As the title of the role suggests, Core Members are at the heart of the L’Arche Twin Cities community. Core Members 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 both inside and outside of disability-oriented spaces, and to connect them with 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 lighter care. 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! 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 or after. Offer to host or co-plan an event with us, especially if you’re a mission-aligned org or space beyond the disability services bubble. Donate to L’Arche Twin Cities or refer a participant or potential partner organization to us. Bring your family, get messy! Our board, staff, family members, and extended L’Arche community are a fun-loving and diverse group of people who would love to connect with you!