L'Arche Syracuse

Statement of Identity

We are people, with and without developmental disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.

L'Arche Mission

Our Mission is to:

• Make known the gifts of people with developmental 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 of our founding story; and
• Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

We have four houses in the Syracuse area: true homes where lives are shared. We live, laugh, cry and pray together. Chores are shared: grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, mowing the lawn. And so is the fun: birthday celebrations, gatherings with friends and family, vacations.

Unlike traditional group homes, with shifts of employees coming and going, in each of our homes you'll find four "core people" (people with disabilities who are the "core" of our community) and assistants who live with them.

Not all of our assistants "live in"; some "live out". 

Our assistants initially commit to come and stay for a year or two. Some stay many years.

From right out of college to post-retirement, L'Arche Syracuse has welcomed assistants from the U.S., Africa, Asia, Europe and South America to join our community and live their faith.