L'Arche St. Louis Everyone Belongs Booklet

L’Arche St. Louis’ Campaign to Build

We envision and inspire a world that welcomes difference and CELEBRATES the unique value of every person.

When we dream alone, we are limited by one vision; when we dream together, our vision becomes real.

For everyone who has a person with a disability in their life, the dream is the same. It’s a community where their loved one can live as a vital and contributing member and be cared for, not as someone with a disability, but as a respected and valuable individual. This dream should not seem far-fetched, but in reality this kind of community is the exception, and not the standard, for how our society provides for our disabled community members and loved ones.

In this dream, there are thriving communities of people who live in beautiful houses. There are no tired and run-down group homes on the outskirts of the city, because every single person lives in a place that reflects their inherent dignity and worth. People with and without disabilities live and work together as equal contributors. Every person is valued for who they are, and each individual’s gifts are recognized and honored. Inclusive homes and programs are welcomed and supported by a wide circle of friends.

The existence of this community has an amazing impact. It begins to change the way people with disabilities are seen by others and how people without disabilities see humanity. Healthcare providers, social service agencies, schools, and universities begin to integrate this community’s model of care, its values, and practices into their cultures.

L’Arche St. Louis is making this dream into a reality. Long-term, systemic change is happening. A partnership of government and private funding is critical to support differently-abled citizens, making the dream sustainable and real for them, their families, and our community.

Join us in the Everyone Belongs Campaign to expand and elevate excellent comprehensive support for people with intellectual disabilities. Together, we will build an inclusive community and make St. Louis a city where everyone belongs.

Paula Kilcoyne, MSW Executive Director and Community Leader, L’Arche St. Louis

Jennifer Marcus Director, Taylor Geospatial Engine Co-chair, Everyone Belongs Campaign

Dan Shasserre Retired VP of Development, Catholic Charities and Nine Network Co-chair, Everyone Belongs Campaign

OUR

In 2004 a group of people came together with a vision to create an inclusive community in St. Louis centered around people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This group of families, persons with I/DD (the “Core Members” of our community), and other committed friends and neighbors formed friendships across differences, deepening their vision and growing a strong network of support.

In 2011, they officially became L’Arche St. Louis when three Core Members moved into a home in Maplewood alongside live-in caregivers. Since then, we have continuously grown to respond to the great need for inclusive community and high-quality services for adults with I/DD.

Today, our community has three beautiful neighborhood homes where Core Members receive 24/7 support and share life with a high-quality team of Assistants. We also support adults with I/DD living with family through our Family Support program and reach hundreds each year through our outreach and education programs Our team of long-term leaders brings years of experience in our homes, in the disability field, and in L’Arche around the world.

We go beyond our role as a high-quality person-centered service provider. At L’Arche St. Louis, we envision and inspire a world that welcomes difference and celebrates the gifts of all people, a world where everyone belongs

L’Arche, meaning “The Ark” in French, was founded in France in 1964 as a response to the isolation and marginalization faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities. The model was simple yet revolutionary –individuals with and without disabilities living together in intentional, supportive communities. L’Arche St. Louis is part of this global federation. Today, there are over 150 L’Arche communities across 38 countries, including 20 in the US. Each community embodies the core values of inclusion, mutuality, and the celebration of each person’s unique gifts.

EVERYONE Capital Campaign

Please join L’Arche St. Louis by giving to Everyone Belongs, a transformative $3.5 million capital campaign.

This campaign represents a pivotal moment in our organization’s history, allowing us to expand our mission and deepen our impact in the community.

L’Arche St. Louis is part of a global movement that has been transforming lives for decades, and this campaign will enable us to continue and amplify that legacy by making a tangible difference here in Missouri.

EVERYONE BELONGS will raise $3.5 million to propel the mission and impact of L’Arche St. Louis, increasing inclusion and accessibility for all. Key components of the campaign include:

● Construction of a new, fully accessible home for people with intellectual and physical disabilities and their caregivers in Brentwood

● Renovation of the Activities Center for the growth of L’Arche throughout greater St. Louis

● Updates to existing residential homes to include Universal Design elements

● Operations support during the campaign to sustain our day-to-day residential, daytime, and outreach activities

● Establishment of a Futures Fund to provide financial security as we grow into the future

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS AFFORDING DIGNITY

Why Now

In a world with so much competition and division people with intellectual disabilities are too often pushed to the margins of our society and lack places of authentic belonging where their gifts are appreciated.

In Missouri, there are 750 adults on the residential provider – they meet state requirements to receive 24/7 care but are unable to access this support because there aren’t enough homes.

Critical daytime support ends at age 21,

putting an enormous strain on families and further isolating these young adults

Aging parents

are often the primary caregivers navigate this complex system, despite their own needs as they age.

With the contributions of many people – financial partners, our Core Members and staff, those attending our daytime programs, our Board of Directors and Campaign Committee, and an extended community of friends and supporters – L’Arche St. Louis is prepared to respond.

JOIN THE EVERYONE BELONGS CAMPAIGN TODAY!

“When my wife and I visited L’Arche, we both came away with the same feeling. It touches your heart They know how important it is to be inclusive, and everybody makes a contribution. It’s something we easily fell in love with that we wanted to support, and we wanted to make it even bigger than it is today.”

Dan Flynn Ambassador Board Member

RECOGNIZING HUMANITY NURTURING INDEPENDENCE

New House Highlights

9441 Litzsinger Rd

4 Core Members can age in place safely and comfortably

first-floor bedrooms for new Core Members

4 Fully accessible with Universal Design elements

bedrooms for live-in assistants with communal space

● Tracks installed on bedroom ceilings for future Hoyer lift use

● Large pantry doubles as storm shelter to protect those who cannot go to the basement

● Nurse station

● Wheelchair ramp access in covered garage

“There is a huge need for housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The L’Arche model is critically important because they have houses in communities. Their Core Members are integrated with neighbors, and it makes for a great neighborhood.”

Nancy Parker Tice Alderwoman • Ward 1

•

City of Brentwood

Activities Center Renovations

Renovation of the Activities Center will facilitate a well-managed and staffed hub for the growth of L’Arche throughout greater St. Louis. This is where people can come together for activities and events that help build an experience of belonging, a sense of community, and connection with others.

Programs that will benefit from the Campaign

● Residential and holistic care: Lifetime home integrated within Brentwood with 24/7 individualized care for a range of complex medical needs

● Day program: Expanded services including music therapy, theater club, and other therapeutic and recreational activities

● Family Support program: One-to-one support increasing engagement in community relationships and skill-building

● Overnight respite for family caregivers

● Outreach and education: Community gathering place and service site for students, interns, and volunteers

● Administrative hub: Inclusive office space where Core Members are part of the team

● Professional development: Weekly enrichment opportunities for all full-time staff

“As an elected official, I always look at what businesses and residents can bring to our communities. The L’Arche mission, its foundation, is that of spirituality. It has the potential to change people in our community. I’m hoping that L’Arche can spread a joyful word throughout Brentwood.”

David A. Dimmitt Mayor of Brentwood

CONTRIBUTOR RECOGNITION

To recognize the contributions of those who make this campaign possible, we plan to install a mural on the EXTERIOR GARDEN WALL, facing McKnight Road. We celebrate the gifts of each individual, equally, and believe that a beautiful, colorful mosaic reflects this spirit.

INSIDE OF THE ACTIVITIES CENTER, a continuation of this vision is on display for Core Members and visitors to enjoy. St. Louis native Arianna Latuda was commissioned to bring this mosaic to life. Core Member artwork is highlighted throughout.

“Working with older adults with developmental disabilities, I am acutely aware of changing support needs as individuals age. L’Arche is uniquely suited to offer a continuum of transforming relationships and community, and I encourage them to expand their reach in supporting individuals aging gracefully.”

Katherine Farache

Assistant Director • Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (AADD)

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Support the Everyone Belongs campaign to build, create, and grow the future of L’Arche St. Louis

Make a Difference today

Make a one-time donation or a pledge over three years

Make a difference for years to come

Include L’Arche St. Louis in your estate plans

Pledges are rounded to 36 equal payments; gifts are tax-deductable as prescribed by law.

PLEDGE OVER 3 YEARS

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

Make your mark on L’Arche St. Louis’ history. You can give a gift that will forever link you, your family, your company, or a loved one, by naming a space in the L’Arche St. Louis Activities Center.

GROUND FLOOR

The heart of the Activities Center and home to our Family Support and daytime programs.

Program Room $500k

Activity Room $100k

Kitchen $50k

Art Studio $25k

FIRST FLOOR

The administrative hub for the staff, Assistants, and volunteers.

Formation Room $250k

Foyer $100k

Dining Area $50k

Conference Room $25k (2 remaining)

Lounge CLAIMED $25k

Office $10k (10 remaining)

SECOND FLOOR

Retreat for live-in Assistants on days off, visiting students groups, and families in need of respite.

Full Floor $100k

Kitchen $15k

Bedroom $10k (3 remaining)

Meeting Room $10k

Named spaces start at $10,000 Planned Gifts are accepted

Name the entire campus with a gift of $1M

Board of Directors

● Gregory Anderson President

Law Office of Gregory Anderson, LLC, Attorney

● Kathy Hagedorn Vice President

Saint Louis University, retired Vice President for Human Resources

● Philip Ludbrook , MD Secretary

Barnes Jewish Hospital/ Washington University, Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry

● Mike Schaller Treasurer

Ampersand Partners, Founding Partner and Controller

● Cathleen Albers

Mercy Hospital, retired Nurse Practitioner

● Julie Harter

Special School District of St. Louis County, Student Support Facilitator

● Jason Jacobi

Ameren, Substation Database Engineer

● Fr. Len Kraus, SJ

White House Jesuit Retreat, Jesuit Priest

● Sarah Legett, MD

Cardinal Glennon, retired Pediatric Palliative Care

● Dan Shasserre

Catholic Charities and Nine Network, retired Vice President of Development

● Christopher Worth

Coalition for Truth and Independence, Founder; University of MissouriSt. Louis, Professor and PhD candidate

Ambassador Board

Jennifer Marcus, Co-Chair

Dan Shasserre, Co-Chair

Cathy Flynn

Kathy Hagedorn

Jason Sawyer

Craig Shasserre

● Wendy Walsh

“I was fortunate to spend time in a L’Arche community as a young Jesuit, which gave me a living model of the Gospel value of universal belonging Now as a professor at Saint Louis University, I am so grateful for the ways L’Arche St. Louis stirs our students’ imaginations to see and experience the world as it could be.”

Michael Rozier, S.J., Ph.D. Associate Professor & Department Chair, Health Management & Policy • Saint Louis University President • SSM Health Ministries

9445 Litzsinger Road • Brentwood, MO 63144

Phone:

314.395.5851

• www.larchestlouis.org

EIN: 26-0252481