On being promoted to Official Project status by L'Arche Canada, the national governing body, in May 2004, Cana changed its name to L'Arche Halifax and Cana is now part of our history.

November 2001	Inception of the Cana Community project at a meeting at Hope Cottage called by John O’Donnell, Coordinator, L’Arche Atlantic Region. (At the time, we were informed of the steps required to establish L’Arche.  John also made it clear that we would not be able to use the name of L’Arche in any official way until certain criteria had been met.)
December 2001	First monthly meeting of the Cana Community. Our monthly meetings draw about 75 people to an afternoon of music, prayer, dance, socialization and education.
May 2002	Incorporation of Cana (An association following the mission and values of L’Arche) under the Nova Scotia Societies Act Registry # 3067613
May 2002	Establishment of the Board of Directors of Cana.
June 2002	Receipt of financial support from PLURA (an ecumenical foundation representing the Presbyterian, Lutheran, United, Roman Catholic and Anglican faiths) towards the publication of a newsletter and support for community gatherings. Our newsletter currently goes out to over 500 people and circulation is increasing.
July 2002	Receipt of Charitable Status by Cana Business  # 864759659RR0001.
September 2002	Education committee begins presentations to church and community groups about Cana and our hope for establishing a L’Arche community in metro. To date more than 40 presentations have been given.
November 2002	Financial support received from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax. (As directed by L’Arche Canada, our community needs to raise enough funds to hire a Founding Director for 1-1/2 to two years—i.e., until adequate government funding is acquired).
February 2003	Jean Vanier’s film “Belonging” shown at the Sir James Dunn Theatre. A joint effort of the Cana community, L’Arche Wolfville, L’Arche Antigonish, L’Arche Cape Breton and the L’Arche Canada Foundation. Over 400 people attended the two showings
April 2003	Financial support received from the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
June/July 2003	Financial support received from PLURA, the Flemming Foundation, the Patrick Power Trust and the Sisters of Charity, Halifax.
November 2003	Application to L’Arche Canada for project status. (Once designated as an official project of L’Arche Canada, we are able to use the name of L’Arche freely.)
January 2004	Pledge of support from the Knights of Columbus.
March 2004	Financial support received from the Dartmouth East Rotary Club.
April 2004	Begin search for Founding Director.
May 2004	L’Arche Canada hosts national meeting in Halifax. At this meeting, L’Arche Canada announced that Cana Community is being granted official project status in L’Arche.  Having official project status allows us to use the name “L’Arche Halifax.”
September 2004	Education committee to set up a series of talks to high school and university students about L’Arche.

Cana is a faith based community in Halifax committed to the mission of L’Arche. We seek to create places where people with developmental disabilities and those who wish to share life with them live, pray and celebrate together.

MANDATE

Preamble:

Cana is a faith-based community committed to living the vision and mission of L’Arche in the multi-cultural, multi-racial urban environment of Halifax. We recognize the importance of strengthening our relationship with L’Arche communities of the Atlantic region. In all our endeavors we will work with and support the regional coordinator.

PRINCIPLE: COMMUNITY LIFE

We support the creation of places of welcome for people with disabilities and those who wish to share life with them.

Practices:

• We will continue to work toward the foundation of L’Arche homes in Halifax
• We will work toward the establishment of work and activity programs in an environment that fosters personal growth.
• We will continue to build and strengthen our community through our Sunday gatherings and other social events,

PRINCIPLE: OUTREACH

We recognize that our mission calls us to be both a sign and an active presence in support of persons with disabilities in Cana and the wider community.

Practices:

• We will provide practical support to allow for full participation in our community events.
• We will build effective relationships with other groups who advocate for people with developmental disabilities.
• We will foster awareness of Cana and of L’Arche in the wider community

PRINCIPLE: FORMATION

We recognize our need for growth and development through our understanding of the vision and mission of L’Arche

Practices:

• We will continue to offer opportunities for individual and communal spiritual growth
• We will grow in our knowledge of the history and structure of L’Arche
• We will continue to be formed by deepening our understanding of the unique value of each person