Fill out our online form
or download a PDF and mail it to us.
You should hear from someone at L'Arche Harbor House within one week
of receiving your application, letting you know if you are invited
to continue the application process. We may ask you to visit the community
for a short time, if possible.
We cherish our summer interns! These very special young people
have the chance to experience life as house assistants and form
lifelong friendships. For information contact
Amy Finn-Schultz.
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What is a L'Arche Assistant?At L'Arche, persons
with an intellectual/developmental disability are known
as "core members," and "assistants" are those
who come to share life with them. Assistants accompany
core members in their activities of daily life, creating
home and supporting core members in sharing their gifts
within the house and the larger community.
What do assistants do?Assistants work to
build a relationship of mutual care and support with persons
with disabilities; foster a home life of unity, mutual
respect and participation by all members; provide direct care
and assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing,
bathing, money management, medical care, appointments, family
and work connections, household chores, laundry, medications,
meal preparation and transportation.
Who becomes a L'Arche assistant?The most important criteria are an open
heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in
the unique sacredness and value of every individual. Assistants range in
age from 18 to 50s and 60s. Assistants come to L'Arche from all stages of life:
after college, as a shift from a previous career, or after their formal career.
As an international organization, we also often welcome assistants from other
countries, which can add a unique cultural diversity to our communities.
Do I need special training to be an assistant?No.
Some people who come to work in L'Arche have experience working
with people with disabilities, but most do not. The first requirement
is that applicants have a desire to share life together in a
community setting. In addition, one must be able to perform the duties
as outlined in the assistant role description. Assistants participate
in training and orientation required to meet state licensure, such
as first aid and CPR, food handling, core competency and others.
L'Arche Harbor House also provides educational experiences and
formation on other topics, including spiritual and personal growth.
Qualifications to become an assistant?
A desire:
- To share your life with people with
developmental and physical disabilities
- To help build a faith community founded
on the Beatitudes
A willingness:
- To participate in daily prayer in the
house and during weekly services
- To be part of a team, assuming responsibilities
both in the house and community
An ability:
- To communicate, both verbally and
non-verbally and in writing
- To perform practical life skills
such as cooking, household management and driving vehicles
- To be creative, flexible and a good
time manager
What type of time commitment is asked of an assistant?
We ask assistants to make an initial commitment of one year, with the
first month being a trial period and the first three months a time of
orientation. This time allows the assistant and the community to discover
whether the choice to come to L'Arche is a good fit. Some assistants decide
that because they are growing in L'Arche, they will renew their commitment
for another year or two. Because of the nature of L'Arche, building and
fostering intentional relationships and community, a year or two offers
community members time to settle into life together. There are also assistants
who build a long-term home at L'Arche. The decision to continue living L'Arche
is a thoughtful process made with support from peers, community coordinators,
and others who surround the assistant in community.
- Full-time live-in assistants receive
room & board and a monthly stipend.
- All assistants have private bedrooms.
- Assistants have two personal days each
week and 2-4 hours of personal time each day.
- Assistants receive full medical and
dental benefits.
- Assistants may spend free time in
our no-cost, off-campus respite apartment.
- An assistant may be given an opportunity
to participate in a L'Arche retreat or gathering
outside of L'Arche Harbor House. The community
will cover the cost of travel and registration.
- Each assistant is given 18 days vacation
(includes holidays) during the first year of
commitment.
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