Mission: In 136 L''Arche communities and 36 countries around the world, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those without share their lives in community. These communities are signs of hope where: People are welcomed, celebrated, and encouraged to grow as human beings;People are transformed through intimate bonds with others; andJustice, compassion and faith are practiced in the smallest acts of daily living. This international movement, known as L’Arche, fosters compassion for all people, honoring differences of intellectual capacity, social origin, religion, culture, race and belief. L’Arche means “the ark” in French and embodies a place of belonging and hope, grounded in faith and trust in God. Target demographics: people with developmental disabilities. Geographic areas served: the USA and all around the world Programs: L'Arche is an International Federation dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs, and support networks with people who have intellectual disabilities. It was founded in 1964 when Jean Vanier, the son of Canadian Governor General Georges Vanier and Pauline Vanier, welcomed two men with disabilities into his home in the town of Trosly-Breuil, France. Today, it is an international organization operating 146 communities in 35 countries around the world. The first L’Arche community in the United States was founded in 1972 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Today, L’Arche USA includes 18 communities located in Iowa, Virginia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Kansas, Alabama, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon, New York, California, Washington D.C., Georgia, and Missouri, as well as three emerging communities in Central Virginia, New York, and Colorado. Each community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
