L'Arche USA
At L'Arche, persons with a developmental disability, "core members," and "assistants," those who come to share life with them live together in intentional faith communities. Assistants accompany core members in their activities of daily life: creating home and supporting core members in sharing their gifts within the house and the larger community.
Assistants work to build a relationship of mutual care and support with persons with disabilities; foster a home life of unity, mutual respect and participation by all members; provide direct care supports and skill building for core members: personal care needs, money management, medical care, appointments, family and work connections, household chores, laundry, medications, meal preparation, and transportation. For us, some of the most important criteria for becoming an assistant are an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual.
We are people, with and without developmental disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.
Our Mission is to:
* Make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships;
* Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story; and
* Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.
L’Arche communities are communities of faith, rooted in prayer and trust in God. The spirituality of L’Arche is grounded in the belief that each person is unique and of sacred value, and that we experience God’s love through mutual friendships in which the gifts and weaknesses of each person are recognized and accepted.
