ASLM joins the Renaissance family

A consolidated social mission to better meet the needs of the Lanaudière region.

Atelier spécialisé Les Moulins (ASLM) and Renaissance are strengthening their collaboration to consolidate and develop their social mission. Faced with a succession challenge, ASLM has chosen to partner with Renaissance to ensure the continuity of its social mission and the employment stability of its team. This decision comes at a time when the needs of a population increasingly distant from the labor market in the Mascouche and Terrebonne region continue to grow.

“Given the necessity to transform our manufacturing operations into retail activities, we were moving away from our initial expertise. This transition, though necessary, was challenging as it impacted our operations and socio-professional integration programs,” explains Renée Chartier, CEO of ASLM. “In 2022, we acquired the Terrebonne help counter to adapt our socio-professional integration program and better meet the region’s growing needs. Then, in 2023, we ceased our manufacturing activities and eventually sold our industrial building earlier this year. After many years of involvement and significant challenges faced over the years, several board members wished to step down. One of the founders, Mr. Jean Goyer, for instance, was still in his role after nearly 29 years. Renaissance’s involvement will allow us to quickly gain operational efficiency and, most importantly, ensure sustainability and further grow our positive impact in the community.”

“We have been collaborating with ASLM for several years,” notes Éric St-Arnaud, CEO of Renaissance. “When Renée approached us to discuss succession and growth opportunities, we carefully analyzed the situation. It was unthinkable for us to leave a vulnerable social enterprise, weakened by the departure of the CEO and several board members, without answering the call. Renaissance is not a ‘savior,’ but the similarity of our missions, our expertise in second-hand retail, and our desire to expand our presence in the region were decisive factors in our decision.”

The integration of the two social organizations was conducted gradually and transparently with their main partner, Services Québec Lanaudière. The board members and management team of ASLM are stepping down, officially passing the torch to the Renaissance team on Friday, June 28th.

“In the coming months, our focus will be on the human aspect, integrating nearly 20 employees and around fifteen volunteers. With the support of Services Québec and under Renaissance’s governance, ASLM will continue to offer socio-professional services to the approximately 40 to 50 participants enrolled in the program each year,” Mr. St-Arnaud declares. “At this time, we envision no major changes. Our intention is to build a progressive and caring transition plan for the existing team.”

Renaissance’s second undertaking of a non-profit organization, following their assumption of Ressourcerie Lévis in February.

Faced with financial and governance challenges since the pandemic, Ressourcerie Lévis approached Renaissance for their expertise in socio-professional integration and waste management. The similarity in missions and economic models, along with Renaissance’s financial situation, made it the ideal organization to ensure the continuity of its mission and the job security of its team. While taking over non-profits was not initially planned, this move aligns with Renaissance’s regional expansion strategy into the greater Quebec City area planned for several years.