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THE STORY OF L'ARCHE
The story of L’Arche started over 50 years ago in the village of Trosly-Breuil in northern France, in response to the inhumane conditions of the large institutions where people with intellectual disabilities had been placed. Now, L’Arche is present in over 38 countries across the world.
1964
A RESPONSE TO A NEED
In August, Jean Vanier, Phillipe Seux and Raphael Simi move into the first L’Arche house in Trosly, France. A third man with an intellectual disability, moves in, but does not stay.
1969
L’ARCHE CROSSES THE ATLANTIC
L’Arche’s second community, L'Arche Daybreak, opens on Richmond Hill, Canada, in response to the need for communities of belonging.
1970
The interfaith reality
The new community in Bangalore, India welcomes Hindus and Christians: faith diversity is now built into L’Arche.
1971
Responding to families in need
Faith and Light is founded to support families with children with intellectual disabilities.
1972
Naming the vision of L’Arche
At the first Federation Meeting, Ambleteuse, France, the group writes the first Charter, setting out the vision of L’Arche and established an International Council, to support the foundation of new communities.
1973
A new way of working
Second Federation Meeting, in 3 locations: Little Ewell, (UK) and Trosly and Ourscamp, (France).
1975
Building a long term structure
At the third International Federation Meeting, in Canada, Sue Mosteller is appointed International Coordinator of L'Arche.
1981
Founding in secret
L'Arche founds a community secretly behind the Iron Curtain, in Sledziejowice, Poland.
1989
New needs, new communities
By 1989, there are new communities, in Brazil, Dominican Republic, Germany, Poland, Italy,
Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, and on the West Bank (Palestine).
1992
An international milestone
United Nations establishes December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
1999
Planning for the future
L'Arche International is legally incorporated in France.
2008
A united voice for change
Federation of L'Arche unites around joint Identity and Mission statements.
A new model
First community built around Daytime projects and no residential service is welcomed in Lviv, Ukraine
2014
Celebrating uniqueness
Across the world, L’Arche celebrates 50 years of community living, as a social project where each person’s unique set of talents are promoted, valued and enjoyed.
France honours a national hero
Jean-Pierre Crépieux receives the Légion d’Honneur from French President François Hollande. He is the first person with an intellectual disability to receive this award, in recognition of his role in co-founding L’Arche and pioneering work on behalf of people with a disability.
2015
Campaigning together
L'Arche is granted Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC, United Nations.
2017
Celebration of diversity
Over 500 delegates from around the world with and without disabilities meet in Belfast for the International Federation Assembly.
2019
In mourning
Death of Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche
2020
Inquiry findings
An External Inquiry commissioned by L’Arche International reveals that Jean Vanier sexually abused 6 women without intellectual disabilities, in the context of pastoral support.
Covid 19 Pandemic
2020
Pursuing our vision
154 communities and 19 projects in 38 countries, people with and without disabilities working together for a more human society.