Marillac Place originated as a Special Works Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Kitchener Particular Council). Our name came from Louise de Marillac, who was a follower of St. Vincent de Paul, and who served the sick and the poor in the sixteenth century.

Marillac Place first opened our doors in 1987 as a shelter for abused women. In 1992, we changed our mandate to meet the evolving needs of the community by providing housing and support services for pregnant and parenting women and their children. Our goal is to create a culture of empowerment, security, safety and stability for our participants.

We have rooms for up to ten women ages 16 and up and their children up to the age of 24 months. They may reside at Marillac Place either during their pregnancy, or with their child/children for a maximum stay of twelve months providing the family meets our mandate. We can also accommodate women who have lost care of their child (up to the age of 24 months) through our Plan to Parent Program.   During their stay at Marillac Place they can work towards regaining care of their child.

Our service at Marillac Place is unique because we offer the option of longer-term accommodation, and 24-hour staffing support to our participants. Many of our participants lack family and social networks. They need supportive housing that will provide them with time to develop the parenting and life skills needed to live independently in the community. Our participants are strengthened through the peer support aspect of community living. We are committed to providing these women and children with all of the tools they will need to have a happy, healthy future with their children.