When asked why outreach is important, Eileen, GWDC’s Friendship Builder of 12 years, said, “Cause I can tell people about L’Arche.”
It’s truly that simple. So, we hope to meet with your group soon. We can come into your church, classroom, or firm. Or we can welcome you here for a presentation and some time spent in our homes.
It is a joy to meet the diverse communities and people that visit us.
Corporate Service Days
Looking to provide your employees with an opportunity to make a positive impact in your community? We enjoy hosting local businesses and corporations for service days that are mutually transformative. We regularly host groups for half-day experiences or full volunteer days.
“My visit to L’Arche was marked by a sense of deep friendship that was evident throughout our entire time. Preparing a meal for the community brought me so much joy–it felt just like cooking in my own kitchen for close friends.”
ANDREW BATARSEH, PINKSTON, PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM IN ANNANDALE, VA
Large Group Partnerships
Over the years, we have welcomed students of all ages, church and religious organizations of all kinds, social justice groups, government agencies, journalists, ambassadors, and now… you!
Our time together can include things like presentations, workshops, hands-on volunteering, times of training or formation, and eating dinner together in one of our homes. We’d love to discuss what a mutually enriching experience can look like.
“Of all the International Visitor Leadership Program’s engagements in Washington, the encounter with Laurie stood out as particularly memorable. Laurie’s warmth and the personal, intimate glimpse into daily life at L’Arche offered a unique perspective on American life that other professional meetings simply could not. Forming valuable public-private connections with organizations like L’Arche is essential for building people-to-people connections that advance global citizen diplomacy and drive social progress.”
SARAH AMIN, OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Presentations
Let us come to you–in person or virtually! We’d be happy to share a presentation or conduct a workshop at your workplace, school, university, business, church, or place of worship.
We often speak on topics such as inclusion and belonging, community and friendship, the sacred value of every human life, life at L’Arche, and disability rights.
We also have a MyVoice curriculum that teaches practical steps for medical professionals and students to treat patients with intellectual disabilities with respect, dignity, and a high quality of care. We have presented and shared this curriculum with thousands of medical students and professionals nationwide.
“You have no idea what your presence meant to the group of wonderful kids I had this year. You changed minds and touched hearts and helped us see how ‘poor’ we are when we don’t know the gifts of all God’s children. L’Arche came up in thirty out of forty-five final papers, written about in ways that bring my heart to know how neat God’s love is.”
FR. RAY KEKMP, SJ, PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
Individual Volunteers
We welcome individual volunteers from many places, all different walks of life, and for various amounts of time. There are different ways to volunteer, often depending on where your interests and skills intersect with our community’s needs. Reach out to us so we can learn more about each other and see what might be the best fit.
“It is no exaggeration to say that my time at L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C.— first 8 weeks [as a volunteer], then 2 years of living in community —has shaped every facet of my life since.”
DR. YUKO GRUBER GIBSON
For more than four decades…
Thousands of people from across the globe have joined our homes and community in the spirit of welcome and service.
Likewise, we have been warmly received into classrooms, faith communities, and groups of all ages and backgrounds to share in the mission of L’Arche together.
Our Stories
Standing Together in Uncertain Times
Those of you who are local may have firsthand experience with the tensions and uncertainty many in our community are experiencing. Those of you further away may have seen or read the descriptions of our city. We want to describe what we are living here in DC.
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I’m not scared anymore.
Nervous, Joseph rode the elevator up to the rooftop floor of the L’Arche office. Still in his first months in L’Arche as a new core member, Joseph was here to have a portrait photo taken of him to hang in his home. Stepping off the elevator and onto the roof, Joseph squeezed the hand of Meredith. Unbeknownst to her and other L’Arche assistants, Joseph was scared of heights.
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L’Arche GWDC’s Diversity Commision Survey
In 2017, L’Arche GWDC’s Diversity Commission began gathering feedback bi-annually to identify who we are as a community, to track progress, to identify areas for growth, and to ensure that our community is—and continues to grow into—a place of belonging.
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Incredible Moments Connecting with L’Arche
World Bank Conference Room by Sito Sasieta, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
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Ready to get started? We're here to help!
Fill out our contact form today, and let’s make it happen!
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Other ways to join us
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Advocacy
Together, we advocate for state and federal laws that support the rights of people with disabilities.
Read moreWork at L’Arche
At L’Arche GWDC, we work hard every day to create community and offer a place of belonging and growth to a diversity of Assistants, friends, and volunteers.
Read moreMake a Difference
Your support helps us create community. When you give to L’Arche GWDC, in any form, you’re making a direct impact in our lives.
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