Our L’Arche Winnipeg community talks a lot about our vision of mutual care between people with and without intellectual disabilities. You might find it easy to imagine what that means for our core members and Assistants who live and work together, but what does mutual care look between L’Arche and  those of us who no longer live in L’Arche, or who never have? For Jamie and Adrian Besaw, becoming monthly donors was a way for them to participate in mutual care with L’Arche.

In the summer of 2001, Adrian was a live-in Assistant with Tom and Albert at Munroe house where he was impacted by the vulnerability and trust of core members whose emotions were often transparent and freely expressed. Their openness invited Adrian to meet them in that vulnerability, which was a healing experience for him. While society often teaches us to be guarded and careful, core members like Albert and Tom invited openness and boldness. He was inspired by how many of L’Arche Winnipeg’s founding assistants were still very present in the community, loving the core members like family and investing so much of their lives in L’Arche.

15 years later, Jamie had her own experience of L’Arche family while living with Albert and Tom at Dayspring house. Her life continues to be shaped by the time she spent living with people of all different abilities, cultures and ages, experiencing a profound sense of belonging and family amongst that difference. This family dynamic was especially lively around mealtime when they’d remain at the dinner table for many hours after they’d finished eating, continuing to share stories and laughter for so long that Albert would often fall asleep at the dinner table.

Jamie and Adrian’s time in our community showed them that L’Arche isn’t about serving people with disabilities – it’s about acknowledging “our mutual need for connection and transformation.” For them, working at L’Arche was more than just a job, it was a calling – and a response to the invitation to be transformed by community life.

In a posture of reciprocity, Jamie and Adrian choose to donate monthly as an expression of gratitude for the gifts of interdependence, dignity, and relationship they both received during their time living in our community – and for the gift they know L’Arche continues to be for others.

Want to join Jamie and Adrian in donating monthly to L’Arche Winnipeg? Sign up to make monthly donations via our online donation form to help L’Arche continue to be a gift in the lives of people with and without intellectual disabilities.

Become a Monthly Donor

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A beautiful sunny day on May 5th brought together nearly 300 people to support our community during our milestone fundraising event. Participants strolled and rolled down the Transcona Trail, visited over burgers, danced to live music, took home prizes and enjoyed a dance performance by our L’Arche community members. “I just find it a deeply joyful event,” shared one participant- appreciating the ways the gifts of our core members were celebrated through were artwork, volunteering, leading prize draws and performing alongside the live band.

But why do we walk together?

Julie Rempel (L’Arche Spiritual Life Coordinator), has been walking with L’Arche for over 13 years. “It was exciting for me because I’ve seen the changes over the years… seeing that progression of how [the walk] has grown; Gina & LeeAnn Enjoying the Live Music Together we raised over $51,000, which will make a huge difference in how that spirit of community continues, and how there’s new life as well,” she shared. “The highlight is seeing people as you walk- that engagement is so much fun because people are so joyful… and the outdoor part of it brings the joy of the springtime and new life along with it as well.” She explained how she walked and talked with a variety of different people along the way- friends, community members, and assistants and their families.

“That movement of friendship is kind of a metaphor for how we are in community… This movement of touching each others’ lives at L’Arche. I think of this Biblical quote- ‘In Him we live and move and have our being’- and I just feel that that spirit of God was present on that day and within the community.”

Together we raised over $51,000, which will make a huge difference in sustaining and growing our community over the year ahead! We are so grateful to Vickar Automotive Group and numerous other sponsors for your incredible support through the years; for the dozens of volunteers who gave your time and energy to make this event happen, and to all the participants who came out to show your support. As we dream about our community’s future, it is deeply meaningful to know that our larger L’Arche family is here, walking alongside us for the journey. We really are all in this together, and for that we are incredibly grateful.

The post We’re All In This Together – 20 Years Walking for Inclusion appeared first on L'Arche Winnipeg.

Our Solidarity Fundraising Events are a powerful example of the teamwork required to sustain L’Arche’s mission of inclusion and belonging for all. In “Solidarity,” L’Arche communities like ours fundraise to support L’Arche communities around the world who need more support: those who receive little or no government funding; experience who the insecurity of environmental crises; who live with the uncertainty of violence and war. In times of need, these communities are supported by L’Arche International, who distributes the Solidarity Funds that are raised – in small but not insignificant part – by our Solidarity Music Nights.

Later this summer we are hosting our biggest Solidarity Music Night yet, and we need your help to fill over 300 seats! Join us Friday August 23rd at 7pm for “This Is Me,” an evening of interactive musical storytelling. Karaoke lovers, friends, and family will enjoy singing along to an uplifting variety of Jazz/Pop singles, Broadway hits, and songs from movie musicals – including a performance from our very own core members!

Featuring Winnipeg singers and artists, this event is presented by Tricia Magsino Barnabe (A Million Dreams) and Joanne Roberts, in partnership with Kultivation Festival. We hope to raise at least $5,000, and this goal is supported by a sponsorship from Vickar Automotive Group, and Media Sponsorships from Express, Journal, Manitoba and Pilipino Filipino 92.7 CKJS Multilingual. You can purchase your tickets at the L’Arche Winnipeg Office (118 Regent Ave E) via cash, cheque, debit/credit; or online through EventBrite.

The post Singing Solidarity appeared first on L'Arche Winnipeg.

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This year, we hope to reconnect with members who have been involved in our community through the years, as we celebrate 20 years of meaningfully impactful Walk with L’Arche events. Barbara, who has attended all 19 fundraising walks, is looking forward to celebrating this anniversary: “I like walking with my friends, and I like the party afterwards. I’m excited to walk with everyone this year!”

Our 2024 Vickar Automotive Walk with L’Arche event will be held on Sunday, May 5th at the Oxford Heights Community Club (359 Dowling Ave E). Registration opens at 12:30, with the chance to enter for some of our biggest prizes yet (shhhhh – no spoilers!). We’ll gather at the starting line at 2pm, to walk a 1km or 5km route down the Transcona trail. Cross the finish line and dance your way into our outdoor afterparty with live music, free BBQ lunch and entertainment for the whole family!

Registration costs $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Anyone is welcome to register at the event, but early registration is encouraged – sign up before April 5th with a minimum of $100 raised, and receive a free Walk with L’Arche t-shirt!
And don’t forget that everyone who fundraises over $200 will receive a free gift card to L’Arche’s Tova Café! The more money raised, the bigger the gift card- with up to $200 value.

“I’m excited to collect pledges from people at church,” shares Russell, who has been attending Walk with L’Arche events since the beginning. He is often joined by a large group of supporters: “I like walking with my family and friends.” We hope you’ll join us for this special day- your support, no matter the size, will help ensure the most meaningful and memorable Walk with L’Arche event to date. Ready to register? Download the registration form, fill it out, and either email it to office@larchewinnipeg.org or drop it off at our office! We look forward to walking with you!

The post Treading the Transcona Trails – Celebrating 20 Years of Support appeared first on L'Arche Winnipeg.

My sister had meaningful and healing experiences living in L’Arche as an assistant, and suggested I join the community. I began working respite, and while Covid-19 was a large part of my first L’Arche experiences, I felt so blessed to have work that presented opportunities to build relationships with a diverse group of people. I applied to be a live-in assistant when a room opened up at Elpida – an all-women’s home, in which I had made strong connections while working respite. This was my first time moving out of my childhood home and away from my family, so it was a great gift to find family in my new home Elpida!

Navigating relationships with people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities while living in close quarters during the pandemic was challenging, but the vulnerable ways we learned, grew, and loved one another changed my life. The core members brought us together, feeding my spirit in a time when life seemed rather empty. It was the little things that brought me so much joy – walks, crafts, spontaneous movie nights, birthdays and celebratory times when we all dressed to the nines even though we couldn’t go out.

Elpida’s core members – LeeAnn, Gina, Barb, and Stacey, helped me to feel awe and wonder at life’s ordinary things in a fresh way. The pure joy that they showed just in our being together was contagious.

This is what I have always appreciated about L’Arche – the act of simply “Being With.” Although we have practical routines of banking, shopping, cooking and cleaning, it is being present to each other that creates connection, joy and a kind of love that both gives and receives. I built wonderful connections as we shared stories from diverse past experiences, were vulnerable with each other, laughed and cried together, and got creative with house activities. I learned many new things from my fellow live-in assistants and they provided me with a window into perspectives different from my own.

My time as a live-in assistant brought me eight new nonbiological sisters who I carry with me through life’s changes. I am now a live-out assistant at Elpida, and although life and staff are always changing, Elpida’s ladies continue to teach me to be more present and find joy in the little things. As L’Arche Winnipeg moves forward into the future, the “being with” one another will always be something that will help us be more attentive to each other, and help us grow in loving and being loved in the present moment, wherever that finds us.

By Grace Slivinski, Community Circles

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Recognized by co-workers and supervisors as an example of a good employee, Michael’s strong sense of discipline and work ethic brought him fulfillment as a worker.  According to his long-term friend Petra, “Michael would never miss a day of work unless he was extremely sick. He knew his team was counting on him to do the job, and he felt committed to it.” His role as a contributing member of his team and in society at large boosted Michael’s confidence, which motivated him to do his best as a worker.

Petra also remarks that “through his dedication to work, Michael expressed immense gratitude for creating a life in which he feels valued and his voice heard. Retirement is a great accomplishment for him.”

Beyond work, Michael actively participates in the community and treasures his feeling of belonging. He enjoys taking part in committees, councils, and meetings at L’Arche Winnipeg. He values the opportunity to share his thoughts, vote, and hold people accountable – while always expressing concern for everyone’s wellbeing.

“We need to stay put,” – another common sentence from Michael, expresses his ongoing interest to make sure that the community members are well.

At work and in our community, Michael is considered a caring, understanding, and helpful person. His personality shines through his friendships and on occasions when he is asked to express his opinions. Michael’s sense of humour is also highly appreciated among the people in his life.

“He is a very funny person! He has this witty sense of humour and a quick response when interacting with people. He has always brought so much fun into any group just by being himself,” said Petra.

Last July, the entire community gathered in a lovely outdoor setting to celebrate his retirement and his 65th birthday. It was an extraordinary afternoon for Michael. He wore a birthday hat and made a speech about his achievement and how happy he was for “getting the work done.” When asked how he feels about being retired, Michael’s answer was “I’m retired now; I had to load trucks and keep the place running. Now, I don’t have to worry anymore!”

We celebrate Michael’s transition from the workforce group into the retiree group. Furthermore, we celebrate Michael for being who he is – a wonderful individual who shares his gifts and love with everyone around him.

Happy retirement, Mike.

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