History

In 1981, Adolfo Puricelli, an Argentinean pastor, responded to an invitation by the Mennonite church to come to Canada to conduct a study of the needs of Latin American newcomers in Toronto. Rev. Puricelli did intensive field research, building trust with newcomer groups and associations, talking with Latin Americans about their needs and hopes, and dialoguing with Mennonite churches about their relationship to newcomer communities. At the end of his research, he recommended establishing a social ministry focused on meeting the settlement needs of Latin American newcomers. In 1983, the Mennonite New Life Centre came into being as an expression of that vision, with Adolfo and Betty Puricelli as the founding directors.

In 1986, the Board of the New Life Centre was formed, with representation from supporting Mennonite churches. One year later, the New Life Centre was formally recognized as a charitable organisation. From its humble beginnings in the Puricelli's home, the New Life Centre has grown into a vibrant community centre, with twelve full time staff and a wide range of programs and services. Since 1996, the New Life Centre has operated out of 1774 Queen St East, a building shared with two Mennonite congregations.

Over the years, many talented staff and volunteers have shared generously of their time and talents to build up a welcoming and caring community centre for newcomers to Canada. Many of our staff were once newcomers themselves, and bring to their work special qualities of understanding and compassion.

In the summer of 2006, the Puricellis retired after 23 years of dedicated service to the Mennonite New Life Centre. Under new leadership, the Centre continues to live out its mission of care and service to newcomers to Canada.