L'Arche GWDC

January 14, 2025

World Bank Conference Room
by Sito Sasieta, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

That is the happiest I have ever seen
a room full of people at the World Bank
one employee said. Having just taken
several pictures of us at the photo booth
with our pink wigs & multi-colored umbrella
hats, she spoke, not so much, to the ruckus
of midday wigs on a cloudy Thursday
but rather, to her sense of awe
at what Laurie just accomplished
in this hall of influence, noting
the ease she felt when Laurie spoke
about her life— the bolognese
she whips up with garlic & herbs,
the grief of losing friends like Charles,
the brothers & sisters she has found
in L’Arche, not to mention the dancing
& the tickling & in the twinkling of an eye
Laurie smuggled her joie de vivre
into a formal conference room
in Washington D.C. 

This year, as L’Arche has renewed its focus on outreach, I’ve been privy to so many incredible moments where our core people totally change the energy in a room. Laurie’s confidence before a jam-packed room of 40 middle-aged professionals at the World Bank was one such instance. Another was hearing two churches bust up with laughter when Eileen shared stories about her old friend Mo Higgs, and his love for cigars.

In November, Eileen and I visited Georgetown University to speak to a first-year Disability Studies class. One student was so intrigued, she decided to come to Ontario House for dinner and stay for art-making with Eileen (click here to see the fruit of that evening in a virtual art gallery). Other students from that class belong to the Neurodiversity Ambassadors on campus and have reached out about getting involved in our Community Connections Program. 

Our mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. We do this in our homes, yes, but we also do this in the wider world. And it’s something that we truly enjoy. 

So, if you’re interested, consider having us come and give a talk or lead a formation experience. Or consider bringing your church or your school or your colleagues to L’Arche for a volunteer day. We are nourished as a community when we are invited to share our gifts. So please reach out, we’d love to be with you! Click here to learn more about volunteering or connecting with L’Arche.

—
Sito Sasieta
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator