What would it be like for every person to experience true belonging and community? Our approach to a more human world where everyone knows they belong is based on three programmatic areas: Lifelong care and relationships are foundational. Education and advocacy are essential. Mission of transformation is the result.
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
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.
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.
