“Daring to be Different” Calls for Celebration, Marrakech Inc. Honors 50 Years of Embracing Human Potential

For the last 50 years, New Haven-area nonprofit Marrakech, Inc. has provided an inclusive environment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as those facing economic disadvantages. In providing residential, employment, support, referral, and advocacy services, the agency is trusted with complex programming that saves the state millions of dollars per year.

“We really work well with the city of New Haven and our other partners,” CEO Heather LaTorra said. “We’re so proud to have such a presence here still.”

Founded by two Yale University students searching for a way to make lives better, Marrakech has fostered the growth of more than 30 supervised group homes across the state for people with developmental disabilities, and two homes for young adults with mental illnesses. Marrakech additionally provides residential, employment and day services to people living in the community along with services and referrals for homelessness, addiction and general support.

“We dare to be different,” LaTorra said. “Everyone’s on board with this, nobody’s left behind, everyone’s going to have a choice of service and we’re always going to be there.”

In celebration of 50 years, Marrakech will host its Golden Anniversary Party on October 28 at Wallingford’s Oakdale Theatre with a cocktail reception and silent auction.

The organization has an employment seniority average of seven years, more than double the national average for positions in the industry. One of many reasons for this, LaTorra says, is that staff members at Marrakech are given the opportunity for collaboration and to see their ideas put into action.

Marrakech currently employs 700 people statewide, and their advocacy has granted them higher wages for their hard work. The entry level staff pay rate was around $12.60 in 2018, and because of such efforts from the organization, in 2022 that rate will increase to $17.25.

“Everyone has a voice here,” LaTorra said. “There’s no way I came up with all these ideas, we all work together. Being an inclusive organization definitely makes us better.”

Marrakech goes beyond contracted services to bring forth initiatives such as their “Quality of Life” program, which provides recreational, social and educational opportunities for their residents as well as for people who live in their family homes. These services provide fun and friendship to the people who use them, while also providing respite to some families as well.

The organization is credited with founding the state’s first group home for people with intellectual disabilities who are also deaf, and in doing so staffed it with Marrakech employees all fluent in American Sign Language.

East Street Arts, a social enterprise, has become a central element of Marrakech’s endeavors providing a space where people of all abilities are given the opportunity to build careers as artists. The East Street artisans offer repairs for woven and antique chairs as well as unique gifts and items crafted in the art studio.

“We don’t just do arts and crafts in the art room,” Director of Creative Development Eric Ginnish said. “When they come here, we guide them in the direction to make items that are sellable.”

In promoting their continually inclusive culture for all, Marrakech invites members of the community to their 50th anniversary party to celebrate the light they’ve brought to New Haven and beyond.

For more information about the Golden Anniversary Party or to donate, visit www.marrakechinc.org.