Become an Assistant
Dan and Adam at the
Benefit Concert
"L'Arche communities are places of hope. Each person, according to his or her own vocation, is encouraged to grow in love, self giving and wholeness, as well as in independence, competence and the ability to make choices." --the Charter of the Communities of L'Arche
Are you creative, responsible, open? We invite you to become an assistant. More than a job, we offer you an experience, an adventure, an apprenticeship that will benefit you for the rest of your life. The experience that you will live in L’Arche will change your outlook on life and on human relationships.
What Is A L’Arche Assistant?
At L'Arche, persons with a developmental disability are known as "core members," and “assistants” are those who come to share life with them. Assistants accompany core members in their activities of daily life: creating home and supporting core members in sharing their gifts within the house and the larger community.
What Do Assistants Do?
Assistants work to build a relationship of mutual care and support with persons who have a developmental disability; foster a home life of unity, mutual respect and participation by all members; provide direct care supports and skill building for core members: personal care needs, money management, medical care, appointments, family and work connections, household chores, laundry, medications, meal preparation, and transportation.
Who Becomes A L’Arche Assistant?
For us, some of the most important criteria are an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual. Assistants can range in age from the early 20s to mid-40s and older. Assistants come to L’Arche from all stages of life: after college, as a shift from a previous career, or after their formal career.
Do I Need Special Training To Be An Assistant?
Some people who come to work in L'Arche have experience working with people with disabilities, but most have not. The first requirement is that applicants have a desire to share life together in a community setting. In addition, one must be able to perform the duties as outlined in the assistant role description, e.g., as a caregiver for people with disabilities. Besides training in skills for caregiving, L'Arche provides educational experiences on broader topics that help its members to reflect on their vision of humanity and to grow in their relationships with others. It does so believing that the quality of life of the people with developmental disabilities is directly affected by the way caregivers think and relate and the view of the world that they hold.
What Are The Qualifications To Become An Assistant?
- Be at least 21 years old
- Desire to live in a spiritually- based community with people of diverse religious backgrounds and faith traditions
- Desire to work with individuals with disabilities ( Experience with people with disabilities is not a requirement)
- Creativity, flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to organize time
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- College education preferred
What Commitment Does L’Arche Ask Of Assistants?
We ask assistants to make an initial commitment of one year, with the availability and openness to serve for two years. Because of the nature of L’Arche, building and fostering intentional relationship and community, a year or two offers community members time to settle into life together. There are also assistants that build a long-term home at L’Arche. The decision to continue living L’Arche is a thoughtful process for each assistant made with support from their peers.
An Experience Of Personal Transformation
L’Arche is a place to grow as a human being. Many of those who come to L’Arche discover that in their relationships with the people who have a developmental disability they have come to know themselves better and to understand better the nature of human relationships.
Come And Discover This Experience Yourself!
Discover a different way to live, and to weigh what is more and what is less important in life. You cannot come to L’Arche without taking the risk that you will be transformed. After several months of living with people who are different and often excluded, you will find that you have discovered a different way of seeing the world. Life becomes a little simpler, and also more joyful!
What is the application Process?
Contact us to request an application packet.