L'Arche Bethlehem Urgent Appeal - the current conflict is having a dramatic impact on the community

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L'Arche Canada

About L’Arche Canada

L’Arche Canada is a national non-profit with 30 member L’Arche communities in nine provinces from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island.

Learn more about our L’Arche communities

We are the Canadian arm of the international L’Arche movement.

  • L’Arche Canada is a national non-profit with 30 member L’Arche communities sharing knowledge and resources with L’Arche communities around the world.
  • The Mission of L’Arche is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships and engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.
  • The Mission that unifies L’Arche is rooted within the unique culture, history, and networks of each local community. L’Arche Canada empowers the L’Arche communities in Canada to live the Mission with greater impact, collaborating for collective impact and sharing knowledge, services, and resources.
  • This local, national, and international breadth gives L’Arche Canada a unique capacity to be a bridge-builder, sharing knowledge and collaborating with diverse, multi-sectoral partners for inclusion and belonging.

Our Vision and Values

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We Foster a Vibrant Community

We share an extraordinary life in community of welcome, celebration, traditions, togetherness and belonging.

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We Celebrate of the Value of Each Person

We appreciate each person for their unique way of being; we listen to and respect each person’s wishes and preferences.

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Journey Together with Respect

We care how our actions affect others. We help one another and build positive, supportive relationships.

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Nurturing of our Gifts and Growth

We support one another’s growth and gifts and create a safe and trusting environment.

Map of L'Arche communities in Canada

Our Communities

For almost 60 years, L’Arche has been creating communities where enriching relationships flourish, and where people with and without intellectual disabilities belong, contribute and grow. Today there are 30 L’Arche communities in Canada—from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. Our vision is based on mutual care, respect, and compassion.

L'Arche Communities

Our History

1964
L’Arche began in France
It was a compassionate response to the plight of people with intellectual disabilities living in grim institutions, shut away from society.
1969
L’Arche Daybreak starts in Richmond Hill, Canada
Canadians Steve and Ann Newroth were so transformed by their experience of L’Arche in France that they began to dream of bringing L’Arche to Canada.
1970
Asha Niketan is founded in Bangalore India
Asha Niketan is the name chosen by L’Arche in India. It means House of Welcome.
1972
L’Arche starts in USA
L'Arche Erie in Pennsylvania was the first community in the U.S.
1973
L'Arche is founded in the UK
The first community in the UK was founded in Kent.
1975 - 85
A time of dramatic growth
L’Arche grew to 60 communities worldwide in ten years with new communities throughout North America, Europe, India, Australia, and the U.K.
2024
Worldwide, there are over 180 L’Arche communities and projects in 38 countries on five continents.
Together, with the support and encouragement of donors, assistants, families and friends, L'Arche continues to create a world where everyone belongs.

How your donation makes a difference.

With your help, we can build a more compassionate, more human society.

Download our Annual Report
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Two women in L'Arche Homefires working together at a table, Wolfville Nova Scotia,

Work at L’Arche

  • In our world friendship matters.
  • L’Arche has a distinct spirit where persons with intellectual disabilities and assistants truly share life with one another.
Work with us
Two members of L'Arche in Kolkata India walking on the street

L’Arche International

As a federation of over 180 communities and projects operating in 38 countries we recognize the realities of our inherent differences and the many challenges involved in sharing our lives as a global network. Together we believe we all have the opportunity to find love joy, happiness and contentment in a world where we all belong.

L'Arche International Website
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L'Arche International

Annual Report 2022-2023

Read about L’Arche’s impact around the world.

Download the L'Arche International Annual Report