Pictured above: Gloria celebrating her graduation from the Human Services program at NBCC last year. This program helped equip her with a strong foundation to thrive in her current role as Program Leader with L’Arche Connects, where she brings care, leadership, and dedication to our community each day. Congratulations, Gloria!
As 2025 comes to an end, I look back on this year with gratitude and wonder. Exactly one year ago, in January, I began my placement with L'Arche Saint John, without knowing that this first step would grow into a shared journey and, later on, a full-time role.
This year has been, above all, a time of learning in community. I have learned from my coworkers, who, through patience, dedication, and commitment, walk alongside core members each day, creating spaces of care, belonging, and mutual growth. I have also learned from the core members, who, through their simplicity, honesty, and ability to live fully in the present moment, remind me that the beauty of life is often found in small, everyday moments.
Above: Gloria (left) sharing a moment with Shawna (middle), a L’Arche Connects core member, and Jen (right), former Connects Team Leader, at our Halloween community gathering. Gloria planned the evening’s activities, which were a blast — from a costume contest and dance-off to fun prizes, snacks and plenty of laughs.
I think of simple conversations about movies and TV shows, of shared laughter when noticing how names change from one language to another, and of rides on public transportation that become moments of reflection, connection, or joy. These moments may seem small, yet they are deeply meaningful and help build community day by day.
I welcome the new year with a deep sense of gratitude for being part of L’Arche. I am thankful for the relationships formed, the lessons learned, and the opportunity to continue walking alongside core members and coworkers, sharing life as it is.
Gloria Patricia
L'Arche Connects Program Leader