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About L’Arche London

L’Arche London is a not-for-profit organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities and creating community through our homes and day programs.

Our homes and programs

Who are we?

Our Identity is…

  • We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation.
  • Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together.
  • We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognise our need of one another.

Our Mission is to…

  • Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
  • Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, whilst being faithful to the core values of our founding story.
  • Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

 

Our Vision and Values

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We Foster a Vibrant Community

We share an extraordinary life in community guided by the values 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 are each known and appreciated. We support a full life with participation in a range of meaningful activities.

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Journey Together with Respect

We care how our actions affect others. We build positive, supportive relationships. We work through tensions and challenges. We listen to the voices and intentions of others.

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Nurturing of our Gifts and Growth

We create an environment where learning and growth are expected and safe. We offer others support to discover their gifts and strengths.

L'Arche London Ontario Gathering Place surrounded by beautiful flowers

Our Location

L’Arche London is nestled in the beautiful Lambeth community of London, Ontario. Their journey began with the opening of Cana House in 1997, followed by Jubilee in 2003, and Bethany in 2008, all centered on the shared life of community.

In September 2017, we opened the Gathering Place, a vibrant hub offering programs in music, art, drama, dance, wellness, and educational development. It also serves as a resource center for individuals and families, with free drop-in activities open to all.

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.
1997
L'Arche London is founded
In 1991, a small group of people with an interest in L’Arche gathered to pray and lay the groundwork for L’Arche London. Our first home, Cana, opened in August 1997.
2003
We opened a second home
Jubilee opened in March 2003.
2008
We opened our third home
Bethany opened in February 2008.
2017
Gathering Place
In September 2017, L’Arche London opened the Gathering Place, a fully accessible community hub in Lambeth that houses our office and day program. Offering diverse classes in arts, music, fitness, drama, and life skills, it’s a space where friendships flourish, and emotional growth is nurtured.

How your donation makes a difference.

With your help, we can keep our doors open to continue to build a more compassionate and just society through our homes, programs, and community.

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

L'Arche Canada

There are 30 L’Arche communities in Canada—from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. L’Arche London is part of the Ontario Region.

L'Arche Canada Website
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