In L’Arche, we use the term “core member” or “core family member” to refer to the adults with intellectual disabilities who live in our homes and are the center and heart of our community. When L’Arche welcomes a new core member, we anticipate that they will live in L’Arche for the rest of their life. For that reason, residential openings in L’Arche homes are rare.
When there is an opening, there is a selection process. We do not operate a waiting list, though we do accept expressions of interest via our inquiry form at all times.
Friends are always welcome at our regularly scheduled prayer nights and events. You may also join our Community Connections Program: a monthly gathering designed and hosted by people with and without intellectual disabilities.
Please read below to learn about the process of becoming a core member.
To be eligible to become a core member, the person must:
– Have a current diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability
– Be over the age of 21
– Be a resident of DC or Virginia
– Have a Medicaid Waiver
When a vacancy arises, inquiries are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. L’Arche GWDC considers both eligibility criteria and our capacity to provide specific types of care.
Preferred method for completing the Core Person Inquiry Form is online.
You may also download the inquiry form here and submit completed forms by email referrals@larche-gwdc.org or fax 202.986.1492.
In both Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Virginia, core members “enter” L’Arche through referrals from the respective governmental bodies. Here’s a short summary on how that happens:
Arlington, Virginia
1.Prospective core member contact their local CSB (Community Service Board). Click here for your local CSB. Arlington County CSB can be reached at 703.228.4871. Ask to be connected to an intake representative for Intellectual Disability Waiver services.
2. Through this process, the individual may seek residential, vocational, case management or a variety of other services via the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).
3. After completing the intake process, individuals who are looking for residential placement can ask their service coordinator to refer them to L’Arche GWDC.
4. At the same time, interested individuals can visit our website and complete the core person inquiry form. This form is not an official application, but rather an initial indication of interest in L’Arche GWDC.
5. L’Arche reviews these inquiry forms, contacts families if there are questions about eligibility, and then keeps these forms on file. L’Arche may contact families who are eligible when there is an opening at L’Arche GWDC if additional information is needed.
Washington, D.C.
1.Prospective core members apply to DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration). Call 202.730.1791 and ask to be connected to an intake representative. You can also check the web site for more information about services available.
2. Through this process, the individual may seek residential, vocational, case management, or a variety of other services via DDA.
3. After completing the intake process, individuals who are looking for residential placement can ask their service coordinator to refer them to L’Arche GWDC.
4. At the same time, interested individuals can visit our website and complete the core person inquiry form. This form is not an official application, but rather an initial indication of interest in L’Arche GWDC.
5. L’Arche reviews these inquiry forms, contacts families if there are questions about eligibility, and then keeps these forms on file. L’Arche may contact families who are eligible when there is an opening at L’Arche GWDC if additional information is needed.
See our FAQ page if you have more questions, or email us at info@larche-gwdc.org.
FAQ Page