L’Arche Chicago – A Unique Community Filled With Genuine Compassion

On a sunny summer day, a new volunteer, Helen, took on the brave task of learning how to drive manually. Tim, a L’Arche Chicago core member, was even braver for agreeing to sit in the back seat as Helen practiced driving around the neighborhood. Learning to drive manually can be a scary task, but Tim made a point to keep Helen’s mind distracted from any anxiety.

Tim took the ride as an opportunity to get to know Helen. He asked her all sorts of questions about her interests, hometown, and favorite local food spots. Before they knew it, Helen had mastered the new skill, and Tim found a new friend. Now, over a decade later, the pair remain close friends, enjoying trips to local restaurants and spending afternoons lost in conversation.

Our mission extends beyond providing holistic, around-the-clock support for core members (adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities). Since opening our first home 25 years ago, L’Arche Chicago has become home to dozens of decade-long friendships, like the one between Tim and Helen. Throughout the years, we’ve consistently found value in the importance of sharing everyday moments of life together. Sitting around a table sharing a meal, taking a walk to the local park, playing Uno, or even learning how to drive manually are such simple but treasured moments for our community. It is in these moments that mutual relationships develop, and we take time to celebrate the gifts of every individual.

As our community continues to grow and new friendships begin to blossom, we’ve continued to find joy in the simple moments our community spends together. Helen shares that L’Arche Chicago is a “unique community filled with genuine compassion.