Welcome to L'Arche Harbor House. Founded in 1985, L'Arche Harbor House of Jacksonville, Florida is a faith-filled residential community for adults with developmental disabilities and the caring assistants who choose to live with them as family. The continuing success of this unique concept depends on a dedicated staff, active community volunteers and benefactors, and a close, mutually supportive relationship with L'Arche communities around the world.  "Can we reasonably have a dream of a world ... where people, whatever their race, religion, culture, abilities or disabilities ... can find a place and reveal their gifts?"
- Jean Vanier, Founder of L'Arche click on this picture to download a Power Point slide show of life at L'Arche Harbor House.
Quick facts about L'Arche Harbor House:  L'Arche means "the ark," a symbol of refuge and the first covenant between God and humanity.
Harbor House was founded by Catholics as a sanctuary for people of all faiths. Our campus is located on Arlington Road, next door to Christ The King Parish. Facilities include five homes, a community center, and The Rainbow Workshop, an off-campus day program that nurtures creativity and personal growth. Core persons, our members with developmental disabilities, number about 20. L'Arche assistants come from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. They do not need special training - only a special kind of heart. Devoted volunteers serve in many capacities; as short-term house assistants; artists and aides at the Rainbow; members of the Board, Auxiliary Board, and a variety of committees; friends and visitors. All who come are transformed in their personal faith and growth through relationships within our community. We strive to reveal Christ in each person and to be a sign of hope. The International Federation of L'Arche is a network of 126 communities in 30 countries. Harbor House is the only L'Arche community in Florida. L’Arche Harbor House, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency, tax-exempt as an organization described in ITC Section 501 (c)(3) of the Code. Donations in support of L’Arche Harbor House are gratefully received and are fully tax deductible.
Our Mission Our mission is to make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relations; to 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 to engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society. This will be accomplished by: “Community is not built upon heroic actions but rather upon the love shown in the little things of daily life.” Jean Vanier
Company Profile"A community of the International Federation of L'Arche" L'Arche: An international federation of faith-based communities creating homes and day programs with people who have developmental disabilities. There are 124 L'Arche communities in 30 countries. L'Arche Harbor House in Jacksonville, Florida is the only community in the State of Florida. 
Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche states: "L'Arche believes in the dignity of every person. This is expressed in a life shared between people with an intellectual disability and those choosing to join them in community. We seek to help each other to grow and develop towards out potential."  Valsan, a 22 year veteran assistant says:
"Our goal is to live the Beatitudes. I have made a covenant with L'Arche -- my faith is to make a home for the core members. By helping them, I am growing more than they are."  Tomasz, an assistant from Krakow Poland says:
"This is the moment to show who you are. I was afraid I couldn't find a way to get along. I am very individualistic. But I have found that I can really learn from the people here. I've discovered I can love anyone, handicapped or not."
Contact InformationFor more information about becoming as assistant please contact: AMY FINN-SCHULTZ, Executive Director/Community Leader - Telephone
- (904) 721-5992
- FAX
- (904) 721-7143
- Postal address
- 700 Arlington Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32211
- Electronic mail
- General Information: info@larchejacksonville.org
Webmaster: adminanne@bellsouth.net
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