Photo by Juan, L'Arche Greater Vancouver

In many ways, L'Arche is built on the recognition of the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to welcome and accept others as they are.

We believe that this gift has an important and transformative effect, helping each one of us to become more fully human and thus helping to humanize our entire society.

We truly think that to influence in such a way the life of others, confers on people with developmental disabilities the status of citizens who contribute to make our society a better place to live.

Who are we?
- L'Arche is an international organization of faith-based communities creating homes and day programs with people who have developmental disabilities.
- As a service organization, L'Arche espouses a "community model" of living, rather than a medical or social service model of care.
- As a faith-based organization L'Arche recognizes the spiritual and religious needs and aspirations of its members, and respects those who have no spiritual or religious affiliation. Our community and faith life inspire us to be open to people of differing intellectual capacity, social origin,religion, race, and culture.
- At L'Arche, people with disabilities, and those who assist them, live together and are equally responsible for the life of their home and community.