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L'Arche International and L'Arche USA
L'Arche International:
Now operating in 40 different countries around the world, L'Arche works closely with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that each person can play their full role in society.
Turning dreams to reality, each of our 137 L'Arche communities is a springboard of opportunity where members with and without disabilities get customized support to discover, develop and share their unique - and often hidden- talents.
Individuals are invited to share fully in community life, in both residential and non-residential settings, as suited to specific needs and hopes. More than just inclusion, it is about making the most of life!
A L'Arche community is...
...mutual relationships: At the heart of L'Arche communities are relationships between people with and without intellectual disabilities. A respectful relationship between people who treat each other as of equal value provides security, allowing for growth, personal development and freedom to become more fully the people we want to be. Most importantly, mutual relationships foster the acceptance of each person as a unique and valuable individual, whatever his or her abilities or disabilities.
...spirituality: From its first community, founded in France in the Roman Catholic tradition, many other communities have been established in various cultural and religious traditions. Today, faith life continues to be an essential element of all L'Arche communities, which may be rooted in a particular faith tradition or have an ecumenical or an inter-faith character. Communities are respectful of the particular faith traditions of people who come to the community and seek to support members to deepen in their own faith experience and values, whether they situate themselves within or outside a religious affiliation.
...know-how: More than 40 years of experience and cooperative work with doctors, psychologists, social workers and other professionals have enabled L'Arche communities to develop strong competencies and a high standard of quality in the field of care-giving. In several countries, L'Arche is called upon by governments for advice on policy formation.
...community life: Living with others emphasizes what a person can accomplish, give and learn. Just as in a family, all members of the community are responsible for the group's well-being, be it at home, in a workshop or a day program, through cooking or washing up, through a helping hand, a smile or a joke.
Learn more about L'Arche International by visiting www.larche.org.
L'Arche USA:
The International Federation of L'Arche consists of 137 communities in 40 countries around the world, which are organized into nine zones. L'Arche USA is one of these nine zones.
The heartbeat of L'Arche is energized by the shared life between persons with developmental disabilities and those without as they commit to relationship in community.
The first L'Arche community in the United States was founded in 1972 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Today, L'Arche USA includes 16 communities located in Iowa, Virginia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Kansas, Alabama, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, New York, California and Washington D.C., as well as two emerging communities in Missouri and Georgia.
Each community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and is governed by its own board of directors and managed by caring and professional staff. L'Arche communities are united through their membership in the International Federation of L'Arche.
Learn more about L'Arche USA by visiting www.larcheusa.org.
