Donate Now

About L’Arche Avalon

L’Arche Avalon is an incorporated charitable organization dedicated to the establishment of L’Arche homes and communities.

We are the Newfoundland and Labrador arm of the L’Arche movement.

L'Arche's Identity and Mission
  • L’Arche Avalon is one of 30 L’Arche communities in Canada sharing knowledge and resources with over 180 L’Arche communities around the world.
  • The Mission of L’Arche is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships and engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.
  • The Mission that unifies L’Arche is rooted within the unique culture, history, and networks of each local community. L’Arche Canada empowers the L’Arche communities in Canada to live the Mission with greater impact, collaborating for collective impact and sharing knowledge, services, and resources.
  • This local, national, and international breadth gives L’Arche a unique capacity to create communities of inclusion and belonging.
L'Arche's Identity and Mission

Our Vision and Values

Outline of 3 people
We Foster a Vibrant Community

We share an extraordinary life in community of welcome, celebration, traditions, togetherness and belonging.

icon of three blue balloons
We Celebrate of the Value of Each Person

We appreciate each person for their unique way of being; we listen to and respect each person’s wishes and preferences.

puzzle pieces fitting together
Journey Together with Respect

We care how our actions affect others. We help one another and build positive, supportive relationships.

Hand holding heart
Nurturing of our Gifts and Growth

We support one another’s growth and gifts and create a safe and trusting environment.

Map of L'Arche communities in Canada

Canadian Communities

For almost 60 years, L’Arche has been creating communities where enriching relationships flourish, and where people with and without intellectual disabilities belong, contribute and grow. Today there are 30 L’Arche communities in Canada—from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and Labrador. Our vision is based on mutual care, respect, and compassion.

L'Arche Communities in Canada

Our History

1964
L’Arche began in France
It was a compassionate response to the plight of people with intellectual disabilities living in grim institutions, shut away from society.
1969
L’Arche Daybreak starts in Richmond Hill, Canada
Canadians Steve and Ann Newroth were so transformed by their experience of L’Arche in France that they began to dream of bringing L’Arche to Canada.
1970 - 85
A time of dramatic growth
L’Arche grew to 60 communities worldwide with new communities throughout North America, Europe, India, Australia, and the U.K.
2011
Seeds of L'Arche in Newfoundland and Labrador
Our group in Newfoundland and Labrador started with a dream and monthly social gatherings. Adopting the name Cornerstone Housing Society in 2012, the organization was formally founded in the same year and incorporated with the provincial government.
2014
First Annual General Meeting and Fundraiser
We held our first Annual General Meeting, including the election of our first Board of Directors, and had our first major fundraiser, a huge flea-market.
2015
We established a number of committees to develop the organization and reach out to the community. These committees continue to work together to educate members and the broader community by holding a variety of regular activities and introducing L'Arche Avalon to various local like-minded organizations. We have also hosted visitors from other Atlantic L'Arche communities
2016
We started monthly activities (walks and jam circles) which included all members. We were granted L'Arche Project Status by L'Arche Canada. This was a huge step on the path to becoming L'Arche in Newfoundland and Labrador and establishing our first fully fledged L'Arche community, complete with home(s).
2017
L'Arche Avalon is formed
Our community decided on a new name, L'Arche Avalon. The L’Arche Avalon Official Launch in October of 2017 was a celebration of our community and our attainment of L’Arche Project status. Over a hundred new members, friends, and supporters came together to show their support.
2024
Worldwide, there are over 180 L’Arche communities and projects in 38 countries on five continents.
Together, with the support and encouragement of donors, assistants, families and friends, L'Arche continues to create a world where everyone belongs.

Your donation makes a difference.

Your gift will help fund and support our work as we move forward in our efforts to open the first L’Arche home in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Donations
donation-icon
Music 1

Get involved!

  • In our world friendship matters.
  • L’Arche has a distinct spirit where persons with intellectual disabilities and assistants truly share life with one another.
Get involved
Two members of L'Arche in Kolkata India walking on the street

L’Arche International

As a federation of over 180 communities and projects operating in 38 countries we recognize the realities of our inherent differences and the many challenges involved in sharing our lives as a global network. Together we believe we all have the opportunity to find love joy, happiness and contentment in a world where we all belong.

L'Arche International Website
about-cta-mobile
L'Arche International

Annual Report 2022-2023

Read about L’Arche’s impact around the world.

Download the L'Arche International Annual Report