“As we celebrate 20 years of L’Arche Saint John, I am filled with gratitude and hope. This community changes lives. It changed mine.”
L’Arche Saint John turns 20 this year and we’re celebrating by sharing 20 stories that show how community, connection, and belonging have taken root.
Here’s Story 6: Lyzza -- former staff, volunteer, and lifelong friend.
My time at L’Arche Saint John has been one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences in my life. I had the privilege of doing my field placement here while studying Human Services at NBCC. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed, accepted, and embraced just as I was.
Spending time with the core members has been a joy and an honour. I’ve shared so many special moments with them, making art together, celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, going on walks, enjoying the simple pleasure of snowshoeing, and taking part in community celebrations that truly warmed my heart. Watching and participating in daily activities alongside the core members showed me the beauty of friendship, patience, and living with intention.
One of my favourite parts was doing arts and crafts together. There is something so powerful in sitting side by side, expressing ourselves with colours, paper, glue, and laughter. Each creation was unique, just like each of the people I met at L’Arche.
As is the case with many volunteers, I know I have gained so much more from this community than I could ever give. The kindness, the gentle humour, and the genuine love I witnessed every day taught me about inclusion, acceptance, and what it really means to belong.
Even though my placement has ended, my connection to L’Arche has not. I continue to walk alongside this community, because it has found a permanent place in my heart. L’Arche Saint John isn’t just a place it’s a feeling, a home, a family.
As we celebrate 20 years of L’Arche Saint John, I am filled with gratitude and hope. This community changes lives. It changed mine.
Over the next 20 years, I see many beautiful opportunities for L’Arche Saint John to grow its impact by continuing to deepen its culture of inclusion and expanding the reach of its mission.
One key opportunity is increasing public awareness and education about the value and giftedness of people with intellectual disabilities. By sharing more personal stories, hosting community events, and building partnerships with schools and local organizations, L’Arche can foster a greater understanding of inclusion and belonging throughout Saint John and beyond.
There is also an opportunity to expand the L’Arche Connects program, providing even more meaningful day programs, workshops, and creative spaces where core members and community members can build relationships and express themselves through art, music, nature, and more.
Additionally, creating more diverse housing options that reflect the unique needs and preferences of individuals would be an important step. Supporting core members in choosing their own living arrangements while receiving the care and companionship they need will continue to honor their autonomy and dreams.
Finally, I believe L’Arche can continue to grow by nurturing the next generation of assistants, volunteers, and leaders people who are drawn to the mission and inspired by the values of community, simplicity, and mutual respect.
L’Arche Saint John already has such a strong foundation. With continued love, vision, and support, I believe its impact will only continue to blossom over the next 20 years.
To learn more about the 20 for 20 campaign and become a core donor, visit: www.larchesaintjohn.org/20for20