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Becoming a Core Member

How does someone become a core member and start living in a L’Arche GWDC home?

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Living At L’Arche FAQ’s

How can I or my loved one with a disability live at L’Arche GWDC?

Read our page “Becoming a Core Member” to see if you or your loved one is eligible to live in one of your homes. We offer homes for life, which means we rarely have openings. If you don’t live in northern Virginia or DC, check out the L’Arche USA website to see if there is a L’Arche community near you.

What does Core Member/Core Person mean?

Core members or core people are the adults with intellectual disabilities who have chosen to make L’Arche their home. They are called core members because they are at the core of our community, and because of our French roots (“cœur” means heart in French). Core people are at the heart of everything we do.

What does the word “L’Arche” mean?

L’Arche, the French word for an ark (as in Noah’s Ark) was the name given to the original L’Arche home in Trosly, France that was founded in 1964.

How is L’Arche GWDC funded?

Approximately 2/3 of our funding comes from DC and Virginia Medicaid for the provision of services for people with disabilities. The other 1/3 is contributed by individuals, foundations, churches, and others. Donations enable our core members to live full, community-based lives and enable us to pay appropriate wages to assistants (DSPs) for the incredibly meaningful work they do every day. If you would like to contribute, go to our donation page.

Is L’Arche GWDC a religious organization?

L’Arche GWDC  is a multi-faith, interdenominational faith community, initially rooted in the Christian Gospel. As people with and without intellectual disabilities, we share life in community and belong to the International Federation of L’Arche. Throughout L’Arche GWDC and our fellow L'Arche communities around the world, mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together.

Other ways to join us

Find out More

Advocacy

Together, we advocate for state and federal laws that support the rights of people with disabilities.

Read more

Community Connections Program

A monthly gathering designed by and for people with and without intellectual disabilities.

Read more

Pray With Us

Discover the spirituality of L’Arche by joining us for our monthly virtual prayer nights.

Read more
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