Vision + Values

The mission of L'Arche 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, while being faithful to the core values of our
    founding story.

    Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more
    human society.

L’Arche demonstrates that with friendship, belonging, and the opportunity to contribute their gifts, people with intellectual disabilities flourish and their lives make a difference. They take a variety of valued roles – employees, volunteers, leaders, artists, teachers, friends, and family – contributing to the lives of their families, friends and communities.

Living with difference and vulnerability is challenging, yet L’Arche demonstrates that when all people, including the most marginalized, take their place, society becomes more human – more colourful, welcoming, creative, compassionate, and joyful.

The L’Arche Vision

The Vision of L’Arche is rooted in relationship and belonging:

  • Mutual care, respect, and compassion between people with and without intellectual disabilities
  • Sharing ordinary, daily life with all its joys and sorrows
  • Living, working, learning, and celebrating together in communities of belonging
  • Transforming our lives as we embrace our gifts and imperfections
  • Recognizing that we need each other and are better together
  • A model of inclusion, a way of peace, and a sign of hope for our world.

The L’Arche relational model breaks down barriers between those who give and those who receive supports. It replaces society’s emphasis on independence that leaves so many people lonely, with interdependence where each person flourishes as they contribute their gifts for the good of others.

An Openness to Others

L’Arche is rooted in a Christian tradition, but its members belong to a variety of faith traditions or follow other spiritual or personal pathways. There is a shared spirituality in L’Arche that includes finding mystery in the ordinary things of daily life, celebrating the unique gift of each person, and seeing our need for one another as a pathway to inner freedom, mutual care, unity, and communion.

L’Arche Halifax Community Mandate

January 2020 – January 2024

Throughout the previous mandate period, L’Arche Halifax continued to mature, embracing our mission of supportive living and fostering a vibrant community. The next four years will be pivotal ones for L’Arche Halifax. While we must build on the momentum of the previous mandate it is clear through the voices of the L’Arche Halifax community that our efforts moving forward should focus on growth, bringing our life and our message out into the world in new ways.

Download the Mandate

Mandate document mockup