As we celebrate 20 years of L’Arche Saint John, we’re sharing stories from the people who have shaped our community — past and present. Whether you’ve lived, worked, volunteered, or partnered with us, your stories remind us what belonging really looks like.
Here’s Story 5: The ROI of Supporting L'Arche: An Entrepreneur's Perspective, by Dave Stonehouse
My involvement with the L'Arche Saint John community has been truly one of the most rewarding chapters of my personal and professional life.
At the invitation of a friend, I had the privilege and honour of serving on the board of directors for L'Arche Saint John for six years, three of those as President and Chair of the Board. What started as a simple "yes" to help a friend became a journey that fundamentally changed who I am as a leader and a person.
The L'Arche mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships. And it is no exaggeration to say that the people of L'Arche Saint John – the staff, the core members, their families, and volunteers – transformed who I was.
What I discovered at L'Arche surprised me. Being part of this community taught me profound lessons about compassion, understanding, and acceptance. In a world that can be chaotic, stressful, and competitive, L'Arche Saint John is a refuge of belonging and peace – a place where people with and without disabilities can live, laugh, and cry together as equals.
I've witnessed firsthand the difference that being part of this community makes in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. I understand the anguish of aging parents desperate to find a loving home for their adult child, and the profound peace they feel when they discover their child can truly be at home in L'Arche. These experiences stay with you.
In addition to investing our time as volunteers, my wife Kara and I – along with our company, The Stonehouse Agency – have chosen to donate to L'Arche Saint John because we know the significant impact that financial gifts of all sizes can have on this community. Every dollar helps create more moments of belonging and joy.
We've also supported the L'Arche Saint John Brighter Futures Fund because we want to see this community grow to meet the critical need in our region. We need more safe and inclusive housing like McKim House, more independent living support through L'Arche Connects, and expanded day programming like the Creative Connections art program and studio. The need is real, and growing.
Here's what I want other business leaders to know: Supporting L'Arche isn't just about giving back – it's about being part of something that will genuinely change your perspective on what success and community really mean. The return on investment isn't measured in dollars – it's measured in transformed lives, including your own.
We invite you to join us in growing the circle of support for this wonderful community with such a noble and inclusive mission. Whether you're considering your first gift, thinking about becoming a monthly donor, or exploring a corporate partnership, please know that your contribution – whatever the size – makes a real difference.
L'Arche Saint John has given our family far more than we could ever give back. I suspect the same will be true for you.
Dave Stonehouse
Founder & CEO, The Stonehouse Agency
Former Board Chair & President, L'Arche Saint John