Our Story
Our Story
1994
Following the closure of a food bank, Sister Denise Arsenault and Nahid Aboumansour consult with women in the neighbourhood to imagine concrete solutions.
1995
The two co-founders set up a few sewing machines in a space in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood, where the first sewing class is offered. This marks the beginning of Petites-Mains!
1997
Petites-Mains adds Work Experience (WE) to its programs to ensure that participants are even better prepared for the realities of the job market.
2000
Petites-Mains is accredited as a social integration enterprise and offers comprehensive training in industrial sewing. The organization is built on three pillars: training, integration, and production.
2001
Petites-Mains launches its first French classes.
2002
To accommodate a growing number of participants, Petites-Mains expands its facilities.
2005
Petites-Mains diversifies its services and introduces a pre-employment program.
2007
Petites-Mains becomes the owner of a three-story building on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The opening of the café-catering service provides participants with training as kitchen assistants.
2013
To meet the needs of more marginalized immigrant women, Petites-Mains launches the “In Quebec, Everyone Has a Place!” program.
2015
Petites-Mains launches the “Women: A Step Toward Employment” program for young immigrant women seeking their first work experience in Canada.
2017
The Petites-Mains Foundation is established to provide financial support for the continuation and development of its social mission.
2018
Petites-Mains opens its early childhood centre, Royaume des Petites-Mains, to welcome the children of participants and encourage more women to begin their integration journey.
2023
Petites-Mains is evolving: a refreshed visual identity, a digital transformation, and major renovations to welcome participants and clients into a warm, inviting space.
2026
Petites-Mains celebrates thirty years of commitment to people in need. Today, the organization is a leader in social integration and a key player in the social economy!
