L'Arche Chicago

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.

03/19/2026

🧡🌿Today, on St. Joseph’s Day, it feels like a good time to reflect on why L’Arche Chicago’s St. Joseph House carries his name so fittingly.

St. Joseph the Worker is the patron saint of workers, carpenters, travelers, immigrants, refugees, and those moving house. His life reminds us of the dignity in everyday work, the importance of welcome, and the beauty of creating home together.

We see that spirit at St. Joseph House in so many ways - in the joy Anders and John take in work, in Noah’s gift for noticing beauty in everyday life, Johno’s gift of welcoming guests, and in the care, creativity, and shared life that fill the home.

Today, we’re especially grateful for the people who make St. Joseph House more than a house. They make it home and essential part of the L’Arche Chicago community.

03/17/2026

Lucky us - we get to call you "friend!"
Happy St. Patrick's Day!☘️✨

03/16/2026

Advocacy matters‼️

We had the privilege of joining other IDD Community Providers at the West Suburban Regional Legislative Breakfast to discuss critical issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois. During Breakfast, we met state legislators and listened to their advocacy tips.

📣 One tip: respectful persistence. Small, steady actions matter more than you think. We’ll be sharing ways you can advocate with our community soon.

03/13/2026

⛳☀️When you hit the greens with L'Arche Chicago - you are supporting a community where everyone belongs!

Our 12th annual golf outing will be hosted for the first time at Riverside Golf Club, set alongside the scenic Des Plaines River. Founded in 1893, the historic course features tall, majestic trees, tight fairways, and undulating fast greens.

Mark your calendars! Learn more: LarcheChicago.org/golf

02/25/2026

Lydia, a L’Arche Chicago alum, brightened our day by sharing some cool news. During a recent trip to Japan with her mom, Lydia visited ラルシュかなの家. 🇯🇵❤️

Lydia was delighted when she noticed a bunch of L’Arche Chicago cards on display. Thank you L'Arche Kana no ie for being so welcoming!

Read more about Lydia's trip: larchechicago.org/Lydia-Visits-L'Arche-Japan

02/18/2026

Have you joined Noah for a museum visit?

For this month’s visit, Noah chose to celebrate Black History Month by visiting the Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s Exhibit at the Chicago History Museum with his House Manager, Sav. The pair bonded while making Civil Rights buttons, learning about the Chicago Freedom Movement, and enjoying deep-dish pizza-flavored chips.🏛🍕

Read more: larchechicago.org/noahs-museum-visit