Our Founder – The Heart Behind Résidence Peniel
A Vision Rooted in Compassion
Résidence Peniel was born from a deep calling, to create a safe and welcoming space for adults and seniors who require support, respect, and care that goes beyond the clinical.
At the heart of this vision is our founder, Mrs. Walo Okoli, a passionate caregiver and advocate who has dedicated years to supporting vulnerable individuals through health care, community outreach, and faith-based service.
A Personal Mission Rooted in Experience
Having worked within the healthcare system, Mrs. Walo Okoli witnessed firsthand the immense challenges families and medical professionals face in finding suitable placements for patients who no longer require hospitalization, yet cannot return home due to their level of care needs.
Hospitals are often overwhelmed with cases that don't require acute care, but for which long-term care placements are unavailable, with waiting lists sometimes stretching over a year. Doctors, families, and case workers are left scrambling to find transitional solutions for these patients who need a safe, supportive place to stay.
It was in the midst of this crisis that the idea for Résidence Peniel was born.
As an intermediate resource, Résidence Peniel serves as a crucial bridge between hospital discharge and long-term care placement. We welcome individuals in transition, offering them dignity, support, and a sense of home during what can be a long and uncertain wait.
This mission is deeply personal. As someone who has seen the pressure placed on hospitals and the emotional toll on families, Mrs. Okoli is committed to being part of the solution, not only by offering compassionate care, but by directly supporting the healthcare system through responsive, high-quality transitional housing.
Who’s Walo Suzanne Okoli ?
Walo Suzanne Okoli is a dedicated and experienced healthcare professional, currently working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at CISSSO (Foyer du Bonheur, Gatineau) since 2020. With over 15 years of experience in community health and home care services, she is known for her initiative, autonomy, strong organizational skills, and active listening with patients.
Her career began as a healthcare assistant at CSSS Lucile Teasdale, followed by a position at CIUSSS de l’Est de l’Île de Montréal as an LPN, and later joined CISSSO, where she now also serves as a team leader. Suzanne is recognized for her patience, flexibility, and energy in her daily work.
She holds a vocational diploma in nursing (2015) and continues to pursue education with health psychology studies at UQO and various certifications (OCCI, Clinibase, Qualicode...).
Fluent in French and basic English (A1 level), she is proficient in healthcare digital tools and actively involved in community life. She served as a member of the CIUSSS auxiliary nurses committee and was president of the Quebec Association for the Promotion of African Culture. Passionate about reading, dancing, and travel, she is driven by a commitment to providing human-centered and inclusive care.
The Meaning of “Peniel”
“Peniel” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “Face of God.”
It reflects our belief that every person, regardless of their condition or background, deserves to be seen, valued, and loved.
It’s this principle that guides everything we do.
A Message from Our Founder
“Résidence Peniel is not just a place of care, it's a place of purpose.
Here, we honor each resident’s life with compassion, dignity, and presence.
It’s a home built on faith, guided by love, and powered by service.”
Mrs. Walo Okoli