ABOUT US
L’Arche Arnprior is located in the Ottawa Valley (65 km west of Ottawa) in the beautiful town of Arnprior, Ontario. 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. It is a small, but growing, and friendly town. L’Arche Arnprior was founded on a farm in 1975 in Frontenac, Ontario and moved to Arnprior in 1988.
Our Mission
Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values.
Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.
L’Arche demonstrates that with friendship, belonging, and the opportunity to contribute their gifts, people with intellectual disabilities flourish and their lives make a difference. They take a variety of valued roles – employees, volunteers, leaders, artists, teachers, friends, and family – contributing to the lives of their families, friends and communities.
Living with difference and vulnerability is challenging, yet L’Arche demonstrates that when all people, including the most marginalized, take their place, society becomes more human – more colourful, welcoming, creative, compassionate, and joyful.
OUR VISION
The vision of L’Arche is rooted in relationship and belonging:
Mutual care, respect, and compassion between people with and without intellectual disabilities
Sharing ordinary, daily life with all its joys and sorrows
Living, working, learning, and celebrating together in communities of belonging
Transforming our lives as we embrace our gifts and imperfections
Recognizing that we need each other and are better together
A model of inclusion, a way of peace, and a sign of hope for our world
The L’Arche relational model breaks down barriers between those who give and those who receive supports. It replaces society’s emphasis on independence that leaves so many people lonely, with interdependence where each person flourishes as they contribute their gifts for the good of others.