A Community of Care
Inspired by Jeffery Hale
Jeffery Hale Community Partners (JH Partners) is a community-based charitable organization whose mission is to better the health and well-being of the English-speaking community of the Québec City region with a focus on those most at risk.
JH Partners promotes the personal and shared well-being of English speakers in the Québec City region by offering a range of health promotion program
We aim to provide you with quality services and continue developing programs and activities adapted to meet the health and social services needs of the English-speaking community.
Truly a “Community of Care” in Action!
JH Partners is able to provide its range of activities also thanks to close collaboration with the non-profit organization Voice of English-speaking Québec, and with Jeffery Hale – Saint Brigid’s, a public health and social services establishment.
Programs & Initiatives
With an emphasis on health and social services, JH Partners strives to improve the quality of life of the members of the English-speaking community, especially those most vulnerable, through our three areas of strategic focus.
Truly a “Community of Care” in Action!
Upcoming Events
RESOURCES AND LINKS
JH Partners can provide information about the English-speaking population of the Greater Québec City region, particularly
when it comes to the health and social services needs of the community we serve.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
A quote that stayed with me
One evening, while watching television, I heard a sentence that struck me right away: “Every old person knows what it is to be young, but no young person can know what it is to be old.” That quote stayed with me. Not only did it capture exactly how I felt, but it also painted a fair portrait of the generation gap. At the same time, I think there is nuance to add, because life experience is shaped not only by age, but also by the cultural, social and political context in which we evolve. I’m sure we can all agree that being a young person in the 1950s is not the same as being young in 2026, and the same applies to older persons.Ageism and self-ageism
You may recall that I have written about ageism and self-ageism before. I had mentioned that ageism is discrimination based on age, any age. Like many forms of discrimination, it often appears in subtle and informal ways. Ironically, one of the comments I hear most often comes from older adults themselves: “You know, at my age, I shouldn’t…” As innocent or humorous as it may sound, this is a form of self-ageism: when someone holds back from doing something solely because of their age. Perhaps it is because they are living with a specific health condition, or perhaps because they have done it many times before. But when we pause to think about it, neither of those reasons is truly linked to biological age itself.What really shapes us
I think we often use age to explain differences in habits, abilities or appearance because it lends itself easily to harmless jokes, and I understand that. However, I personally do not relate to many of the stereotypes or privileges associated with youth, which can sometimes put me in a defensive position when I hear them. “Always on their phone,” “not interested in what surrounds them,” “unwilling to work,” or “too reliant on technology” are some of the assumptions I hear most often about younger people. To me, these traits are more closely tied to personal experiences, habits, and the context in which people were raised. Are they this way because they are 19, or because technology was integrated into every aspect of their education? Did the pandemic shape their relationship with work and socialization in ways previous generations never experienced?
It all comes down to empathy.
My point is that we often make assumptions based on age without realizing that we are feeding into ageism. Going back to the quote, I believe we cannot truly know what aging feels like until we experience it ourselves. At the same time, the fact that older adults have once been young creates a valuable opportunity for intergenerational connection, shared learning and mutual understanding. Until we can all speak from lived experience about aging, we can choose empathy, respect and curiosity. If you made it this far into my reflection, thank you so much for following along with my thought process. If you are looking for a meaningful way to mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, perhaps consider bringing this quote into a family dinner conversation or a walk with a friend. It can be a simple yet powerful way to reflect on ageism, encourage intergenerational dialogue, and help build communities that value, respect and celebrate the presence of older adults. If you’re interested in intergenerational activities, you may want to look into our Grandpals project and become a grandparent figure to a young family. Anaïs
- How can we support each other better?
- How do we share the mental load—not just the visible tasks?
- How do we show up consistently (not perfectly but consistently)?
Hello everyone, I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the return of warmer days. After the long winter we’ve had, I’ve found myself reflecting quite a bit on climate change and how it affects our daily lives—especially as we get older.
I recently had the chance to attend a conference by the Centre d’excellence en vieillissement de Québec (CEVQ) on aging in the context of environmental changes. It really got me thinking, and I came away with a few insights that stayed with me. I thought I would share some of those reflections with you.
Older adults are more vulnerable to climate changes Climate change is affecting our daily lives—and older adults are often more at risk. As we age, our bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes as easily. For example, we may not sweat or shiver as effectively, which makes it harder to cool down or warm up. We may also feel less thirsty, even when our body needs water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
The heart and lungs also become less efficient over time. This can make it harder for the body to circulate oxygen and cope with extreme temperatures, sometimes leading to fatigue, dizziness or weakness. Because of these natural changes, heat waves and cold spells can have a stronger impact on older adults. Some situations can increase these risks even more. Living with a chronic health condition, taking certain medications, or feeling socially isolated can all make it harder to stay safe during extreme weather. Financial challenges may limit access to air conditioning or heating. Access to clear, easy-to-understand information also plays an important role in staying safe and prepared. What you can do At the individual level: Small actions can make a big difference. Try to keep your home cool or warm depending on the season, and create a shaded or comfortable space. It can also help to gradually adapt to temperature changes rather than facing them all at once.- If you are over 65, drink water regularly—even before you feel thirsty.
- Choose light meals to help regulate body temperature, like salads and sandwiches.
- Plan ahead by identifying an emergency contact and preparing a small emergency bag.
- Staying informed is also key. Sign up for Conseil climat, a free phone call service to alert you about heatwaves.
Amid these challenges, it’s also important to stay connected to what remains steady and life-giving: The simple privilege of fresh air in our lungs, the beauty of the St. Lawrence River, and the presence of our loved ones around us.
Wishing you a lovely month of May! Anaïs
Savour the sweetness of September
I don’t know about you, but as September approaches, I often feel a sense of dread. The shift in routine, the return to school and …
Savour the sweetness of September
Hello everyone! I hope this message finds you well and that you’re making the most of summer. With August just around the corner, I’d like …
Remember who you are and celebrate you
I don’t know about you, but as September approaches, I often feel a sense of dread. The shift in routine, the return to school and …