In Eure, €30,000 in exceptional grants to expand the Préhandys association

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The Préhandys 276 association supports more and more families of disabled children and has need to expand. Within its premises in part of the old town hall of Thuit-Simer, in Thuit-de-l'Oison (Eure), it welcomes, supports and helps the 200 member families.

Money to expand

« Too cramped » since post-Covid, Préhandys wants to create a new space: the Quabane desfamilies (a play on words between Quebec, where the association went to draw inspiration twice, and the cabin, the cocoon where we feel GOOD). This house will be added to the current premises, which will make more than double the reception capacity families.

Wednesday October 30, 2024, during the municipal council of Thuit-de-l'Oisonthe elected officials unanimously voted exceptional grant of €10,000 for Préhandys. Élise Saegaert, president of the association and deputy mayor, disappeared during the vote. On her return, she thanked the elected officials. “We will know how to use this money wisely,” she promises. Monday November 4 is this time community of communes of Roumois Seine who granted aid 20 000 € to the association. Even mentioning the fact of helping more, if the project were to be blocked by missing funding. “If there are difficulties, we could go further,” said Sylvain Bonenfant, the president.

A project revised downwards

Since the genesis of the project, it has changed. “We wanted to build a new building, we had it for €160,000 », explains Élise. Finally, the prefabricated located on the chosen land, just behind the current premises, can be rehabilitated. “It’s a building which is used by the festival committee,” explains the mayor, Gilbert Doubet. 70 m², this prefab still requires €70,000 rehabilitation works. “It’s old, but reusable. It was a shame to demolish it and it allows us to save money. » The foundations and structure will be kept. The openings (windows), insulation and interior fittings need to be redone.

This is the 6th meeting they have canceled in a year. They don't have 10 minutes to receive us.

Élise Saegaert believes it: the budget will be there. However, it is a huge job for the association's volunteers, who are struggling to have enough money. “We cannot start the work before having the grant agreements,” she explains. The only problem comes from the Department of Eure. “This is the 6th meeting they have canceled in a year. They don’t have 10 minutes to receive us,” regrets the president, annoyed. The association is particularly awaiting help from the Department because she considers “doing her job” of helping and supporting families with disabilities. “Everyone knows what it’s like to have a child with a disability, the association does a huge job on behalf of the State,” adds Gilbert Doubet. “I will write to the president of the Department,” promised Sylvain Bonenfant during the community council.

Préhandys does not hide its objective: in October 2025, the association will be 10 years old. And she would like to be able to celebrate in her Quabane. For this, work would have to begin at the beginning of next year.

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