The work of La Pommeraie
The work of La Pommeraie
La Pommeraie is an institution dedicated to welcoming and supporting people with disabilities. Affiliated with FESAP(Federation of Employers of Personal Assistance Services), it traces its origins to the La Porte Ouverte institute in Blicquy before becoming independent in 1972 in Ellignies-Sainte-Anne.
Initially a single entity, the structure gradually decentralized to better individualize projects and promote social integration. Today, around twenty homes are spread across four villages: Ellignies-Sainte-Anne, Quevaucamps, Basècles, and Tourpes, accommodating 236 beneficiaries according to their needs and preferences.
Residents take part in a variety of activities in over 30 workshops (crafts, arts, creativity, sports) within La Pommeraie’s Occupational Sector. Some beneficiaries even stand out internationally in artistic fields.
The institution is strongly committed to promoting social integration through interactions with local villagers and a Leisure and Events Service offering a wide range of activities. The main objective is to ensure autonomy, well-being, and personal fulfillment for everyone, with personalized and compassionate support.
Collaboration with Les Nocturnales and Luc Petit
The goal of the collaboration with Les Nocturnales is of utmost importance to La Pommeraie, as it represents both integration and inclusion, as well as the recognition of artistic creativity in all its forms: set construction, acting, puppet handling, and more.
La Pommeraie is an institution of art and, therefore, of artists. It has a true culture of culture… Whether it be painting, singing, cinema, or theater, the exchanges with Luc Petit help transcend divisions and push boundaries.
They offer an extraordinary opportunity for self-transcendence… This may not be entirely unique in Belgium or even in Europe, but the partnership emerging today goes beyond traditional practices, such as performing in front of an unfamiliar audience. Of course, there are festivals, exhibitions, and performances featuring people with disabilities, often in front of an already receptive audience. But here, the participants get the chance to perform on equal footing with professional artists and stand on the same stage.
The beneficiaries and staff of La Pommeraie are highly motivated by this kind of challenge. They have the opportunity to showcase both skills and personal growth. Disability is not a category or a division but rather a difference that is a source of richness. And that makes all the difference!
Eric Lenz - Pommeraie Director
An amateur actor since his studies in leisure and tourism, he gradually turned towards the world of disability support—first as an educator, then as a service manager. Passionate about cinema, he directs short films with the beneficiaries of La Pommeraie. Since 2023, he has collaborated with Les Nocturnales in performances at the Château de Beloeil. A pirate alongside Peter Pan, a Chinese Emperor in Around the World… He brings along the residents and professionalsof La Pommeraie, whether acting on stage or building sets, but above all, sharing in a remarkable human and artistic adventure!
Eric approaches his work with the same passion he has for the stage. Running an institution or performing on stage—it’s really quite similar. Because, in the end, the world must remain a grand “comedy”, where having fun and bringing joy to others is essential… Taking things seriously, without taking oneself too seriously.
As Alphonse Allais once said:
“People who never laugh are not serious people.”
Anaïs Duthie
Anaïs is a woman of the stage. Theater, stand-up, no matter the format, as long as there’s an audience, she takes the stage! She has been acting in theater for many years in various troupes from Western Hainaut. Her path also led her to stand-up comedy… Her “solar” energy guides her through the many twists and turns of the world of performance.
She shares her passion and energy enthusiastically with the residents of La Pommeraie through the Theater Workshopshe has been leading for over ten years. She provides them with a stage where they can express themselves, have fun, and resonate with her. Her troupe performs regularly at La Pommeraie and also goes on tour. Since 2023, she has taken about thirty residents with her to the park of the Château de Beloeil, following the paths of Peter Pan and Around the World… For Anaïs and “her” actors, theater is much more than an art form—it is a way of life… and of sharing!
