To be an Assistant is first and foremost about being a friend. It is about sharing a home, sharing meals, sharing spirituality, and sharing the joys and sorrows of daily life. Assistants live and serve alongside people with intellectual disabilities (core members) to build an intentional, mutually supportive community where every member is celebrated for their unique gifts, given an equal voice, and motivated toward a greater purpose. While committed to this mission, assistants are also trained to offer direct support for the various needs of core members. This creates a distinct, formative experience in each person’s story that extends L’Arche’s message of both advocacy and hope into the larger community.
Apply OnlineEmail Us Your QuestionsWhile building meaningful relationships with core members is an important part of being an assistant, there are a number of responsibilities that accompany the role. Assistants (caregivers) ensure the health and welfare of core members, provide companionship, assist with bathing and dressing as needed, accompany on outings, complete routine cleaning of the home, and simple administrative tasks such as filing and completing documentation.
There is much to do in the daily life of an assistant, but with an entire community’s support, much is able to be accomplished.
As members of an international federation, an important part of L’Arche’s mission is to welcome Assistants across cultures and nations. International Assistants are invited to live and serve in L’Arche USA communities where their distinct perspectives will be respected and valued. L’Arche is committed to celebrating diversity in every capacity, and welcoming Assistants from other cultural origins only makes communities stronger and more accepting to all.
If you are not from the US and don’t have a work permit you can still apply to serve as a year-long Volunteer Assistant.
Many Assistants admit to not having fully understood community, spirituality, acceptance, or even themselves before sharing life with L’Arche. It is an experience unlike any other, and one that offers a profound grasp on what it means to be human—to build meaningful relationships, to inspire equality, and to welcome others just as they are. Is this the place for you? Join us as we celebrate the big and small moments of daily life together, and attempt to be a sign of hope in the world. We will be so excited to welcome you home.
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Find out what the Assistants at L’Arche have to say.