Our Identity at L’Arche International
Our Mission at L’Arche International
Our Values
A Vibrant Community
We share an extraordinary life of welcome, celebration, traditions, togetherness and belonging.
Celebration of the Value of Each Person
We know and appreciate each person; we listen to each other and develop and share our talents and gifts.
Openness to Mutual Relationships
We develop life-changing friendships where each of us gives and each of us receives.
A Journey Together
We care how our actions affect others and learn how to treat others with kindness, respect and in a spirit of togetherness.
Nurturing of our Gifts and Growth
We support one another to grow and to reach our potential.
A Valued Role
We each have a part to play in our community and work alongside others for the common good.
Shared Spirituality
We see and discover a spiritual meaning in day-to-day life and reflect on our common humanity.
A Life of Joy
We have fun and share our joy and gratitude.
An Opportunity to Shape a More Human Society
We share the vision and spirit of L’Arche beyond our community and advocate for a more just and human society.
L’Arche Lethbridge Newsletter Save
A Brief History of L’Arche Lethbridge
1989
First Board Meeting and Election of Officers for the Chinook L’Arche Society
Chairperson – Elaine Forrestell
Founding Executive Director – Don Flaig
1990
The Chinook Arch Caritas Society is incorporated by the Province of Alberta
1991
First House Purchased (1024 – 12th Street South) – named Chinook house, after the warm west wind, opened October 31, 1991
First three core members (people with a disability) were welcomed from Mitchner Centre
1992
Name of Society changed to Chinook L’Arche Society – accepted as a probationary community by the Federation
Official opening of Chinook L’Arche April 10, 1992
1996
Pat Lenon begins role as Executive Director
1998
April 24, 1998 Chinook L’Arche Society took possession of second home in Lethbridge – what is now Ruah House
1999
First core members move into Ruah House
2000
Grand Opening of Second House (Ruah – Hebrew word for “breath of the spirit”) on Friday, March 3, 2000 ( 2310 – 28th Street South)
2001
L’Arche Lethbridge 10th Anniversary Party – October 2001
2002
Doug Wiebe begins role as Executive Director
2005
L’Arche Lethbridge office moved to a new location – portion of the building on 12B Street North
Legal name changed to L’Arche Association of Lethbridge to be consistent with the names of the other L’Arche communities in Alberta
2009
New home purchased on north side – better able to handle walkers and wheelchairs
Moved into new home (Chinook) Nov. 3rd 2009 – old Chinook home sold
Moved main office to 240 – 12C Street North
2011
Purchased third home – the old St. Monica’s Convent – renovations and funding took 2 years
2013
Official opening of the third home Saturday, September 28th, 2013 – named Amani – Swahili word for Peace
Five core member move into Amani house.
2014
Tim Wiebe begins role as Executive Director
2019
L’Arche Canada 50th Anniversary / L’Arche Lethbridge 28th Anniversary
TODAY
Today, L’Arche is made up of 147 communities spread over 5 continents. There is more than 5000 members. There are always new projects being started in response to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, people so often vulnerable, and too often rejected, despite the important lessons about friendship and becoming human that they have to offer us.
