The Sant Bel Vi adult daycare center celebrated its 15th year of day services for older adults of Haitian heritage at its location on Frontenac Street last Friday (Dec. 9). The center was packed with special guests and regular attendees, including Mayor Wu and City Councillor-elect Enrique Pepen.

Mayor Wu presents a citation commemorating 15 years of service at Sant Bel Vi to Director Laudz Nicolas.

Launched in 2008 by Oswald Neptune, the center has since expanded its footprint and is now managed by Laudz Nicolas. The daily program includes hundreds of older adults who are transported to and from the center daily to enjoy Haitian cuisine, socializing, dance programs, medical checkups, and exercise. More than anything, it’s a place for older adults to gather and make new friends or catch up with old ones.

“Thank you so much to Sant Bel Vi for 15 years of making sure our community is taken care of,” said Wu, a frequent visitor over the years. “This is the first and now the longest running space dedicated to our Haitian elders. I’ve had many fond memories here with all of you and community members celebrating birthday parties, dancing, and just sitting and chatting… This is the kind of space we need to make sure that everyone in our families is taken care of.”

The afternoon celebration concluded with a dance presentation by the Sant Bel Vi cultural dance group.

Above, Smith Lamothe joins his mother, Marthe Theronier, for the celebration at Sant Bel Vi on Friday. Seth Daniel photo