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Transforming Lives, Transforming Society
The L’Arche Canada Foundation is a not-for-profit charity that raises funds on behalf of L’Arche Canada and is committed to transforming the lives of intellectually disabled people in communities across Canada.

Impacts

The Impact of L'Arche on People with Disabilities

All over the world, L’ Arche welcomes people who often are at great risk and in need of important care. In poorer countries, most of them come from the streets. In Canada, young adults will come to L'Arche after high school, eager to begin adult life. Others come when caring parents are ill or have died. All are supported to grow to their full potential. They discover a new family and happiness in L’ Arche and they know they are welcomed to make L'Arche their home for life. Moreover, they learn that they have gifts and have something to contribute to their home and community and to the society. They know that they can make a difference in the lives of many people who do not live with an intellectual disability.

In Kim's Words

Kim Lager of Larche Daybreak
Kim meeting Jean Vanier for the first time in 2009

Don't talk to strangers, people that you don't know. Was I stranger when I walked in here? I guess everyone starts off as a stranger, tries to figure out what they’re doing and get to know the place.

L'Arche—it was a strange place. Everybody was a stranger at that time. I didn't even talk.
Now, it's a good place. New place, you have to get used to things. Living together now--there's more support that way. You get used to the house first, then gradually get used to the community. Go out for dinner and get to know the community better.

Then you get into things you never dreamed of doing--like dancing, doing crafts, being on the council, altar serving, mentoring, going to yoga from 7 to 8pm on Wednesdays. This is my dream home! Jesus says go into all the world. That's a commandment. Just go to the places where you like to be. You'll meet new people. You'll get to know people you never dreamed of meeting. You'll get somewhere.

By Kim Lageer and Janna Payne, L'Arche Daybreak






Jean Vanier

Jean Vanier, humanist, philosopher, theologian, man of letters is first and foremost described by his companions as a man with heart, a man of compassion. Discover the wisdom of this surprising man.