Maison d’Haïti welcomes a new leader: Marjorie Villefranche passing the torch after 4 decades of service

La Maison d’Haïti is entering a new chapter, as Executive Director Marjorie Villefranche retires after more than four decades with the organization. 

“It’s the story of my life, because I started at La Maison d’Haïti as a teenager,” said Villefranche. “I arrived at the La Maison d’Haïti looking for who I am — am I Canadian, am I Haitian, am I both?”

Villefranche has been deeply involved in the fight against racism, discrimination, and advancing the cause of immigrant and undocumented workers. She championed relief efforts for the 2010 earthquake that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitians.

“There are two programs that I am proud of. It’s the youth program and the women’s program. I also think the way we reacted and helped people during the [2010] earthquake, I think it was a success for us because we were able to help and be the voice of the Haitian community during that time. “

She is deeply beloved by her team. 

Alix Jean, a youth program manager, has worked with Marjorie since 1987. 

“Hands on, everything at every level, she’s the director, but then she’s taking the broom and sweeping, I think that says a lot,” said Jean.

Peggy Larose, the welcome and new arrivals coordinator at La Maison d’Haïti, adds, “there’s never been a problem for me because she always helps to find a solution: that’s Mrs. Villefranche.”

She will officially step down on May 5 and be succeeded by Arcelle Appolon, a long-time public servant and community advocate. 

“She understands very much our values here at La Maison d’Haïti and agrees to work with those values, so I’m not afraid,” said Villefranche.

Another major accomplishment for Villefranche was the 2016 inauguration of La Maison d’Haïti’s new building in Saint-Michel. 

Villefranche’s daughter, Myriam Bres, who works as the cultural officer, says she grew up at La Maison d’Haïti. 

“She is the Maison d’Haïti — from the first person you see in the morning to the last person you see at night, it’s all her, she is everywhere, has her eye everywhere,” said Bres.

“Mom, Marjorie, you gave me life, but you also gave me purpose, you helped me to love living, so for that, thank you, you gave me life two times.”

It’s clear that she will be sorely missed.

“We’ll miss her presence. But thinking of all she’s done, she’ll always be present through her work,” said Fécu Métellus, the group life councillor for La Maison d’Haïti.

Pagé Pierreandré, housing councillor with La Maison d’Haïti, adds, “the perfect word is WOW. I can say, it’s wow. For me, she’s an amazing person, that’s all I can say.

“You can’t say La Maison d’Haïti without seeing Marjorie Villefranche,” said Pierreandré.

Larose adds, “I thank her for all the support and guidance she gave me in my work. I’ll never forget it.”

As for Villefranche, “seeing La Maison d’Haïti and not seeing it as something that I am running — it will be the hardest part — to let go. 

“A place full of art, full of vitality, full of love, that is my legacy.”