Follow Our Progress
We are poised to open in November of 2026.
Securing our home
We have found a property in Guelph, Ontario, with an existing residence named Loyola House. The residence and farmland is a perfect home for Eli’s Place to begin operation.
Government Relations
We are working closely with government representatives to build relationships for future opportunities.
Refining our model
Our model of treatment and recovery is based on Gould Farm, which integrates the domains of work, living and clinical care. Year-round, meaningful work opportunities are being defined within our new setting.
Effective governance
We have experienced and highly skilled Senior Leadership guided by a committed Board of Directors.
Launch campaign
A launch campaign is well underway to ensure we have the funds needed to renovate Loyola House, to hire staff, and to do all that’s needed to welcome guests in 2026.
Annual fundraising
Annual fundraising remains crucial to our success. Join the movement making this evidence-based treatment available to Ontarians. There are many ways to participate.
Our new home
Eli’s Place is designed to feel like a home rather than a facility. The physical environment, the daily rhythms, and the relationships between guests and staff are all understood as mechanisms of the therapeutic model, not a backdrop to it.
Eli’s Place operates from Loyola House on the grounds of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre (IJC), a 600-acre working farm and conservation property in Guelph/Eramosa Township, just north of the City of Guelph, Ontario.
The IJC is a longstanding charitable organization with deep roots in land stewardship, conservation and community agriculture.
Eli’s Place is a nonreligious program; our relationship with IJC is operational and has no religious component.
Residence and facilities
Guests at Eli’s Place will stay in Loyola House. Some rooms have ensuite bathrooms, while others will have access to shared bathroom facilities. All rooms have views of the natural landscape in which Loyola House is situated. Residential lodging will accommodate up to 30 guests with two respite bedrooms reserved for past participants requiring short-term follow-up support.
There are large communal spaces in which to gather, including a room centered around a fireplace. The dining room is homey and well-appointed with windows to the outside. Smaller rooms are designed to accommodate activities, therapy, counselling and meetings.
Plans for Eli’s Place also include a barn and workshop — activity hubs where valuable learning and skills training will take place.
Core Program Components
- Meaningful work
- Living in community with others
- Connection to the natural environment
- Counseling
- Medication
Programs and environment
Located on a large and beautiful property, Eli’s Place is just a stone’s throw away from the urban amenities of the city of Guelph. Farming has existed on the property for over 100 years and with that institutional knowledge, we can offer meaningful farm work in the growing season. In winter, other activities such as maintaining ski trails will provide learning opportunities.
The work is designed to be therapeutic and may be adapted to the needs of each guest on an ongoing basis. Living within a natural environment and engaging in meaningful work is integral to the program.