand#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20the%20Memphremagog%20Food,for%2037%25%20of%20its%20users.