Our Guiding Statements
Our Mission
- To make known the gifts of people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships;
- To foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our Core Members, while being faithful to the needs of our founding story
- To engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society
Our Impact
Mutually transformative relationships form the heart of L’Arche. All of us, whether or not we live with an intellectual disability, desire a sense of belonging. In L’Arche, people of all walks of life build relationships rooted in trust and vulnerability. By sharing daily life together, community members can learn true friendship and teach one another to love unconditionally.
What is life at L’Arche like?
L’Arche Cleveland is home to 13 adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in the greater Cleveland area. We call our residents Core Members, as they are they core of our mission. They are supported by caregivers (we call them assistants) who share life together.
From early morning to bedtime, we live in mutual relationships with one another. We enjoy meals together around the dining room table, spend holidays and birthdays celebrating together, and make the most of everyday.
Why this work?
L’Arche is a community where all people are celebrated and valued. Because of L’Arche, people with IDD in our community are able to live full lives.
“It feels great to be here. Bozey, Diane and I are all best friends with each other. We do lots of things together… cooking, singing, dancing. I love being here.” Alondra, Assistant at Eugene’s Hope
Our Network
L’Arche Cleveland is accountable to the high standards of L’Arche USA and L’Arche International.
L’Arche Cleveland is a part of L’Arche USA which is a part of L’Arche International. L’Arche communities in the United States provide homes and workplaces where people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together as peers; create inclusive communities of faith and friendship; and transform society through relationships that cross social boundaries.
L’Arche is a world-wide social movement, bringing individuals with a disabilities into the hearts of their societies, making their voice heard, providing a true home and the opportunity to develop their unique gifts to the fullest. Today, there are 159 communities of L’Arche in 38 countries. They are united by a common vision and a shared mission expressed in the official Charter of L’Arche.
The Federation seeks to foster solidarity among communities, ensure unity in diversity, establish the conditions for membership, and to create conditions for trust, service, dialogue, and mutual support.
