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 (we even display and sell some of our art at the local 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.

HOW WE'RE FUNDED​

Though we are partially funded by the provincial government, approximately 25%-30% of our operations depends on the generosity of supporters like you.

While we are engaged in productive negotiations with the provincial government, our ability to keep L’Arche alive in the Ottawa Valley is contingent on the charity of others.

At the same time, we know that what we offer today is not enough to serve adults with intellectual disabilities and their families here. The need – for housing and for support – is far greater.

We would not exist without the support of individual donors, whose gifts allow us to sustain our operations.