Who We Are
We are a community of people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life together in the Ottawa Valley. Our mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
In our homes, we wake up under the same roof, share meals, and help each other learn and develop – experiencing life together in a mutually supportive and encouraging way. Through celebration, creativity and contemplative reflection, our daily life is transformed into something extraordinary.
In the Ottawa Valley
L’Arche Arnprior is located in the Ottawa Valley (65 km west of Ottawa) in two connected towns: Arnprior and McNab/Braeside. Arnprior has a population of 10,500 and is known as the town “where the rivers meet,” because the Madawaska River flows into the Ottawa River. McNab/Braeside has a population of 7,500 and is known as a place “where nature awaits” for its rural beauty, featuring tranquil trails, lakeside views, and parks.
We share in the world around us, experiencing small town life – from working out at the gym to visiting the library and museum, to capturing the beauty of Arnprior and McNab/Braeside through art. You can view and purchase some of our artwork at the Arnprior Art Loft.
We embrace others in the community who share in our vision of a more inclusive society, including our supporters and volunteers. Together, we discover the beauty of sharing life together.
L’Arche AROUND THE WORLD
L’Arche Arnprior belongs to an international federation of more than 150 L’Arche communities in nearly 40 countries creating homes and day programs with adults with intellectual disabilities. Communities around the world share in the philosophy of L’Arche, with each community living its own cultural and spiritual expression.
Together, we celebrate people with intellectual disabilities and build circles of support around them. We go beyond supporting people’s basic needs. It is this focus on building relationships and cultivating a sense of belonging that makes L’Arche unique.
Get Involved
Do you want to join a community with a mission to build a more inclusive world?
WORK with us
As an employer, L’Arche encourages applications from everybody irrespective of religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, and age.
People come to work at L’Arche from around the world, and around the corner. The key to life in L’Arche for everyone is being open to relationship. Ideal candidates possess the following traits and skills: warm and friendly nature, easy to work with, initiative, effective communication skills, creative problem solving skills, and strong team-oriented perspective.
For information on employment, please contact our Human Resources Manager, Thomas Bateman: thomas@larchearnprior.org
VOLUNTEER HERE
We are on the lookout for volunteers, who are willing to share their time, their skills and their love with our community. Do you have a passion for baking? Playing games? Music? Maybe you are good at fixing furniture? Do you love gardening? Or simply going out for walks?
Whether you are young or old, whether you have lots of time to spare or a little, volunteering is a great way of being part of L’Arche. You’ll have fun, you’ll make a difference – and it might just be an experience you will never forget.
For information on volunteering, please contact our Program Leader, Erica Hamlyn: erica@larchearnprior.org
Support us Financially
Although we are partially funded by the Provincial Government, we rely on the generosity of supporters to continue to cultivate a world where everyone belongs. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
