Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members,
while being faithful to the core values of our founding story.
Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.
We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation.
Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together.
We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.
L’Arche is unique among residential service providers in that core members (adults with intellectual disabilities) and assistants (people without intellectual disabilities who support core members) choose to live life together like a family. We come together around the dinner table, for house meetings, and for weekly celebrations. Core members lead the community through their creativity and compassion. As core members’ needs change we respond by adapting our routines and physical spaces. Click the button below to learn more about our program areas.
Program Areas
Countless people have come through our doors, whether to join us for one dinner or many years. At L’Arche, they find friendship and a uniquely inclusive space, where each person is loved and cared for simply for being themselves. By inviting people into our community and by going out to engage in our neighborhoods we are building a more human society, one where we celebrate the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. Whether we are speaking at a town hall or having coffee with a neighbor, we are modeling inclusion.
Our lives are based around welcome, prayer, celebration, and forgiveness as an interdenominational Christian community. Through these practices, each member is encouraged to discover and deepen their spiritual life and live it according to their particular faith and tradition. Those who have no religious or spiritual affiliation are also welcomed and respected in their humanity and freedom of conscience.
Learn more about community life by reading some of our articles under our “Stories” tab or watching our YouTube films. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook too!
