At the heart of the St-James Drop-In Centre’s art program is Stephanie Talissé, a community intervention worker whose journey with us began as an art education student at Concordia University in 2018.
Among the various internship opportunities available to her, Steph was drawn to St-James, inspired by our mission to be a “catalyst for creativity, compassion, and empathy” and a safe haven for individuals in need. She saw the potential to use artistic expression as a way to connect with and celebrate our diverse community.
From the start, Steph was warmly welcomed by our members and quickly became an integral part of their weekly workshops. Her passion and dedication shone through, and it was clear that her connection to St-James extended beyond the bounds of her internship.
From Intern to Coordinator to Intervention Worker
After completing her placement, Steph continued to nurture the relationships she had built by volunteering in the art room. Her unwavering commitment and love for the community made her the natural choice to step into the role of Art Program Coordinator when the position became available in 2019. Steph’s joy and excitement at accepting the role were mirrored by our gratitude for having her as part of our team.
Eventually, Steph turned to working more in-depth with St-James members as a community intervention worker. Her positive energy, boundless creativity, and genuine warmth make her a cornerstone of the St-James family. She has a way of brightening even the cloudiest days and inspiring those around her to see the world through a more colorful lens.
Champion of the Coldest Night of the Year
Since 2019, Steph has been a devoted participant in the Coldest Night of the Year, the biggest fundraising event of the year for St-James. Her enthusiasm is infectious, whether she’s leading her team, walking with handmade signs, or chatting with strangers to spark their interest in the event. Steph embodies the spirit of community engagement and advocacy, making every step count for those in need.
In 2024 she led her “Team Phetsicles” of six people to raise $2,452 for the Drop-In Centre. For 2025 she’s chosen the name The Mango Slushys. You can join or support them on her team page!
A Creative and Loving Spirit
When Steph isn’t busy enriching lives at St-James, she finds joy in her own artistic endeavors. A talented artist, she loves to paint and create, often finding inspiration in the world around her. She also loves cooking, playing board games, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Her greatest joy, however, is her son, Rémi, and her partner, Daniel.
We are truly blessed to have her on our team, and we can’t wait to see how her spirit continues to inspire our community.
