A Spirituality Vignette Ilana Weber, former assistant In my senior year of college, there were two concepts that I had decided would guide my job search: lived theology and embodied solidarity. I had learned that the term “theology” literally means “to speak of God,” which meant to me that I am always speaking of God, read more

Revelations Regarding Jean Vanier February 21, 2020 L’Arche Portland provides the following statement in response to today’s revelations from L’Arche International’s report regarding Jean Vanier: ​​ L’Arche Portland condemns the actions and inactions of Jean Vanier, which are in complete violation of the principles that L’Arche Portland represents today. The findings that were made public cause read more

Supporting Friendships for Life by Andy and Frances December 11, 2019 Frances and I have been close friends for a long time, which makes writing this letter together such a joy. We have also been working together as Board member and Executive Director to reimagine what L’Arche can be in the world today. As a read more

Journey to Community by Rob Hoisington September 23, 2019 It was June of 1981, and at least nine of us were crammed together in an old VW Bus on our way to a REX (now known as L’Arche@UP) camping trip to a camp near Mt. Hood. A very excited Mike Peterson in the far back read more

Share Life in Our Homes July 15, 2019 This is a very exciting time for L'Arche Portland! Just last month, we opened applications for people with and without intellectual disabilities to share life in our homes. We have an opening in one of our Montavilla homesand 6-8 openings in our Beaverton home, which means that you could share life with us! Our new read more

“I Help You” June 18, 2019 By Regina and Ben Few who meet Ben quickly forget him. With an amazing drive and capacity to connect with others, a strong spirit of presence and attunement to those around him, and a tendency to react with full-throated, full-bodied exuberance to the simplest joys or moments of mutual read more

From Trucker to Assistant by Dena Brill May 22, 2019 As a child I wanted to be a truck driver, but was told that girls don’t do that, it’s a man’s job. As you might have guessed from the title, I became a truck driver. Finding my way to L’Arche Portland took a bit longer. read more

The Kindness of Diane Frank April 4, 2019 Every year, L'Arche Portland honors a person or group of people who embodies the Spirit of L'Arche. This year, we will be presenting Diane Frank with the 2019 Spirit of L'Arche Award. For decades, Diane has fueled and inspired our annual tree lots and has welcomed people read more

A Vital Step by Parker Davis 3/27/2019 At first glance, you might think life with L’Arche is not exactly a step in the right direction for someone who dreams of having a creative career, but you couldn’t be more wrong. ​ I started a freelance photography and design business called “Harrison Photo & Design” when read more

A Community Tapestry by Sophia Rice March 20, 2019 This month, we said "bye for now" to our amazing assistant Sophia Rice. Sophia spent two and a half years as a live-in assistant and house coordinator and we are going to miss her dearly! Read Sophia's reflection on her time at L'Arche below:       Over dinner read more