September 11, 2025
SAINT JOHN, N.B. – L’Arche Saint John brought the community together last night to celebrate the Spirit of L’Arche Awards, recognizing extraordinary commitments to building a vibrant and inclusive community where adults with intellectual disabilities are celebrated for their gifts.
This year’s Spirit of L’Arche Awards were presented to the Honourable Brenda Murphy and Linda Boyle, former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and Stacey Howe, a L’Arche member, at the organization’s annual Building Community Gala, held in uptown Saint John last night. The evening brought together more than 400 people in recognition of the transformative impact of disability inclusion, community building and service.
The Spirit of L’Arche Award honours individuals and organizations that have a transformative impact on L’Arche Saint John and the Greater Saint John community through their dedication to creating a world where everyone belongs.
“Fostering a more inclusive community is a collective effort, and we are grateful for the friendship and leadership shown by Brenda and Linda, and Stacey” said Rachel Vander Vennen, Executive Director of L’Arche Saint John. “Their commitment helps make it possible for us to build a world where every person’s gifts are valued.
In her role as Lieutenant Governor, Brenda and her spouse Linda welcomed L’Arche with open arms into their home and heart, embodying the L’Arche spirit with a friendship that continues today.
“L’Arche is the true embodiment of inclusion,” said Brenda and Linda. “The way the community works, plays, and lives together – it’s the way the world should live. This community, this very large family, exemplifies what’s important in life: relationships. Learning to care for each other, celebrating each of us with all of our quirks – these things are life-changing and world-changing.”
Stacey is a cornerstone of the L’Arche community, as one of the founding members of L’Arche Creative Connections, a creative arts studio uptown Saint John since 2016.
“L’Arche is really important to me because I find that everyone is celebrated for who they are – that’s made me feel super comfortable and not judged,” Stacey said. “It’s somewhere that everybody can belong regardless of their disability.”
The Building Community gala combined celebration with a call to action for the community to join in creating a more compassionate society.
L’Arche Saint John’s mission is to make known the gifts of adults with intellectual disabilities through mutually transformative relationships. To learn more and to help drive L’Arche Saint John’s mission, visit www.larchesaintjohn.org
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PHOTO CAPTION
L’Arche Saint John recognized the Honourable Brenda Murphy and Linda Boyle, former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and Stacey Howe, a L’Arche member, at the organization’s annual Building Community Gala, held in uptown Saint John last night. The evening brought together more than 400 people in recognition of the transformative impact of disability inclusion, community building and service. From left: Linda Boyle, the Honourable Brenda Murphy, Stacey Howe, Rachel Vander Vennen, executive director of L'Arche Saint John, and Kathryn Titus of L'Arche Saint John.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Rachel Vander Vennen, L’Arche Saint John
(506) 651-0266
rachel@larchesaintjohn.org
L’Arche Saint John is a community of people with and without intellectual disabilities in Saint John. Founded in 2005, the non-profit operates McKim House on the city’s west side, the Creative Connections art studio and program at 95 Prince William St., and L’Arche Connects, a supported independent living program. L’Arche Saint John is part of an international federation creating homes and day programs with adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit www.larchesaintjohn.org.