Mission and Vision
Espace Saint Julien is a unique and innovative initiative at the crossroads of intergenerational, social, and educational engagement. Situated in a historic estate in the heart of Laval, France, this remarkable project embodies a millennium of hospitality and a deep commitment to fostering meaningful connections across generations. Guided by the belief that everyone thrives through mutual care, respect, and shared purpose, this vibrant community provides a sanctuary where individuals of all ages—babies to seniors—find their place and contribute to a larger ecosystem of humanity.
With the integration of Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain boarding school for boys into the Espace Saint Julien, the project takes on an even richer dimension. This new chapter fosters an intergenerational environment where students learn from the wisdom of seniors, support their younger counterparts, and grow into responsible, compassionate citizens. Here, students find a second family that helps them gain both personal growth and a sense of community.
Get a glimpse into the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Espace Saint Julien, where diverse programs come together to create a true sense of home.
Actions Led
Since acquiring the Saint Julien estate in 2016, this remarkable initiative has transformed a 75,000+ square-foot property into a dynamic hub of interconnected lives and services. With no public subsidies, but rather the steadfast support of donors, Espace Saint Julien has undertaken extensive renovations to create an inclusive community. By 2023, it became home to eight centers that reflect the project’s guiding principles of social impact, education, and intergenerational connection:
- Le Nid: A nursery nurturing the youngest members of the community.
- La Cabane: After-school care offering guidance and play for children aged 6 to 11.
- L’Internat: Boarding facilities for boys aged 12 to 18 enrolled in local schools, integrating them into the heart of this intergenerational space.
- La Coloc: Shared housing for students and young workers, emphasizing responsibility and solidarity.
- Le Logis: A 66-flat senior residence providing comfort, community, and purpose.
- La Maison de Santé: A medical center staffed by nine healthcare professionals offering crucial care, including psychological, to residents and the broader community in a region with a severe doctor shortage.
- La Chapelle: A historic chapel undergoing restoration to inspire spiritual growth and reflection.
- La Cale: A solidarity café staffed by people with disabilities, fostering inclusion and providing a welcoming space for all.
The forthcoming integration of the Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain boarding house exemplifies this vision. Boys will share joyful moments with seniors, mentor younger children, and engage with young professionals and residents through cultural events, academic support, and shared meals. These students will enrich their education by sharing daily life with residents of all ages, building empathy, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging regardless of their background or religious affiliation.
Projects that US Donors can Support
Your contributions can bring the Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain boarding house to life within Espace Saint Julien, creating a truly intergenerational experience that benefits students and residents alike. The project, which requires $350,000 to complete, will accommodate 70 boys and provide them with not only a place to live but also an opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment within a recognized historic monument.
Discover what life is like at the Internat and see how these young students are supported in their journey: Espace Saint Julien – The Internat.
By supporting this initiative, you will ensure that these boys gain invaluable life skills through relationships with seniors, younger children, and peers. They will help combat loneliness among older residents, learn from their wisdom, and grow into responsible, empathetic individuals. This groundbreaking model—blending education, social connection, and intergenerational care—stands as the only project of its kind, and one that inspires the ambition to replicate its success in other communities.
Help us meet our goal to welcome students by September 2025. Your support will transform lives, create bonds across generations, and sustain a model of community that inspires hope and humanity.