L`Arche Lantern - l`arche arnprior

June 2016
L’Arche Lantern
L ' A R C H E
Editor: Nancy Illman
613—623—7323 x123
outreach@larchearnprior.org
O U R
M I S S I O N
A R N P R I O R
Gr ee tings fro m o ur
C o mmun ity Lea der
Living in hope, love and forgiveness
I S :
 to make known the gifts of people
with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
 to foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, whilst
being faithful to the core values of
our founding story.
 to engage in our diverse cultures,
working together toward a more
human society.
Inside this issue:
Greetings from our
Community Leader
1
Bowl-a-thon!
2
Attending ComiCon
3
Remembering Annette Corrigan 4, 5
Celebrating Ian’s 70th Birthday
6
SIL gets new reclining chairs!
6
Welcome to Jan McCausland
6
Formosi Cup Championship
7
Let’s Go to the Movies!
7
Doug Hill, volunteer
8
Custom Car Show
8
Music Club
8
Together on the L’Arche Journey 9
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
9
Upcoming Events
9
Contact Information
10
I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel to Trosly-Breuil France in February
2016. I attended a “Desert Retreat” with many people from around the world who live
in L’Arche Communities. I was able to hear directly from Jean Vanier about the
founding of the first community in 1964. Jean speaks very clearly about the beginnings of L’Arche and all that has transpired since, as a testament to the spirit that “ It
is all 'God’s work'".
It was beautiful to hear and witness the miracle of this spirit movement, from the
humble beginnings of Jean being called to live with people who have been labelled,
left to live on the margins or in institutions, to the over 130 communities in the world
today. He spoke about his call to welcome a few men from a institution to live in a
simple house, living a simple life of prayer, work, play and meals together. This simple act has become such a way of life for many of us in the world who have been led
by that same spirit to become friends and members. At this retreat, there was fantastic leadership from Ruth Patterson (Ireland), Bill Clarke and Joe Egan (Canada). It
was such a great experience as a leader to hear, feel and experience the first L’Arche Community. Our founding story is so integral to helping us as leaders around the
world to live close to our Mission and Identity. As at many L’Arche events, we had
meals together, opportunities for worship and prayer, and reflection on the Mission,
personally and in the world. I had accompaniment from Ruth Patterson who is an Ordained Presbyterian Minister, serving in Restoration Ministries in Ireland.
Ruth spoke about our encounters in life and that healing and restoration are possible.
She spoke about our 5 steps in restoration that can lead to forgiveness: 1. Being Present – being real in the moment; 2. Pay Attention – being open and available to contemplate what you are hearing (Listen); 3. Make Connection - listening free of judgement; 4. Speak your Truth - being honest and prayerful; 5. Release the Outcome helping us build bridges.
In Arnprior, I continue to live inspired by every
day encounters filled with witness to this hope,
love and forgiveness.
What a blessing to meet our Founding Leader
for L’Arche in the Federation - Jean Vanier, at
87 years old in Trosly, France. What an inspiring, humbling and amazing man! Imagine that,
in all the world, he would remember Arnprior,
ask about our community and know several of
our members by name!
~ Jeannette Fraser
Photo: Jeannette with Jean Vanier
PAGE 2
L’Arche Arnprior’s first ever Bowlathon!
On Sunday March 13th we, L’Arche Arnprior, held our first ever
bowl-a-thon “Roll WITH L’Arche”, hosted by the local bowling
alley Arnprior Bowling Centre. There were 48 participants who
were bowling that day, members and friends of L’Arche Arnprior, including some members of the Lochwinnoch Presbyterian Church. Next year we hope to include even more members
in the wider community of Arnprior and Renfrew County. Each
participant was responsible for finding friends or family who
might sponsor them for the day’s event. The purpose of our
bowl-a-thon was to raise awareness as well as funds, for an
improved quality of life and meaningful days for members of
L’Arche Arnprior. Together we raised a total of $3,240! This was
more than had been anticipated for a first time event, and it was
very inspiring to see such generosity from the participants and
sponsors! Thank you to everyone who participated. The day
was completely dependent upon you and you made it wonderful. Thank you also to the sponsors of the participants, and our
corporate sponsorships from George Jackson Toyota in Renfrew and Bank of Nova Scotia in Arnprior.
Mark Nibourg with Russell and Gilles
B
O
W
L
A
T
H
O
N
Renelle and Shawn show their form
Ruth getting ready to bowl
People may come to our communities because they want to serve the poor;
they will only stay once they have discovered that they themselves are the poor.
~Jean Vanier, From Brokenness to Community, p.20
PAGE 3
It was an enjoyable time going to ComiCon Ottawa. .. the
highlight for Mackie was the time that he was face to face with
his personal hero, Lou Ferigno. Not only did Mackie get an
autograph of the incredible hulk, he had a chance to shake
his hand too. Mackie was ecstatic and yelled yahoo!!! a few
minutes after the encounter. We both needed a few minutes
to sit down and take in everything... a couple of breaths and
appreciating what the experience of it all was for both of us...
we're planning to attend next year's 2017 Ottawa ComiCon!
Mackie with action figure of The Incredible Hulk!
Mackie with autographed photo of Lou Ferigno
Tracy and Mackie at Comicon 2016
Where are they now?
Do you remember Emily Lind, who was a co-op student at McLachlin
back in 2009? Since the time she spent with us, she has graduated
from Guelph with her Bachelor’s in Psychology, spent 2012 in the
Beni-Abbes L'Arche Community in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, married Scott Verhoeve in 2014, gone back to school and she has just
graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Sir Wilfred Laurier.
Emily writes to tell us:
“I am pleased to report that I was recently offered, and I accepted,
the position of Assistants’ Coordinator with L’Arche Stratford! I’m
really excited about this opportunity and think it will be a really good
fit. I’m glad to be able to continue my journey in L’Arche as well.”
We wish her well in this new chapter in her life, and hope to see her
soon at a L’Arche Ontario event!
PAGE 4
Before L'Arche, Annette lived at home with our aging parents. All seven of her older siblings had moved out and many
even left the Kingston area. Annette was fortunate to have some friends at her day program but there were not many
opportunities for her to socialize with them outside of the work week. All social events were dependent on our parents
so they were extremely limited. Annette longed for independence and was incredibly keen to move out on her own.
Everyone was excited about there being a place for Annette at L'Arche Arnprior! At the beginning, after moving into
L'Arche, Annette had packed her bags and left them by the door so that she could go home to our parents as soon as
possible. Shortly after that, when visiting home for the weekend, her bags were packed and ready at the door so that
she could go to what she called "my own home". Annette went from being a dependent, childlike person to an adult
who finally was able to have more control over her life. In fact, one of her favourite phrases was, "Dat's my choice!"
She was constantly correcting my mother by reminding her that she was a "woman, not a girl".
L'Arche Anrprior provided Annette with a loving, social, emotionally healthy family where she exercised her independence with loving guidance. Having worked in adult group homes where the staff come and go, I recognized the value
of L'Arche. Annette was so happy to visit me but equally happy to return to her own home. In fact, sometimes she only
spoke about Candace or Scott or about who would be taking her home at the end of the weekend; I was not always
happy with my competition! Kidding, of course. I tried to encourage her to live in the moment! And yet, that was her
message to everyone!
The empathy, friendship, and love that existed within her L'Arche family truly allowed Annette to grow and to develop
into the wonderful person she was. I know that, like all of us, she could be very trying, but never once did those
around her give up on helping her find her way through the tough spots. And things did, indeed, get tough.
Annette’s serious health problems finally caught up with her over the past couple of years; she started visiting the
emergency room more frequently. Usually the cute male paramedics helped take the edge off of her pain; this was a
bonus, for sure. Due to her high needs and deteriorating health, Annette was admitted to the hospital in early January
of this year where she stayed until she passed away on April 4.
All members of the L'Arche Arnprior family supported Annette during her 3 month hospital stay. Although I wanted
Annette to be near me so that I could see her every day, I took great comfort in knowing she usually had company.
More importantly, her visitors knew her and cared for her. They knew her jokes, her music, her likes, her dislikes, and
her shenanigans. Annette was able to have numerous laughs and hugs and dances right up until the end. Sometimes,
they simply sat beside her; how comforting to fall asleep and wake to find your friends still there with you! When they
were not at the hospital with her, they were thinking of her and praying for her or texting/emailing each other and me
with regular updates. They also visited on their own time, over and above any pre-arranged shifts. Annette happily
absorbed every ounce of love and care that came her way. She lived far longer than any doctor had predicted; I am
sure it was the vibrant love of those around her, as well as the unconditional love she bestowed on everyone she
knew, that were key to her long, joy-filled life.
Annette’s L’Arche family was with her to her last breath. She died
peacefully in her sleep; I was there as well. Her pain and struggles had
ended. When prayers were said and Abba could be heard from her
bedside table, we all, without words, acknowledged that her passing
was a life changing moment. The world was different without her. I
believe she left the world a better place than when she arrived.
On behalf of my family, I would like to sincerely thank each and every
member of the L’Arche Arnprior family for what you do and for who you
are.
At one point in my life, I thought that perhaps L'Arche might be the
place for me as well. Then life got in the way, along with a serious
travel bug! I have been involved with folks with a variety of needs since
I was young. As I reflect, however, I know that I am much too selfish to
commit to a L'Arche community. I am in awe of all of those I have met
over the years who live their daily lives the way Jean Vanier intended,
full of patience and understanding. There is an open and loving acceptance of all people and a faith that all have the potential to be themselves and to share their own gifts. I love the fact that ALL members of
the L'Arche community learn and grow and benefit from each other in
both subtle and not so subtle ways. It is a great comfort for me and for
my family, knowing Annette was surrounded by some of the most compassionate people on the planet!
~ Maureen “Moween” Corrigan
Annette with sister Maureen at her 50th
PAGE 5
A bus full of loving people, saying a prayer, on
the way to Kingston for Annette’s funeral on
Friday, April 8, 2016. We thank in a special way
all the assistants and core members, board
members, family, friends, neighbors, Community Living Renfrew County South friends and
staff, community members - everyone who has
been a part of Annette’s journey throughout her
years with L’Arche Arnprior. Her joy, love and
laughter will forever be in our hearts. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
~Tracy Tenedero
Good Afternoon. I am here to say a few words about our beautiful Annette on behalf of her L’Arche family.
These are descriptive words from many different individuals who knew and loved her: Shenanigans. Joy. Love. A
ray of sunshine. Mischievous. Tease. Flirt. Pure Goodness. Curious. Friend. A gentle soul. Sassy. Resilient. Perseverance. Cute. Flair for the dramatic and spunky.
She was Miss Shenanigans when she ate an entire bag of mini peanut butter cups, during the night, of which I found
the evidence the next morning, opening her door to see wrappings scattered across the floor.
She was mischievous when she claim “Alf did it!” or when you asked her what she was doing and she was suddenly
“so tired” and need to go to bed.
She was a ray of sunshine filled with love when you were beckoned forward to receive a raspberry kiss.
Annette was joy, frequently giving a little clap of her hands and saying “I am happy” often with a giggle.
One of my favourite sayings of Annette's was her sassy declaration of “I’m a woman!”, anytime you may have referred
to her as a girl or lady. You may have thought you were doing her a favour be letting her know she had chocolate on
her face - her reply might be, “That’s my choice!”
Annette was a blessing to our L’Arche community, bringing laughter and fun everywhere she went. She loved to relax
by watching some of her favourite shows, often featuring Hugh Laurie (House) and, to Annette, the ever handsome
Victor Newman. Drinking non-alcoholic beer and dancing up a storm to Michael Jackson or Abba. Teaching everyone
all her smooth dance moves. With a flair for the dramatic, she would strut around the living room to strike a pose.
Chocolate chip pancakes were a favourite of Annette’s and when they
were available her appetite was endless. She would often tell her favourite Knock, Knock Joke. This was to inspire an impromptu trip to
get chocolate chip pancakes at her favourite restaurant.
“Knock, knock.”
“Who’s there?”
“Truck stop!”
Annette had such a magnetic personality, charming all those whom
she met. While in the hospital, she brightened the lives of those around
her and earned the nickname Giggles from one of the kitchen staff.
Did you know that today is Annette’s Birthday? Every day was her
birthday, and she would happily tell all who would pass “It’s my birthday!” When you asked her how old she was her frequent answers
were fifteen or five – O, depending on the day.
Annette Marie Corrigan
June 23, 1964—April 4, 2016
I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that it was an honour to
know you, Annette, and a blessing to have you as a friend. Sending
you a raspberry kiss and a big “I love you Miss Henigan.”
~ Katie Toews
PAGE 6
Ian at Renelle’s on his birthday
Ian Squires' 70th Birthday
This year was a special one for our founding core member - our old
pal Ian turned 70! For those of us who know Ian, we know his birthday has always been a special event for him. It is usually celebrated
in two parts, one being a family dinner at his sister’s house and the
other being the annual trek to Red Lobster in Ottawa with a small
group Ian's invites. This year there were 3 days of celebrations as,
with thanks to his longtime friend Renelle, the routine received a sentimental upgrade. With a bit of kind hearted deception, and sneaky
support from many people in the community, Renelle was able to
convince Ian to move the Red Lobster dinner from the usual May 9 th
(Ian’s actual birthday) to later in the week in order to accommodate a
larger surprise party at the restaurant, to mark the milestone year with
many of the friends Ian has made over his forty years in community.
The hoodwink was capped off with a small dinner at Renelle’s house
on Ian’s actual birthday with one of his oldest and closest friends, Ken
Veley, with whom Ian has always celebrated his birthday. In true
fashion Ian saved his cherished delight for his mother’s cake when at
his sister’s house for his 3rd and final celebration.
~ Cory and Renelle
Ian gets creamed!
Friends join Ian at Red Lobster to celebrate
New SIL recliner chairs
On March 22nd we welcomed Janice
McCausland to our office! Marie is mentoring Janice in the Financial Coordinator role
as she will be acting Financial Coordinator
for the six months while Marie takes a
leave. Please stop by to introduce yourself!
What is the best way to end a busy
day out on the town, after endlessly
wearing down your feet walking from
place to place? How about kicking
back and relaxing in a new adaptive
recliner - one that has remote control
settings that allow our core members
to adjust their sitting position which
would usually be impossible in regular chairs. Thanks to funding provided by the ministry, many of our
SIL core members now have the
ability to enjoy a well needed rest
after their busy days. Rigid mechanisms often found in traditional recliners are no longer a factor for
those of us with limited mobility!
~ Cory
Sharon and Tyson
enjoy a rest
PAGE 7
L'Arche Ontario's 7th Annual Formosi Cup Championship
It was a glorious 28 degree blue-sky June day, and six teams
gathered in challenge for the seventh annual Formosi Cup.
Stratford, London, Hamilton, Toronto, Daybreak and Arnprior all
fielded teams with enthusiasm and energy, fueled by a picnic
lunch and a cooling slight southwestern breeze.
Arnprior team hands over the trophy
Although each team clearly embraced the spirit of the day,
cheering loudly with placards and banners in hand, Arnprior set
a new standard by actually travelling the night before and staying at a local hotel. Clearly they were determined to defend the
trophy.
The play on the field was thrilling from the outset, but after the
first round of play it was clear that the traditional rivals, Daybreak and Hamilton, would play again for the championship. Although there were whispers of stacked teams, cooler
heads prevailed with the help of freezies, potato chips and cold
drinks.
The final game began with crowds of onlookers cheering and
enjoying a really good tan. The game was played and the competition was ferocious. In the end, Hamilton prevailed but it
was close. It came down to the last play in the final minute. 10
-9: Hamilton wins!
Hamilton happily receives it!
There was smiles and cheers, and many promises of revenge
next summer. But for now, that mighty trophy will reside in
steel-town. "We got it back", said Micheal Barry, long time
Hamilton player, "and we won't ever let it go." Well, we'll see
Mike. No team has ever won it two years in a row.
Jeff Gilbreath, L'Arche Ontario ~ Vice-Regional Leader
Let’s go to the movies!
Winter can be a dreary time of year for members of L’Arche Arnprior, with the sub-zero temperatures and heaps of snow making
outdoor travel and activities a taxing and sometimes impossible
task. Finding ways to inject a bit of fun into the daily routine can
be tiring for everyone involved. The members of our community
with disabilities find the winter particularly challenging. Snow and
ice impede travel for the most able-bodied of people, so imagine
its effect on those who struggle with walking, or who need to use
a walker or a wheelchair. Their eagerness to venture out of doors
is rather diminished.
Better luck next year!
Last year to help chase away the monotony of winter we used
some of our donation funds to rent the local theatre on a Saturday morning. We watched Paddington and had a delightful time, laughing together at the silly antics of a marmalade-loving bear. This February we were fortunate enough
to be the recipients of an anonymous donation, which was given specifically to sponsor this particular event.
So, on a wintery Saturday morning, we bundled up and trundled off the
O’Brien Theatre, to watch Kung Fu Panda 3. The O’Brien Theatre was wonderful in its accommodations, opening four hours earlier than usual and
making sure to play the movie on the ground floor to ensure that it was accessible for all in our community. We were welcomed into the theatre by
smiling faces and the smell of buttery popcorn. The movie was made that
much better by being able to watch it together, laughing this time at the witty
quips of a Kung Fu expert panda bear. We are very grateful for this opportunity to brighten up the lengthy winter months, and to the O’Brien Theatre for
happily accommodating us!
~ Katie Toews
PAGE 8
Doug Hill, volunteer
Doug started volunteering with L’Arche Arnprior in the summer of 2015. He has
been helping us with all around stuff, ranging from bathroom ceiling installations,
bathroom counters and drawers, painting, chair adjustments, etc.
A friendly person by nature, he likes to share his passion for helping others. Originally from Toronto, born in 1950, his dreams to become a builder led him to pursue
carpentry. He has been involved with many not for profit organizations like Habitat
for Humanity Ottawa, Centretown Community Housing and the Ottawa Food Bank.
In 1990, he moved to Arnprior.
Doug is a long time friend of Denis LaCroix, one of our board members, who introduced him to us. To quote Doug… “L’Arche is providing a service for folks, which I
believe is a vocation. This is desperately needed in our society”. Thank you very
much Doug for your handiwork!
~ Tracy Tenedero
On April 23 Renée and I attended the Ottawa Custom Car show at the EY Centre in Ottawa. The
building was packed full of new and classic cars
each with their own personal touch created by their
owners. This is a picture of Renée standing beside
a classic 70’s Dodge Charger that had been retrofitted with the comforts found in newer cars today.
This was perhaps Renée’s favourite car of the show
as she has a soft spot for this particular muscle car.
~ Mitchell Rueckwald
Music Club
There have been a lot of really exciting things happening with our Music Club over the past while that we are very
happy to share. Our time has switched to Thursdays from 4:00pm – 4:45pm and participation has increased tremendously. Among the new happenings, pianist Cheryl Mielke and her husband Charlie have joined us and provide us
with new and inclusive songs which have many people up out of their seats dancing and/or doing actions - songs like
‘Deep and Wide’ and ‘Turkey In The Straw’.
Kyle Fraser has recently joined us as well and treats us all to a taste of
the Ottawa Valley with his fiddle – which again has people up dancing
and toe-tapping while he plays. Lary continues to play his variety of
Johnny Cash and Stompin’ Tom songs for us a few times each session.
Our percussion section has returned also as Lyle is back with L’Arche
full-time, and so his cajon once again helps us keep the beats flowing.
Currently we are practicing the song ‘Bonjour Mes Amis, Bonjour’ for
our twin Community in Lyon, France. Nancy, Ken J and myself all continue to pluck away at our guitars as well and we’re always on the lookout for others to come and jam with us. So there is lots of great news
and happenings with our Music Club and it just continues to get better
and better. Come out and join us!
~ Scott Burnie
PAGE 9
Andrea and Jeannette are friends on this L’Arche Journey!
We met through L’Arche Arnprior and we have many mutual
friends: Thomas, Mitchell, Tracy, Shalini, Matthis, Ken J,
Ken V., Ian, Beth, and Ruth to name a few.
What we have learned together in L’Arche Arnprior is:
“people are always nice to each other, that people always
agree on everything, and people try not to get in fights.”
We have a lot in common with our L’Arche friends! We also
have a lot in common in activities as well: we like swimming,
making balloon animals and we have fun together!
Life in L’Arche is amazing. We are called at all ages to live,
grow and learn together!
~ written by Jeannette and Andrea
Andrea Simmons (Age 9) and Jeannette Fraser (Age 53)
Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner
It was that wonderful time of year again when we signed up to host a dinner party for two guests whom, until they arrived, we had no idea the identity of. It was Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner time!!!
This year Stacey and I put our names down to host two guests on Friday April 22 nd. Given the great weather, we had
opted to fire up the BBQ and went all out, buying some of the amazing burgers and salads from Valley Roots. As our
guests were due to arrive around 5:00 p.m., I fired up the BBQ around 4:30 and started cooking. The excitement built
as I watched over the burgers and Stacey went to get fries from Betty’s Chips.
“Who do you think it will be?” we wondered aloud. The mystery was revealed
when a small black car slowed and then pulled into the driveway. It was TJ
and Ken V! Our guests had arrived! We were very honoured to have them and
they shocked us by bringing some beverages with them that they’d purchased
from an “Ontario Store”. So we all sat down at the dining room table to dig in
to our most excellent meal…and yes, I am completely biased as to how great
it was…because I was the one who had BBQ’d. Ken actually stated after the
meal that he was full and so we moved to the living room to talk and to allow
the food to digest.
We had a lot of laughs! It was an absolutely great evening and kudos to Candace for all the hard work and time she put into making the event so successful, and to both Ken and TJ for coming to join us at our home. We look forward
to next year, when we will again look to host some unknown guests and have
a great evening together.
Ken and TJ enjoy a stroll together
~ Scott Burnie
9th Annual Walk/Run WITH members of L'Arche Arnprior
Upcoming Community Events:
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11 a.m.
Start and finish: Robert Simpson Park - walkers: 2.4 km; runners: 5 km
Pre-registration at:
L'Arche Office 613-623-7323
16 Edward Street South, Suite 103, Arnprior
On-site registration start time: 10 a.m.
On-line donations may be made through
https://www.facebook.com/LArcheArnprior
Pledge sheets available from the L’Arche Office
Free BBQ after the run for participants ~ prizes for runners
Please join us for a morning of fun!
Proceeds improve quality of life for core members of L'Arche
Come on out to our 9th Annual Fun Run/Walk and BBQ on Saturday,
August 27th in Robert Simpson Park at 11 a.m!
SIL Lunches: each month—contact office for details
AGM: Saturday, September 10th, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, 2—4 p.m.
Community Links: Sept. 30th—Oct. 2nd with Daybreak
Solidarity with Lyon, France: two weeks in October, TBA
Gifts of Light: Saturday, December 3rd, Kirkman House B&B, 10—2
L'ARCHE
ARNPRIOR
We are people with and without intellectual disabilities,
PAGE 10
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.
16 Edward Street South,
Suite 103
Arnprior, Ontario
K7S 3W4
Did you know?
We have finally joined the 21st century!
We have a website at long last.
Please visit us at
Phone:
Fax:
613 - 623 - 7323
613 - 623 - 9629
E-mail:
Website:
office@larchearnprior.org
www.larchearnprior.org
www.larchearnprior.org
We would be happy to have you consider making a donation to L’Arche Arnprior.
There are several ways that you can do this:
 the good old fashioned way, with a cheque through the mail.


by dropping in to our office with your donation of cash or cheque.
by donating on–line through canadahelps.org - click on one of the donate links on our website,
www.larchearnprior.org
 we are also able to accept donations of stocks, bonds and so forth.
You may also ask us about planned giving options.
But most importantly, please do keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Please visit us on Facebook!
You don’t have to be a member to follow the postings
on our page. Just put this URL into your search engine,
or click on this link if you are receiving this via e-mail!
https://www.facebook.com/LArcheArnprior
We try to post particularly lovely photos of community
members and events, information about upcoming
events, and links to events of interest that other
organizations have shared with us.
You are encouraged to “like”, comment on and share
our posts, as this is how the word gets out to a broader
community of interested individuals.
It is my belief that in our mad world
where there is so much pain, rivalry,
hatred, violence, inequality, and oppression, it is people who are weak, rejected, marginalized, counted as useless, who can become a source of life
and of salvation for us as individuals as
well as for our world. And it is my hope
that each one of you may experience
the incredible gift of the friendship of
people who are poor and weak, that you
too, may receive life from them. For
they call us to love, to communion, to
compassion and to community.
~ Jean Vanier
We have great news to announce! As of March 31st, our
Usborne Street home has been mortgage-free!
Here is Beth, celebrating by tearing up the mortgage.
L'Arche Arnprior is so very grateful to the Ministry (MCSS)
and to our generous donors for making this a reality.