Hi *{{Informal Name}}*, 

At L’Arche Portland, belonging isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practice daily. In the small routines, the shared laughter, the honest conversations, and even the quiet moments of care, we create spaces where everyone is known and valued.

This spring we’re leaning into that deep sense of belonging, celebrating the ways it shapes our homes, our relationships, and our wider community.

Thank you for being part of it.

As we reflect on the beauty of shared life, we’re also excited to share how that spirit is coming to life in our homes—literally!

Neahkahnie House has been getting a glow-up!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the support of several amazing foundations, and home modification funding from the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), Neahkahnie House has been undergoing some exciting updates. The transformation is truly beautiful.

The old purple carpet is gone throughout the home, replaced with clean, easy-to-maneuver flooring that has brightened the entire house and made it more accessible for all who live there. Our downstairs bathroom renovation is now complete, featuring an ADA-accessible shower, new flooring, and a fresh coat of paint—bringing the total to two accessible showers in the home.

With the incredible support of Helpers Community Inc and Compass Rose Financial Services, the laundry room got a much-needed boost with two washers and dryers to help keep up with the daily flow of clothes, towels, sheets, and linens. We also repainted and refreshed the floors, making the space feel clean and renewed.

Ben’s bedroom and Joni’s bathroom both received thoughtful makeovers. With help from amazing volunteers and dear community friends, we finally painted over the bold colors left behind years ago, choosing a warm and calming sunshine yellow. New flooring in both spaces has made a big difference in comfort and accessibility and helped the rooms feel more like home to the core members who live in them. 

We can’t wait to welcome you in to see these updates in person at our June Block Party & Open House on June 21!

This week, we gathered with about 100 of Alex Ripplinger’s family and friends at Autism Mustang Alliance’s (AMA) horse ranch, to celebrate and remember his legacy of enthusiastic love for each of us, and his love of each day. In true Alex fashion, a Beatles cover band was on-hand, and in addition to our L’Arche ‘Beautiful Song’, we also sang Happy Birthday to Alex, as we were gathered on his actual birthday.

Click on the two buttons below to see more!

Jasmina and Petja, two young adults from Germany, have been spending a gap year with us through the VIA Volunteer program. From the moment they arrived, they’ve brought with them a deep commitment to caring for the core members, as well as a genuine love and respect for their housemates at Gabriel House.

Jasmina and Petja have shared their energy, passion, and curiosity with us all, building meaningful connections with assistants and embracing new experiences Portland has to offer. Their openness and dedication have made them such an important part of our community.

We’re so thankful that it’s these two bright, compassionate individuals who are with us this year. Thank you, Jasmina and Petja, for all that you do! 

We’ve got some exciting gatherings on the horizon, and we’d love for you to be part of them! 

When: Saturday, June 21, 3–6 PM
Where: Neahkahnie House – 8501 SE Stephens St, Portland
Join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and community connection. Bring a friend and come see where the magic of daily life unfolds!

When: Saturday, October 11 | 5:00–8:30 PM
Where: University of Portland – Bauccio Commons

Join us for our biggest event of the year—a joyful night of storytelling, community, and shared purpose. The Fall Benefit is a time to celebrate the heart of L’Arche Portland and to invest in a future where everyone belongs.

What to expect:

– Inspiring voices from our community

– A delicious dinner

– Music, laughter, and connection

– Opportunities to support the mission that brings us together

When: November 28 – December 21, 10 AM–7 PM (hours may vary)
Where: Grocery Outlet Parking Lot 4420 NE Hancock, Portland
Find your perfect tree and support L’Arche Portland! This beloved tradition helps fund the work we do while spreading holiday cheer.

Each of these events is a chance to celebrate community and the relationships that make it strong—we hope to see you there!

At L’Arche Portland, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s the heart of the home, where relationships are nourished daily through shared meals, laughter, and connection.

Right now, the kitchen at Neahkahnie House is in urgent need of repair. A long-term sink leak has damaged the countertops and flooring beneath. While we've applied for capital funding to help cover the cost of new flooring, counters, and cabinets, we still need support from our community to make this project possible.

Even with grant support, it takes significant resources to restore an aging kitchen that serves so many, every day. We’re asking for your help to fund the essential repairs needed now—to keep this space safe, functional, and full of life.

We’ve worked with a professional designer to create detailed drawings for a full kitchen remodel, and we’re dreaming big about what’s possible. With your support, we can take the next step toward making this long-awaited renovation a reality—building a kitchen that truly reflects the warmth and care shared in this home.

Let’s come together to care for the heart of the house.

Donate and be a crucial part of this much-needed transformation!

Together, we can ensure this vital space continues to nourish community life.

Thank you for your support.

Fred Meyer is donating to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington based on where their customers tell them to give. Here’s how the program works:

Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to L'Arche Portland at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number, AA752.

Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping L'Arche Portland earn a donation!

You still receive offers through My Freddy’s Rewards.

If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.

For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards

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