We are people, with and without developmental disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and spirituality are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.
L’Arche communities are places where people with developmental disabilities, called Core Members, and those who share life with them, called Assistants, live together in community. The role of the Assistant is diverse, and most people find their time in a L’Arche community to be life-giving, challenging, and joyful. Experience with people with disabilities is not a requirement. For us, some of the most important criteria are an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual.
This live-in position calls the Assistant to provide care-giving and support to Core Members and to foster a safe and nurturing environment that supports the growth and well-being of each member of the community.
At times, the Assistant will be the sole person responsible for caring for Core Members. However, experience with people with disabilities is not a requirement. For us, some of the most important criteria are an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual.
In addition, an Assistant is expected to attend and contribute to various community meetings, times of prayer and events. Much of the community’s well-being depends on gratuity, of freely giving of oneself, one’s talents and energies.
The routine of each home community may change day-to-day depending on the events and needs of that day. This is what a typical day MIGHT look like.
6:30 – 8:00
Rise and prepare for the day’s activities. Assistants help the Core Members with personal care, tidying their room, and preparing breakfast. Assistants dispense medications as needed.
8:00- 9:00
Core Members leave for day programs or employment Some Core Members attend sheltered workshops; others are employed in the community with part-time competitive employment jobs; some stay home; others attend a L’Arche Day Program.
9:00 – 11:30
Household cleaning, doctor visits, shopping, paper work, meetings
11:30-2:30
Varies depending on the needs of the community
2:30 – 3:00
Core Members return from day activities. This is a time of welcoming and checking in on how people are and how their day was.
3:00 – 5:00
All members participate in household or community activities. Some Core Members will do laundry, cook, shower, errands, exercise, or take walks at this time.
5:00
Dinner, followed by evening prayer.
6:30- 9:00
Each house participates in individual activities. Often, a house will choose a group outing. Evening routines include bathing, dispensing medications, and preparation for the next day activities (making lunch, choosing clothes, etc.).
Additionally, most communities gather regularly for evening prayer and celebration, as well as for a planning meeting. Some communities have expectations related to attendance at community gatherings. Live-in Assistants will have personal time each day along with two days per week away from the community, and vacation time.
Some communities may have Core Member or community needs that require evening and overnight care. You may also share responsibilities with live-out Assistants.
Though not listed, the work of growth in friendship is interwoven throughout the day. As you live the simple daily rhythm and discover the mutuality of the relationships, you have an opportunity for transformation.
Community life in L’Arche varies widely. Questions regarding the rhythms of a specific community can be directed to the community.
This position is for an Assistant who lives outside our homes and helps to provide a safe and nurturing environment that supports the growth and well-being of each member of the community. Live-Out Assistants provide supervision for the Core Members (persons with intellectual disabilities) and help with their daily routines (personal hygiene, leisure activities). In addition, live-out Assistants share household responsibilities including cooking, cleanliness and maintenance of house and yard, laundry, etc.
Hours vary by community and may be full-time, part-time or on-call.
In addition, an Assistant is expected to attend and contribute to various community meetings, times of prayer and events. Much of the community’s well-being depends on gratuity, of freely giving of oneself, one’s talents and energies.
This live-out position calls the Assistant to provide overnight caregiving and support to Core Members and to foster a safe and nurturing environment that supports the growth and well-being of each member of the community.
Experience with people with disabilities is not a requirement. For us, some of the most important criteria are an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual.
Hours vary by community and may be full-time, part-time or on-call.
