MAY/JUN
2019
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
and an understanding of the inherent dignity of each person, the model spread across the world. Today L’Arche has 154 communities in 38 countries throughout the world.
Frank & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT Page 2 SENIOR PROGRAM Page 3 AROUND GCS Page 4
Yesterday, I was saddened to hear the news about the passing of Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche, a model of lifestyle for persons with developmental disabilities in which they live in community with persons not dealing with disabilities, sharing one another’s gifts and struggles. The turning point in Jean’s life was in 1963, with his first visit to an institution for people with intellectual disabilities. Their profound ‘cry for relationship’ touched his heart. His response was simple: buy a house, and invite a few men with an intellectual disability to come and live with him. This was the start of L’Arche. Carried by a wave of enthusiasm, this idea of living in communities based upon mutual respect
Certainly my own philosophy and values related to how individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities should be interacted with, advocated for, supported, and celebrated, were influenced by the time I spent reading Jean’s writings
and discussing them with like-spirited persons who were hopeful to see a more person-centered and selfdetermined service delivery system established in Illinois. I consider it a true honor that I had the opportunity to meet Jean and briefly speak with him when he attended an event in Evanston to support the establishment of a L’Arche community here in Chicago. I believe he would approve of our mission to advance lives of connection, contribution, and meaning for persons with
“Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed.” - Jean Vanier, Founder of L’Arche
International
Nancy
Paul CONTINUED ON PAGE 4