L'Arche Chicago

04/28/2026

📣Looking for meaningful work?

We're seeking a mission-driven, steady, and relational leader with exceptional skills in mentoring and coaching team members to be our new Director of Home Life. This person is a strong leader who is passionate about quality direct care services for our core members.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing teams and working together with people with developmental disabilities.

Think you or someone you know could be a good fit? Check out our application page: larchechicago.org/director-of-home-life

04/24/2026

Angel House and Peace House are ready to welcome the summer weather and many barbecues, thanks to our volunteer spring cleaners who spent last Saturday tidying up the homes’ outdoor patios, kitchens, and living spaces. We are so grateful for your help and dedication to our community and core members. Thank you, volunteers!

Let us know if you’ve ever joined a L’Arche Chicago home for a barbecue in the comments! ☀️🌭

04/24/2026

Take a peek at Anders! He's currently on a retreat in Taizè, France, with Molly. We can't wait for him to return to Chicago and tell us all about his travels!🇫🇷🌍

04/23/2026

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’d like to shout out to Ayu. Her caring and calm presence are deeply appreciated at St. Joseph House. 🏡☀️

For the past year, Ayu has spent nearly every Sunday morning at St. Joseph House. Each Sunday, she and Noah prepare for church together, sing songs, and join in prayer. Like many in community, Ayu has a special appreciation for Anders’s seasonal home decorations. With each new festive display, Ayu takes a picture to treasure Anders’s work.

“My overall experience at Saint Joseph House is very comfy, calm, and relaxed- watching TV with core members, having lunch, listening to music, chatting, and just spending time on the sofa. These moments make my weekends special,” shares Ayu.

🙌 Thank you, Ayu, for making Sunday mornings so special for St. Joseph House!

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! Today, and every day, our community bands together to foster an environment that promotes sustainability, healthy living, and appreciation for our beautiful green planet.

🌳Anders grows fresh vegetables for St. Joseph's House in his garden.

♻️Core members and assistants work together to recycle and compost at each of our four homes.

☀️St. Joseph House has 92 solar panels generating nearly 100% of the home’s electricity use, 33 geothermal wells for heating and cooling, and all-electric appliances, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

🏡Friendship House installed solar panels on their roof, thanks to a grant from the Cook County CDBG!

🪟Angel House is outfitted with all new energy-efficient windows and a full solar panel system, thanks to the City of Chicago's Climate Infrastructure Fund!

💐Our core members enjoy strolling in local parks to savor the fresh air and watch wildlife (Jean particularly loves seeing dogs on her walks).

How are you going to celebrate our green planet today?

04/21/2026

We are so excited to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Week! 🎉🩷

We treasure the kind hearts, helping hands, and meaningful relationships our volunteers build with our core members.

Have you ever volunteered with our community? Share your experience below!

04/17/2026

Sometimes the simplest moments spark meaningful relationships. 🕯️🌿

At this year’s foot-washing service, Kim found a new friendship with Andrea.

“I was paired with Andrea, a core member. As she gently held and rinsed first one foot, then the other, she offered a blessing and quietly prayed for me. Her gracious words and humble care brought tears to my eyes. It was one of the most grace-filled and profound experiences of my year,” Kim shares.

Read more: http://larchechicago.org/2026footwashing

Have you ever attended a L’Arche Chicago foot-washing service?

04/10/2026

During Autism Acceptance Month, Anders wanted to share his experiences in our community. Anders joined L’Arche Chicago 10 years ago and is proud of the independence he’s gained living in community.

“Being at L’Arche has made me more independent. Before, when I was with Mom and Dad, they drove me to Jewel. There was no public transportation, and it was hard for me to get around. Now, I feel comfortable taking the Pace Bus.”

“At L’Arche, I’m more active. One of my goals is to do new things with assistants and core members. Iggy (another core member) always sees me when we volunteer at the food pantry. You’ve got to stay busy,” shares Anders.

This month, and every month, we celebrate the unique gifts Anders and all our core members bring to community. Share your favorite memory with Anders in celebration of his recent anniversary!

04/05/2026

Wishing you a Happy Easter! We’re so grateful for our wonderful community that's always ready to “hop” in and share their gifts. 🐣🐰

04/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the 3rd Annual Laurence's Legacy of Caring. YOU made the night a hit!

We packed the hall with over 200 people enjoying games and food. Together, we raised over $60,000 to in support of L’Arche Chicago's critical mission to sustain inclusive communities where people with and without intellectual/developmental disabilities share life in meaningful ways in small, residential homes.

Special thanks to our sponsors and Laurence’s Legacy of Caring Committee! We are so deeply touched by your ongoing commitment to our community.❤️

See more pictures: larchechicago.org/3rd-LLC

04/02/2026

Thank you to the Village of Oak Park, Illinois for making last month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, so special for our community!

Anders and Mic presented at the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees meeting to share a little bit about L'Arche Chicago. The mayor spoke about St. Joseph House, saying, "If you have not seen the home, it's a really, really, truly beautiful home- truly gorgeous."

03/31/2026

We are so grateful for CMHB's Support! Thank you for celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with us🙌🏻❤️

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and CMHB is proud to support L'Arche Chicago this month and throughout the year!

L'Arche Chicago provides services in four family-sized homes located in Oak Park, Forest Park, and Chicago (Austin), where adults with intellectual disabilities are empowered to live life to the fullest. Residents, known as core members, share homes with dedicated assistants who support each core member's unique needs and promote inclusion and an integrated community. Grounded by core values of dignified care, community, faith, and advocacy, L'Arche Chicago is a place where everyone can thrive.

CMHB funding helps support the house manager position at the new L’Arche CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) home in Oak Park. This position oversees administrative responsibilities within the home, coordinating community life to foster a healthy, respectful, and compassionate living environment. The house manager serves as an advocate for core member needs, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be a meaningful member of their home and building a family atmosphere of welcoming and friendship.