The International IDENTITY STATEMENT of L’Arche: We are people, with and without developmental disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an international federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need for one another.
Our MISSION is to make known the gifts of people with developmental disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships. To foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story. And to engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

Description:
A man named Jean Vanier founded the first L'Arche community in Trosley, France in 1964. He felt a calling to live with those in society who are considered poor and weak. He responded to this call by inviting two men from an institution for the developmentally disabled to live with him. This vision grew and spread across the world. There are now over 130 L'Arche communities in 34 countries, including here in Tacoma. The L'Arche Tahoma Hope Community has 4 homes for adults, a work program (Farm and Gardens), and a pre-vocational program (Noah's Workshop). We live together as people who strive to create home by living, working, celebrating, and praying together while fostering mutual relationships with each other. Come experience L'Arche and change the world one heart at a time. The first may be your own!

History:
L'Arche Tahoma Hope was founded in August 1977 when Father David Rothrock, S.J. and Father Peter Byrne, S.J., welcomed Greg Hannon and Fred Kobel into their home. L'Arche Tahoma Hope is women and men, young and old, married and single, religious and lay, of different faiths and cultural affiliations, who have chosen to live with people with developmental disabilities. Relationships are at the heart of our community. We share ourselves with one another through laughter, tears, celebration, and prayer.

Contact person: Community Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (253) 539-9208

Address:

12303 36th Avenue East Tacoma, WA 98446 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: none,   Walk distance (in minutes): none   Nearest Bus Stop: 410, 10 minute walk