Adolfo Puricelli, MNLC founding director
Drawing on the inspiration of our Mennonite heritage, MNLC seeks to be a place of community and mutual support for newcomers of a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds.
Founded in 1983 as Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, MNLC originates in a strong tradition of peace and service work by Mennonite churches. Mennonite history is marked by a long series of migrations and movements driven by religious persecution, as well as the desire to maintain a distinct way of life based on values of peace and non-violence.
Mennonites therefore have a strong concern for immigrants and refugees, particularly the most vulnerable. At MNLC, we welcome newcomers from all sides of world conflicts, striving to be a place of healing and reconciliation. Our services offer victims of violence an opportunity to express and grieve their losses, while seeking hope and purpose for the future. Advocacy work gives expression to our call to build a better world, where violence and injustice would cease, and a better Canada, where all newcomers might experience compassion and fairness.
Our goal is to serve, not to convert. Clients are encouraged and supported in giving expression to their own values, and their own dreams for the future.
At MNLC, we show our compassion for newcomers in practical ways by answering questions, helping with immigration and settlement needs, English language instruction, mental health and community health services, and other critical programming to support the communities who rely on MNLC.
Innovators
Betty Puricelli, Founding Director
Betty Puricelli and her husband, Adolfo Puricelli, were founding directors of Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (now MNLC). Listen to her story about MNLC's first days.
Liz and Alf Koop
Watch Liz and Alf Koop's story about the early days of MNLC in the 1980s. Alf was one of the original members of our Board of Directors.
Bruce Burgetz, MNLC Board Chair for 22 years
Bruce Burgetz was the chair of the MNLC board for 22 years before stepping down in 2008. We interviewed Bruce about the early beginnings of MNLC and the memories he made serving the community.
Miriam Reesor, Former MNLC Board Chair
Miriam Reesor, a long-time supporter of MNLC, sat down with us to talk about the work she did to contribute to our mission during her time as a board member. Miriam served as Board Chair for seven years and participated in the planning and launch of MNLC’s bridging programs.
Rochelle Fine, Former MNLC Board Chair
We sat down with MNLC’s Board Chair Rochelle Fine to discuss her involvement with the Centre. She spoke about how she first joined the Board and reflected on the journey we shared. She also highlighted the importance of providing newcomers with mental health support.
Our History
The story of the Mennonites is marked by forced migration from central Europe to Russia, and later on to North and South America. Over the centuries, many Mennonites were brutally persecuted for their open opposition to violence and affirmation of the separation of church and state.
This experience has inspired a special concern for service and solidarity with refugees from around the world. Heavily involved in sponsoring Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s, Ontario Mennonites later began to look for opportunities to support a new wave of refugees coming from Latin America.
After an initial period of research and needs assessment with the Latin American community, Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto was founded in 1983.
Over the years, the founding vision of service and solidarity with refugees and displaced peoples has led MNLC to reach out to new refugee and immigrant communities, adapting and expanding our programs to respond to diverse needs and aspirations.
At each step of the way, MNLC has worked to build a caring and inclusive community, where the ideas and contributions of newcomers are respected and valued. Together, newcomers and neighbours, we support each other, learn from each other, and take action together for a more just and compassionate society.
25 Years:
“Walking Together“
by Luis Alberto Mata
Originally written in Spanish by Colombian journalist and then, MNLC volunteer, Luis Mata, Walking Together is an account of the institutional history of MNLC for its 25th Anniversary in 2008.
Aquí puede leer el documento Caminando Juntos en español.
In 2023, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with a gala event for over 500 partners and community members. Explore stories about our center’s past, present, and future from MNLC founders, partners, sponsors, staff, and clients.
“Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto has a lot of angels. Thank you all for helping me to be myself again.”
What’s Your Story
Help create an inclusive
& diverse Canada