Banner graphic with text that reads Celebrate the Spirit of L’Arche. There are light yellow lines in the background and cutouts of 2 flowers over light pastel shapes at the bottom of the image.

2021 Spirit of L’Arche

Each year, L'Arche Portland celebrates the Spirit of L'Arche by honoring an individual or group to recognize their exceptional impact on our community and in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Marilyn and Susan stand in front of pink flowers with their fingers crossed

This year, we’re proud to honor Sr. Susan Mitchell with the 2021 Spirit of L’Arche award.

“There is no L’Arche Portland without Susan, who began sharing life at our Nehalem Home in 1990. She helped welcome many of us, and supported all of us. She shared her life, her leadership, and her laughter freely. We will miss her terribly.”

Andy Noethe, Executive Director of L’Arche Portland.

Spirit of L’Arche 2021:
Caring for our Caregivers

Inspired by Susan’s legacy of caring, we also honor assistants (caregivers who live in or out of our two homes on the Eastside of Portland). Assistants compassionately support core members (individuals with intellectual disabilities) through mutually transformative relationships that foster a deeper sense of belonging, central to the mission and identity of our community.

You can read about the inclusive relationships between assistants and core members on our blog, found here.

Two women in pink jackets wearing masks stand in front of the Oregon coast.

How you can support the
Spirit of L’Arche: