20 Stories Shared | Why I Believe in L’Arche

Above: Nicole (centre) shares a laugh with guests at the 2023 Building Community Gala, L'Arche Saint John’s largest annual fundraiser.

In February 2023, I joined L’Arche Saint John as a volunteer on the fundraising committee.

At the time, I was looking for a way to give back to my community. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this organization would shape the way I think about belonging, inclusion, and what it really means to support one another as humans.

L’Arche is often described as a place where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together. That’s true, but it’s also much more than that.

It’s a community that challenges assumptions. It asks us to reconsider what independence means. It reminds us that relationships are not extras, they are essential. And it demonstrates that inclusion isn’t created by systems or policies alone, but by how we show up for one another, every day.

Over the past two years, my volunteer role has evolved. I’ve had the privilege of joining the Public Relations and Government Relations Committee, where we’ve been working to strengthen how L’Arche Saint John speaks about the broader systems that shape the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that the challenges families face are often caused by systems that were designed for a different time.

Today, many funding models unintentionally prioritize congregate care and crisis response, rather than proactive, relationship-based supports that help people live with choice and independence in community. As a result, families often struggle to access support before they reach a breaking point.

Through our advocacy work, we’ve been helping align how the organization talks about these issues: calmly, respectfully, and constructively, while still naming the gaps that exist. The goal is to create impactful outcomes.

People with disabilities deserve the same rights to choice, dignity, and belonging as anyone else.  New Brunswick can design systems that truly support that vision. 

What inspires me most about L’Arche is that the advocacy work is grounded in lived experience - in homes, relationships, shared meals, and everyday moments of connection.

You see what support looks like in real life. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Volunteering with L’Arche has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has connected me with incredible people, broadened my perspective, and reminded me that community is something we build together. 

If you’ve ever considered getting involved, I encourage you to explore L’Arche Saint John.

There are many ways to contribute:

• Volunteering your time

• Joining a committee

• Supporting events

• Sharing the story of L’Arche with others

• Advocating for inclusive communities

• Becoming a monthly donor 

Every role matters. Creating a community where everyone belongs isn’t the responsibility of one organization, it’s something all of us can help shape.

I’m grateful to be part of this community, and I’m excited for what we can build together in the years ahead.

Nicole Vair
L'Arche Saint John Volunteer