Lifelong Care and Relationships
At L’Arche GWDC, we believe people flourish through relationships.
We celebrate the unique value of every person in our community and build mutual relationships that transform all of us.
People with intellectual disabilities—our Core Members—are at the heart of L’Arche. The title reflects both their central role and our French roots (“cœur” means heart). They lead us in decision-making, welcome new members, and shape daily life in our homes and the future of L’Arche.
Our community also includes assistants, staff, volunteers, and friends–all contributing to our mission of creating a more human society.
L’Arche offers more than housing and support services—we offer lifelong homes rooted in belonging. Our inclusive, person-centered model counters isolation and loneliness with connection and care. As core members age, we invest in the resources needed for them to remain in the homes and friendships they love. Older core members continue to lead us as mentors and teachers.
With five homes across D.C. and Arlington, L’Arche is a place where people of all abilities grow, learn, and live together.
“This [L’Arche GWDC] is what de-institutionalization’s dreamers had in mind.”
– The Washington Post, Katherine Boo, Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist
Education and Advocacy
For decades, those with disabilities were shut away in institutions. Today, many still face barriers to true belonging in society.
At L’Arche GWDC, we believe our communities thrive when everyone is valued and knows they belong. Our mission requires that we, as a community, actively and urgently support the rights of people with intellectual disabilities to live full lives, receive affordable and quality care, and widely share their unique gifts and talents.
Core members lead this work: speaking at town halls and in Congress, teaching in classrooms, and showing what inclusive communities looks like. We invite houses of worship, workplaces, and neighbors to join us in building a more human society—where belonging isn’t conditional, and everyone has a place.
Learn more about our outreach & volunteering.
Learn more about our advocacy work.
Mission of Transformation
At L’Arche GWDC, we grow together in leadership and spirituality as part of our mission to build a more human society. Mutual transformation is a way of life—each of us is on a journey to discover who we are and how we can contribute to the common good.
We are an interdenominational Christian community that welcomes people of all faiths/spiritualities and none. Faith is expressed through daily life, and all beliefs are respected.
The love and acceptance community members experience at L’Arche GWDC is transformational. Even as members move on to other pursuites, they carry the values of our community with them—creating more human spaces wherever they go.
We believe a world that fully welcomes every person is possible—and we’re building it together.
See how we live out our program areas in daily life: Read our Annual Reports.
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.
Learn more
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
Learn moreAbout Us
Find out more about us
Leadership & Board
Both our Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors are comprised of dedicated individuals using their skills, expertise, and passion to further the mission of L'Arche.
Read moreFAQs
L’Arche can feel different from many of our fast-paced lives and from other places that provide services to people with disabilities. Browse through answers to frequently asked questions to learn more.
Read moreAnnual Reports
Our Annual Reports showcase the many ways donors help us build community. As each year passes we overcome challenges, treasure our memories, and celebrate being together.
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