On people
Relationship is at the heart of all we do. At the core of L’Arche is a place where we can all call home – a place of human dignity, connection, and welcome. At L’Arche, people with differing intellectual capacities, different social and cultural backgrounds, different religious beliefs – all become friends and support one another in life – offering real support and advocating for one another in society. At L’Arche we believe that our best selves are formed when we learn from one another, and that together we can create a better world for all.
Yet, L’Arche doesn’t just create homes and provide essential life-giving services…
On perception
… The relationships we build extend like a wave into neighborhoods and regions where we participate, changing attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors. And where in some places L’Arche may be the first community bringing people together across differences – we offer a sign for what’s possible in our world.
On public awareness
Too often, the opinions of people with intellectual disabilities are disregarded in important conversations that directly affect their lives. L’Arche USA elevates the voices and stories of people with intellectual disabilities, producing public education and engagement opportunities that raise awareness and attention to both the contributions and the needs of the disability community. Furthermore, L’Arche USA also works to educate our members on applicable laws and policy shifts that directly affect our communities.
L’Arche in the United States
The impact of L’Arche goes far beyond our numbers. Each day, people with and without intellectual disabilities develop extraordinary friendships through ordinary life. These friendships become catalysts for change.
287
People with IDD
632
Total employees
79
Homes
148,920
Hours of residential services
127
Advocacy activities
2,175
Community building events
The L’Arche Impact Study
Thanks to a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, members of L’Arche USA have completed a groundbreaking evaluation to help L’Arche better define and understand the ways L’Arche’s community model helps transform the lives of its members — the “core members” with intellectual disabilities as well as the “assistants” who live alongside them.
“What makes this project so powerful is that it will help L’Arche members to better understand what makes their communities so transformative — and what they can do to nourish and expand the virtues they see as central to their life together,” says Sarah Clement, the John Templeton Foundation’s Director for Character Virtue Development.
Six L’Arche communities from across the United States participated in this evaluation experience facilitated by the team at Dialogues In Action. As as result, a 120-page report was produced, a two-day virtual symposium was held, and a four-part animated series was created. Explore these findings for yourself:
