Above: Zoël and Stéphane share the stage at one of our fundraising dinners. Come spring, Zoël will transition out of his role as Community Leader of L'Arche Saint John. If you know someone who may be a good fit, click here to learn more.
Days are getting longer, we’re planning our traditional Irish breakfast at O’Leary’s Pub, and I am almost out of maple syrup. These signs tell me that spring is approaching.
The spring season bears new opportunities for change and growth. Personally, I will be concluding my time with L’Arche Saint John after five wonderful years.
L’Arche Saint John has been a wonderful home for me. The welcome and trust I have received from community members and board of directors has been a rich experience.
I am proud of the work that has been done to promote L'Arche in Saint John through our ongoing dialogue with the Government of New Brunswick and the partnerships that we have developed over the past years. I think of the loyalty of the Sisters of Charity and our growing partnership with Inclusion NB. I look forward to seeing the impact of other new partnerships including Saint John Non Profit Housing, UNB Saint John, Port Saint John and Moosehead.
It is my deepest hope that in the near future, L'Arche Saint John can become a place of belonging for more adults with intellectual disabilities in this province.
As for what’s next for me, I will return to Montreal and work with the L’Arche community there. As I enter a season of pre-retirement, I look forward to a slower pace without any great leadership responsibilities.
After 45 years of working in L'Arche at the local, national and international levels, I can still say that I believe in the value and importance of L'Arche. I thank you for your trust in me and your continued support of L’Arche Saint John.
In gratitude,
Zoël Breau
Executive Director/Community Leader
8 comments
Dear Zoel, all the best as you begin this new journey. I will always be thankful for the years we worked together. I learned so much from your gentle way, kindness, and leadership.
Zoel; you have been a wonderful addition to L’Arche Saint John and L’Arche in general for your kind manner and wonderful leadership. I well remember meeting you at Home Fires in Wolfville back in 2000 when our New Dawn Community was planning to have Jean Vanier come to Saint John. I am still looking for that photo of you that we took in 2000. Best wishes to you in your future pursuits as you downsize in preparation for retirement which will no doubt be rewarding and still busy in many respects.
Zoel; you have been a wonderful addition to L’Arche Saint John and L’Arche in general for your kind manner and wonderful leadership. I well remember meeting you at Home Fires in Wolfville back in 2000 when our New Dawn Community was planning to have Jean Vanier come to Saint John. I am still looking for that photo of you that we took in 2000. Best wishes to you in your future pursuits as you downsize in preparation for retirement which will no doubt be rewarding and still busy in many respects.
Zoel, although we really never got to have a chance to sit down and share my years before McKim House opened I have a little quote"GOD NEVER CLOSES ONE DOOR WITHOUT OPENING ANOTHER" and your presence in L’Arche Saint John was very vulnerable to all who had the chance to work, gather for a meal and join you and the folks for Community Prayer.. “You held many hands during your 5years here at McKim and now we must bid farewell but you will always remain in our thoughts and prayers as you head back home to Montreal.” But before you leave we must try and have that long awaited talk about the years before they opened those doors on June 07 2005 and I was there before 2005 .. if only we had the chance to sit and reflect.. Good luck and until we meet again it’s not good bye .. best of luck in your next part of your journey Zoel
Congratulations on a job well done Zoel! Best wishes for your upcoming new life phase, whatever that might entail. Best regards, Jane and David Barry