Who they are:
L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C. is a faith-based nonprofit community where adults with and without intellectual disabilities share life together. L’Arche GWDC provides housing and support services to adults with intellectual disabilities across four homes, two in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC and two in Arlington’s Arlington Heights neighborhood, and serves hundreds of people in the wider community. Community life is centered on relationships led by core members, the adults with intellectual disabilities who live in L’Arche homes, alongside assistants, the direct support professionals who share life with them. L’Arche GWDC was founded by a small ecumenical faith community in 1983 and is part of the international federation of L’Arche communities.
Persons met:
- Alice
- Jitta
- Luke
- John
Their mission:
L’Arche GWDC’s mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships. The community works to foster an environment that responds to the changing needs of its members while staying faithful to the core values of its founding story, and to engage across diverse cultures in working toward a more human society. At the heart of this work is providing holistic, person-centered belonging and community, built on the idea of doing life with rather than for one another.
What stood out on the visit
- The depth of knowledge L’Arche GWDC’s team has around resources and programs in the area was striking. It’s clear they are well positioned to support all of their residents, drawing on a strong understanding of the broader landscape to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
- Their commitment to services that meet each person where they are, rather than asking them to fit into a rigid mold, reflects a deep and unwavering respect for the humanity of every individual in their care.
- Above all, the kindness and genuine compassion shown by everyone providing care was palpable. It was clear that this isn’t just a job for the assistants and staff, it’s a calling rooted in real relationship and love.