September 26, 2024
SAINT JOHN, N.B. - L’Arche Saint John brought the community together last night to celebrate the Spirit of L’Arche Awards, recognizing commitments in creating a vibrant and inclusive community where adults with intellectual disabilities are celebrated for their gifts.
The Saint John Arts Centre and Gray Gillies Mott, a long-time leader at L’Arche Saint John, were presented with the Spirit of L’Arche Awards at the organization’s Building Community dinner gala held at the Delta Hotel on Sept. 25.
The Spirit of L’Arche Award celebrates individuals or organizations that have a transformative impact on L’Arche Saint John and the Greater Saint John community through their commitment to creating a world where everyone belongs.
“Fostering a more inclusive community is a collaborative effort, and it is thanks to people like Gray and the team at the Saint John Arts Centre that we are able to help build a world where everyone belongs,” said Rachel Vander Vennen, executive director of L’Arche Saint John.
Andrew Kierstead, executive director of the Saint John Arts Centre, was honoured along with the organization’s board and staff. He joined Gillies Mott in accepting the awards in front of a sold out crowd of more than 400 people at the annual gala dinner.
"There is a positive energy created by our friends at L’Arche that actually changes the feeling within the Saint John Arts Centre, when they visit,” Kierstead explained. “They express a certain honesty, joy and sense of discovery, which I believe, can serve as an example for all of us to follow."
“I am truly honoured that the Saint John Arts Centre is recognized with this award and look forward to our continued partnership with L’Arche Saint John,” he said.
Gillies Mott received the Spirit of L’Arche Award for her years of deep commitment and friendship to L’Arche, holding various roles since its beginning in 2005. She currently serves as the Program Leader at Creative Connections, the art studio uptown.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this award,” Gillies Mott said. “Through the years, L’Arche Saint John has nourished, challenged, and inspired me, and so many others. This award really belongs to the good people with and without disabilities who have been my teachers, co-dreamers, and dear friends – my community. "
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 Saint John Arts Centre and Gray Gillies Mott as recipients of the Spirit of L’Arche Award at its sold-out Building Community gala Wednesday night, in recognition for their outstanding commitment to building an inclusive community. From left are Rachel Vander Vennen, Executive Director of L’Arche Saint John, Adrian Morgan of L’Arche Saint John, Gray Gillies Mott, Program Leader of L’Arche Creative Connections, and Andrew Kierstead, Executive Director of the Saint John Arts Centre. PHOTO: L’Arche Saint John.
For L’Arche Saint John media inquiries, please contact:
Rachel Vander Vennen, L’Arche Saint John
(506) 651-0266
rachel@larchesaintjohn.org
ABOUT L’ARCHE SAINT JOHN
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 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.