One cannot come to L’Arche without risking having one’s views about life transformed. Often after several months living in a L’Arche household assistants realize they have developed a quite different way of seeing the world and of deciding what is more important and what less important. Life becomes a little simpler—and also more joyful!

People who have an intellectual disability are important to our society. They call us very clearly to become more human, more authentic and open. In spite of the ways in which they are different, they have the fundamental right to be part of our world--and we need them to be! They carry a message of peace for us all.

The daily rhythm of an assistant is quite simple and varied. It revolves around relationships and it includes helping in many practical ways. It also includes the enjoyment of simply being together in a family-like setting, and taking some time for oneself or with other assistants.

An open heart…and common sense.
One of the most important qualities of a L’Arche assistant is openness to other people, whoever they are. In L’Arche, we soon realize that everyone has disabilities and that everyone has gifts.

Our goal is to create a community life in a welcoming family-like setting. Here, people coming from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and cultures live an enriching experience together centered around those who have an intellectual disability.

Time in L’Arche helps assistants discover what they want to do as a career and the values they want to live by. It shapes the rest of their lives.

In L’Arche, true friendships form across what others might consider impossible barriers of difference, and these friends touch and change our lives.

After three months, several people who wanted to deepen their experience at L’Arche decided to remain longer; for some, several more months, for others, a year. In conversation with the community each person can consider their commitment and remain for a still longer period.

L’Arche is international. Some of the assistants may come from very different cultural and religious backgrounds--Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist… or of no religion. It is the people with disabilities who help us discover how to live well together! The spirituality of L’Arche is discovered in our relationships and the way we care for each other as human beings.

Many young people come to L’Arche for a year or for a few months. Here, they discover more fully who they are their own beauty and the beauty of others--maybe from someone who seems at first quite unattractive and to have little to offer.

In L’Arche we do many things together in twos or small groups. The tasks we share together—cooking or washing dishes or whatever--are not so much ends in themselves as opportunities to get to know one another better and to build the bonds between us.

People who have intellectual disabilities are usually less concerned with the kinds of achievements that often preoccupy the rest of us. They can teach us a different set of priorities –home, welcome, faithful friendships, and acceptance of others.

People with disabilities may not read or talk the same way that we do. We may need time and attentiveness to recognize their gifts. When we take this time, we will see life through a different lens. Our understanding of others, our world, and our own lives, is transformed.

Are you responsible? Have an open spirit? L’Arche offers a truly exceptional adventure in living. Much more than a job, it is an apprenticeship that will serve you well for the rest of your life. You will discover that every aspect of human life, however small, is worthy of being celebrated. You may learn too that you are capable of a love far deeper than you knew.

During the first 3 months you will learn practical skills and begin to discover the philosophy and lifestyle of L’Arche. You will get to know the people in your house and fairly soon will start to take on responsibility for some daily routines. You will likely be in a group with other new assistants for orientation. This is a time for you and the community to discover if L’Arche is a good choice for you.

Many people come to L’Arche with no formal training in social services. The only really important prerequisites are an openness to live an experience of community and a respect for others.

L'Arche gives training in the skills needed to accompany and assist those who have disabilities. L’Arche also invites assistants to reflect on what it is to be a human being, the relational dimension of professional interventions, the nature of friendship, of community, of celebration and many other subjects.

L'Arche is inspired by the Beatitudes, the teaching of Jesus that every person is blessed in some way, but as it spread from France rapidly around the world it took on an ecumenical and also an interfaith character in many countries. L'Arche is not affiliated with any one religious tradition but it recognizes the importance of supporting each person in their own faith tradition. In the same way, it welcomes and respects the position of those who are not religious.

Since 1964 when L’Arche began, attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities have changed a great deal in Canada and in other countries. Big institutions have been closed and people with disabilities are integrated into schools, and live in special residences or apartments. Much progress has been made but many people are still lonely and isolated, with few real friends. Much still remains to be done!

“I leave having given a year and having received much more! I came with answers, and I leave with a sack full of questions. I have become a little smaller, more humble; but at the same time I have grown bigger.” Brian