Core Members are the heart of L’Arche Twin Cities community. They are adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who commit to active co-creation of a yearlong L’Arche Twin Cities cohort. Core Members work to build lasting friendships and community across differences. They attend at least 2/3 of L’Arche events, and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by planning and hosting activities themselves. L’Arche Twin Cities also works with Core Members to identify interests and needs both inside and outside of disability-oriented spaces, and to connect them with and advocate for these opportunities.

Assistants are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, as well as more informal supporters, who participate in a yearlong L’Arche Twin Cities cohort. Assistants contribute to community and culture building and help to plan and execute L’Arche events, attending at least 1/2 of them. Formal Assistants are offered a stipend on top of their existing DSP wages and may provide care to core members, while Informal Assistants are offered reimbursement for helping with transportation and natural supports. Both have the opportunity to connect to authentic, mutual community and engage in creative, forward-thinking professional development facilitated by L’Arche Twin Cities or partner organizations.

Everyone is welcome to be a friend of L’Arche Twin Cities! Join in as many of our activities as you like (regularly shared via social media and our mailing list). No RSVP necessary, though we’re happy to chat with you before, during, and/or after. We welcome community partners to host or co-plan events with us, especially if you’re a mission-aligned org or space beyond the disability services bubble. You can also support by donating to L’Arche Twin Cities or referring a potential participant or partner organization to us. Feel free to bring your family and all the messiness that life entails! Our cohort, staff, board, family members, friends and extended L’Arche community are a fun-loving and diverse group of people who would love to connect with you!