Creating a world where everyone belongs!
With a presence in Canada since 1969, L’Arche Canada is recognized as one of the few national, bilingual organizations committed to the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
L’Arche is an international federation of communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities live together, work together, and support and learn from one another. There are over 180 L’Arche communities and projects in development in 38 countries around the world, with over 12,000 members.
About L'ArcheOur vision and values
We share an extraordinary life of welcome, celebration, traditions, togetherness and belonging.
We know and appreciate each person; we listen to each other and develop and share our talents and gifts.
We develop life-changing friendships where each of us gives and each of us receives.
L’Arche's model
L’Arche creates communities where the members, with and without intellectual disabilities, share life together.
While delivered through a unique relational model, these supports are funded by and meet or exceed government standards. L’Arche communities work closely with family/other advocates, professionals and other service providers.
L’Arche provides supports for persons with intellectual disabilities to have mutual, caring relationships, a personal spiritual journey, a home, meaningful work daytime activity, and belonging in their areas of interest.
Supports for a good and meaningful life
Each person has an evolving personal support plan developed by listening to their hopes and dreams, choices and goals. The plan responds to their care needs as they change over time. Their circles help individuals meet their goals for a good and meaningful life.
Through our Growth Initiative, L’Arche Canada is working with the L’Arche communities, benefactors and external partners to develop diverse, innovative, and sustainable ways for more people with intellectual disabilities to share life in L’Arche, providing more choices that meet their hopes and needs for a meaningful life.
The persons supported and those who support them help each other reach their full potential.
L’Arche communities do not exist for themselves alone.
Life-sharing breaks down the barriers in the traditional caregiving relationship.
Mutual care, respect and compassion transform these relationships.
The members participate in and contribute to the life of their families, neighbourhoods, towns and cities, and the faith, cultural, service and recreational organizations where they belong.
Each member receives support to grow, attain their goals, and contribute their gifts and abilities.
