Above: Jacob and Kyra moved into their own apartment this summer, thanks to the L’Arche Connects program. This milestone growth was only possible thanks to continued support from friends and donors like you.
“It’s nice having friends, especially close,” said Kyra, sitting with her husband Jacob in their brand-new apartment.
“Life is going good.”
As we close out another year, it’s easy to live in the future – planning ahead, setting new goals – without taking stock of all the milestones in the past twelve months.
A significant milestone was growing our L’Arche Connects program, to welcome new members including Kyra and Jacob.
Jacob and Kyra are like any other young married couple: in love, and dreaming of a long, bright future together. They both have intellectual disabilities and didn’t always think they could have a place of their own.
That all changed when our supported independent living program expanded this year, more than doubling in capacity thanks to new housing partnerships.
“It just feels really amazing to finally be able to do what we wanted to do,” said Kyra.
With the support they need nearby, their days feel fuller. They both volunteer at the local YMCA. They live close to other L’Arche members, share board game nights, and go to events together.
It’s been a privilege to witness their journey to independence, and peace-of-mind for their families.
You can hear more about Kyra and Jacob’s journey in the short film we produced this year, following their story as they settle into their apartment and the community around them.
This journey for Kyra and Jacob, and the expansion of that program for other members, is only possible because of people like you. With provincial funding across our programs falling short by about 50 per cent of our budget, we depend on our network of supporters who align with our vision of building a world where everyone belongs.
As the end of the tax year approaches on Dec. 31, I encourage you to consider making a donation of any size to L’Arche Saint John. With a holiday gift today, you will help folks in our community find their place of belonging.
Above all: thank you. Your friendship, support and generosity has been a great gift to our community this year. It’s because of your support, in whichever form that takes, that we look to 2026 with hope and confidence.
With much gratitude and warm holiday greetings to you and your family,
Rachel Vander Vennen
Community Leader & Executive Director