Our History
Sister Jean Ell
In 1974, Sister Jean Ell began working in the Psychiatry Department at St. Boniface Hospital, where she saw firsthand a pattern that became known as “revolving door syndrome”: people being discharged from hospital care with nowhere in the community to turn for ongoing support, only to end up back in crisis and back in hospital.
By the spring of 1977, Sara Riel's Board of Directors approached Sister Ell to develop a program to address exactly that gap. In mid-October of that year, Sister Ell — together with her secretary, Lorraine Vadeboncoeur — began the work from temporary offices, marking the beginning of Sara Riel Inc. Sara Riel admitted its first client on October 17, 1978, beginning with the Community Rehabilitation Program.
Nearly five decades later, that founding commitment — to meet people where they are, and walk alongside them with dignity — remains the heart of everything Sara Riel does.
How the Name Was Chosen
The organization is named after Sara Riel, the first Métis Religious in the west, honouring her connection to the Grey Nuns and the spirit of Manitoba's heritage that continues to shape how Sara Riel approaches its work in the community today.
Timeline
Established and incorporated
First client admitted
Work Placement Force launched
Non-denominational Spiritual Care Services introduced
Marion Street Apartments (Supportive Housing) opens
Expanded funding for enhanced services
Sara Riel Foundation incorporated
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