As Executive Director of REISA – The East Island Network for English Language Services, Claudia Maiolo leads an organization dedicated to improving access to health and social services for English-speaking communities across Montreal’s East and North regions. Since joining REISA in 2009, Claudia has witnessed the non-profit grow from a small team into a key advocate and connector for minority language populations, bridging the gap between community organizations, institutions, and government to ensure equitable and culturally responsive care for all.
What problem does it aim to solve?
English-speaking communities in the East and North of Montreal are minorities and are often overlooked. However, these communities are substantial, representing roughly 18% of the population on REISA’s territory, or about 164,000 people.
These communities have difficulty accessing health and social services in their preferred language. REISA strives to promote equitable access to health and social services for this minority population.
When did you start/join it?
I was hired in May 2009 as a Communications Agent at REISA, after graduating from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University.
What made you want to get involved?
At the time, my mother was on the Board of Directors at REISA and told me all about it. I was intrigued by the non-profit world and wanted to expand my knowledge beyond my business and marketing studies.
Also, having lived in the East End all my life and experienced limited health services available in English, it hit home.
What was the situation like when you started?
In 2009, REISA consisted of a team of three employees. The Director at the time had founded the network in 2005 from a project idea, and it was funded through a fiduciary.
REISA was funded solely by the Federal Government under the Official Languages Map and managed two programs. The territory was also limited to the CIUSSS de l’Est.
How has it changed since?
In 2010, REISA became incorporated and has been evolving ever since, increasing its partnerships and programming.
REISA is now funded by both the Federal and Provincial governments and has expanded its mandate to include services beyond health, such as employability. The network expanded its geographic region to include the CIUSSS du Nord and represents the community on tables and committees, building partnerships and adapting services across 11 boroughs.
REISA now manages eight programs and additional projects funded by Centraide, Heritage Canada, and la Ville de Montréal. In 2025, REISA employs a team of nine.
What more needs to be done?
Due to capacity and budget, some of the programs managed by REISA are run in specific boroughs and not available across the entire East and North of Montreal.
REISA is continuously seeking funds to expand programming throughout its full territory.
How can our readers help?
REISA’s number one priority is community outreach. Readers are encouraged to visit REISA’s website, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and follow us on social media.
Our impact will only be effective if we are able to connect with the community—to learn about their needs, bring them to the attention of government and community tables, and adapt services and programming accordingly.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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