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L'Arche Stratford

About L’Arche Stratford

We are people with and without developmental disabilities, sharing life together. 

Over 50 years connecting hearts and changing lives.

“L’Arche Stratford is a beautiful example of how we humans can be there in love and compassion for each other, especially for those who need us the most. I am grateful for the L’Arche community in which my sister Glory lives and thrives as a core member! And thank you to those who carry out the L’Arche Mission – we are eternally grateful to you for bringing more love, understanding and joy to this world!”

-Brenda McMorrow

Our History

1973
Marjorie Pickersgill founded L’Arche Stratford in the former Loretto Convent beside St. Joseph’s Parish. The new home also housed the offices and was named Maranatha. Gary McRae was welcomed as the first core member with several others welcomed in the fall.
1980-92
The Supported Independent Living (SIL) program began and has grown into the largest program in L’Arche Ontario. In 1980 Fr. Murray McDermott connected with L’Arche Stratford and in 1981 Fr. Tom Donahue arrived, becoming Community Leader in 1982. In 1988 L’Arche Stratford celebrated its 15th anniversary with a party in Upper Queen’s Park.
1993-99
The Supported Independent Living (SIL) program began and has grown into the largest program in L’Arche Ontario. In 1980 Fr. Murray McDermott connected with L’Arche Stratford and in 1981 Fr. Tom Donahue arrived, becoming Community Leader in 1982. In 1988 L’Arche Stratford celebrated its 15th anniversary with a party in Upper Queen’s Park.
2001-11
In August 2003, L’Arche Stratford celebrated its 30th Anniversary in Upper Queen’s Park. Marg Van Herk Paradis was welcomed as Community Leader in 2004. In September 2009, a celebration was held to recognize the grand opening of the Ark at 400 Huron Street. In 2011 four core members had their artwork displayed at the L’Arche Ontario Art Show at Queen’s Park.
2014-17
In 2014 Stephanie Calma was called to the position of Community Leader. In 2016 L’Arche Stratford underwent a mandate process which developed the Strategic Plan that would carry the organization into 2020. It outlined three priorities; Tending the Soil, Planting Seeds and Sharing our Abundance. In 2017 426 Britannia Street was purchased.
2018-19
The Be Belong Become capital campaign began for the renovation of the Montessori School at 426 Britannia Street. In May of 2018 an Open House for the neighbourhood and Stratford community was held at the Montessori School. In 2019 Cory, Oscar and Shirley Maschke were named the campaign ambassadors for L’Arche Stratford’s first ever capital campaign.
2022-23
In 2022 it was decided to tear down and rebuild 426 Britannia and new building plans were drawn. In late summer 2023 after members of L’Arche Stratford held a demolition party, the old Montessori School was demolished. 2023 also marked the 50th anniversary of L’Arche Stratford with a festival in Market Square. In 2023, L’Arche also received a generous anonymous donation of $1 million and another $1 million from Windmill Gardens.
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Our Impact

Read L'Arche Stratford's Annual Report