It's been an exciting year for L'Arche Stratford, as they celebrate a big birthday and continue working towards building a new facility.
An organization that works with adults with intellectual disabilities and people who live, work and learn with them, L'Arche Stratford is marking 50 years since they opened their first home. The 'Be Belong Become' capital campaign recently received a large donation towards their $6.4 million (total cost) fundraising goal.
"It seems to all be coming together," Stephanie Calma, community leader/executive director told StratfordToday.
L'Arche Stratford hosted a festival day in June to commemorate their anniversary, with a group of people they support and their supporters, friends and community members enjoying the atmosphere at Market Square. They also hosted a demolition party, to recognize the significance of 426 Brittania St. before it is torn down and a new building is built encompassing eight residential living suites, office and recreational space.
Calma said they were advised of a significant donation before meeting with members of the board of directors at Windmill Gardens. The property was sold and profits from that sale have been earmarked to non-profit organizations (it will continue to operate as a residence for ages 55 and over).
They were not expecting the Windmill Gardens' board members to present a cheque for $1 million in July.
"I was speechless. I couldn't find the words in the moment, just so overjoyed," Calma recalled.
It was the second $1 million donation (the first was through an anonymous donor), lifting the total fundraising to $3.5 million, so far.
It was a big financial boost to the campaign and the organization is grateful - for all contributions - but there is still work to do to reach the end goal, Calma said.
"The community has really responded to our outreach."
The Britannia Street building, formerly a Montesorri school, was purchased in 2017 but COVID got in the way of plans for the property. It was used during the pandemic as an open space for community events, exercise and socialization, Calma noted, which was a big necessity for people they support.
They also rent space at 400 Huron St., however, the new build will encompass all of the office space needed.
Ownership of a bigger space will help L'Arche Stratford in its goal to be a more sustainable organization. They offer a broad variety of supports to about 34 individuals but Calma anticipates that number will more than double with the addition of the new property, as part of overall growth.
Calma said a lot of day programs and activities were impacted throughout the community during the pandemic. Some are still without services.
"Housing is the big need that everyone sees and knows but lots of folks who get a couple of hours of support...can benefit from this."
The official 50th anniversary is Aug. 23 and a smaller event is planned. L'Arche Stratford are also hosting a golf tournament on Aug. 9. There are six spots still open as of Thursday. More than 100 people are registered for the tournament at the Stratford County Club. There is also an after party at Mayor Martin Ritsma's property.
For questions around the golf tournament contact Jutta Siebel at [email protected] or 519-271-9751 ext. 224.
Calma said while much has been accomplished, L'Arche Stratford is still hard at work.
'We still have work to do. There is a lot of momentum but we have more to go, we are not there yet."
