Q: What does L'Arche mean and how is it pronounced?
A: The French word L'Arche rhymes with marsh and means
"the ark," a symbol of refuge and the first covenant
between God and humanity.
Q: How, when and by whom was L'Arche Harbor House founded?
A: Harbor House opened in 1985. The community joined the
international federation of L'Arche communities in 1992.
Founded in the Catholic tradition, we welcome people of
all faiths. L'Arche Harbor House is the only L'Arche
community in Florida.
Q: What is the guiding principle of L'Arche?
A: Our Founder
Jean Vanier expressed it like this:
"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 toward our potential."
Q: How does L'Arche work on a day-to-day basis?
A: A simple answer can be found in the Charter of L'Arche
International: Home life is at the
heart of a L'Arche community. The different members of a
community are called to be one body. They live, work, pray
and celebrate together, sharing their joys and their suffering
and forgiving each other, as in a family. They have a simple
lifestyle that gives priority to relationships.
Q: Where is L'Arche Harbor House located?
A: Our five homes and the Blanchart Community Center are
situated next door to Christ The King Church on Arlington
Road in Jacksonville's Arlington area. The Rainbow Workshop,
an off-campus day program that nurtures creativity and personal
growth, is also in Arlington.
Q: How many persons with developmental disabilities live at
L'Arche Harbor House?
A: Currently, 20 adults with developmental disabilities are in
residence. We have made a commitment to care for these core
members for life.
Q: How many assistants are in residence?
A: Numbers fluctuate, but we strive for a one-to-one
assistant-to-core member ratio. Most assistants live in the
community. A few live outside the community. All assistants
share daily life with core members.
Q: What is the role of volunteers?
A: We rely on community supporters to sustain us in our work.
Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, the
following:
-
Rainbow workshop aides
-
Board and Auxiliary Committee members
-
Fundraiser participants
-
Special projects workers
-
Friends and visitors
Individuals, churches and groups are welcome! Please contact
us to find out more. A good way to start a relationship is by attending
a Community Night, held most first Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in
the Blanchart Community Center at L'Arche Harbor House. Please call
(904) 721-5992 for details.
Q: What is the legal status of L'Arche Harbor House?
A: We are 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.
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