L’Arche Stories

Real life experience of members and friends in word and image

Storytelling is a powerful way for personal and communal discovery, connection, and sense of belonging. Through powerful stories, Jean Vanier shared what he was discovering with tens of thousands of people. It’s the most effective way to share the wisdom, vision, and values of L’Arche.

L’Arche seeks to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships. We will primarily publish stories with and by persons with intellectual disabilities. When we publish stories about relationships with persons with intellectual disabilities, we will do so with care and respect.

Michael and the Bigger Story

It was a man of few words who taught me to see all stories, even the ones that cannot be spoken.

Church Street House and Helen

From “Accidental Friends: Stories from my life in community” by Beth Porter – now available in Canada from Novalis

Joe Clayton: Art, faith, and community allowed me to heal

Joe Clayton shared his powerful life story at a recent symposium, Flying to Freedom: The Journey from Institutionalization in Ontario and at L’Arche Toronto’s Listen to My Story. This article is reprinted with permission from Community Living Ontario.

“Cool!”

Tiana really liked Gil’s slideshow and she wondered what he would think of her photos. So, naturally, we went to the man himself to get his reaction as he watched Tiana’s slideshow.

“The Unremarkable Encounter” from L’Arche Honduras

Have you seen the remarkable story of Santos and Pipe? Check out the 3-part series that tells the story of their lives and the unremarkable encounters that lead them to where they now are.

Marcos’ First Love

Episode 11 of the #AsIAm Web Series

A Gift with Words

Mary Jean Hillhouse is a woman of words. It’s not that she speaks nonstop, but that when she speaks, you stop and listen.

When a Man Becomes a Butterfly

Richard had a disability. A childhood fall from a horse had long-term repercussions. Whenever he walked, he leaned slightly to the side, as though he were always about to gather flowers along his path. As it happened, Richard possessed an intimate understanding of flowers and plants, calling each one of them by name. He knew their gifts and fragility, as well as how to take care of them.

Series

A Hero Behind the Scenes

Beyond firefighters, medical staff, social workers and police officers, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that there are even more heroes among us. Truck drivers, grocery store clerks, cooks and couriers now rightfully hold an esteemed place in our collective consciousness as they put their health at risk to keep society functioning.