Join

Our current Newsletter in PDF format here:

________

"I choose to stay in L'Arche because here I face a challenge every day. That challenge is to love constantly, to share myself constantly. Here my life has meaning and value. Nowhere else have I had the opportunity to enter into authentic relationships with so many different people."

- an assistant in L'Arche

"We choose to live in L'Arche because we feel called here by God. There are many graces given here, amongst all the struggles to live community... And community - the sense of belonging, of being valued and cared for - is perhaps what is most needed in our world today.

- a family 11 years in L'Arche

Become an Assistant

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN COMING TO LIVE IN OUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE CONTACT LINDA FILJAK IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN INFORMATION PACKAGE AND APPLICATION FORM.

New! Become a Summer Assistant

L'Arche has a specific philosophy which has been outlined in the Charter of L'Arche. "The first aim of L'Arche", says the Charter, "is to create communities inspired by the Beatitudes and the spirit of the Gospels". The aspect of community means that we come basically to share our lives with others as brothers and sisters. Assistants in L'Arche are called to create relationships of friendship with people who have a developmental disability as well as with other assistants, and to give their time and energy to the creation of loving, secure, joyful homes.

We are part of the Canada Zone of L'Arche, and belong to the International Federation of L'Arche founded by Jean Vanier.

ROLE OF THE ASSISTANT

The primary task for the assistant is to create "home" in the household. Specific responsibilities may include helping someone with their personal hygiene, teaching new skills like cooking, using public transit, shopping, etc., accompanying people to medical appointments and activities, sharing in the house-cleaning and maintenance. In addition, an assistant is expected to attend and contribute to various community events and committees.

The assistant lives in a house with 6 or 7 other people, of whom 4 are members with a developmental disability. There is a "House Responsible" and regular house meetings are held, as well as gatherings involving the whole community, plus a weekly meeting of just the Assistant Body.

FORMATION

Experience is not a prerequisite, L'Arche Winnipeg provides formation and orientation for new assistants covering areas such as the philosophy of L'Arche, community life, care and safety of people with a developmental disability,and personal growth. Training in First Aid, CPR, Crisis Intervention, and other such courses is also available. Opportunities for attending workshops and retreats are also provided.

STIPEND / HOLIDAYS

An assistant coming to L'Arche Winnipeg receives a small stipend for personal expenses, as well as room and board. Each assistant is given a few hours of "time away" each day, as well as one day a week and one weekend a month. Longer holiday time is also available once an assistant has made a commitment beyond the probationary period.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

A new assistant comes for an initial probationary period before committing to a longer term. This trial period allows the probationary assistant to build relationships in the community and to see if this choice to live community life has been a good one. It also allows the members of the community to see how the new person is adapting to community life before welcoming him/her deeper into the more intimate life of the community.

TOP OF PAGE