About Us

L’Arche Edmonton – a unique vision of care and community

Known by many as the Shalom Community, L’Arche Edmonton is a not-for-profit association. Formed in 1972, L’Arche Edmonton became the second L’Arche community in Canada. We have a rich history, and continue to respond to the changing needs of our members. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey. We currently have six L’Arche houses in Edmonton and Sherwood Park and a Day Program where people with and without disabilities live together. We have a Community Centre located in Fulton place where our Day Program administration team work and our community gatherings take place.  We are a diverse and multicultural community, and we celebrate the unique gifts of each individual who chooses to live and work with us.

Mission

L’Arche Edmonton is one part of an International Federation of 131 communities worldwide, made up of individuals deeply committed to sharing life in community and to finding the unique gifts each one of us has to offer.

Our Mission is…

• to make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships
• to engage in our diverse cultures, working together to build a more human society
• to foster an environment in communities that is inspired by the core values of our founding story, and responds to the changing needs of our members.

Day Program

At L’Arche Edmonton Day Program, we celebrate our gifts. People with or without disabilities are welcomed with open arms. We view each other as ambassadors for belonging – people who passionately contribute their gifts and experiences for the good of society. This attitude permeates everything we do from hosting Hot Lunch on Fridays to volunteering at Hope Mission to expressing ourselves through art and music.

Homes

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of belonging. It gives us the freedom to be silly, free, and at peace amongst people we love. Every day, our assistants work to cultivate belonging through meaningful relationships with L’Arche house members. While L’Arche assistants are not medical professionals, they are top-notch community providers trained to administer medication and to recognize potential medical conditions.