Our Rotary Club hosted presenters Pat Desnoyer, Executive Director and Community Leader and Greg Alcorn, Chairman of the Board for L'Arche Association (not to be confused with Arch Enterprises, one of our community partners) in a very informative presentation.

 

The L'Arche Community serves adults with various disabilities and from different ethnic backgrounds, offering training and employment opportunities. The organization was founded by Jean Vanier acclaimed as "a Canadian who inspires the world" (Macleans magazine) and a nation builder (The Globe and Mail). In 1964 Jean welcomed two men from an institution to live in his home with him in the French village of Trosly-Breuil. This was the beginning of an international movement of L'Arche communities around the world where people with and without developmental disabilities share life together in communities that belong to an International federation. Today, there are 146 L'Arche communities in 35 countries on 6 continents.

 

L'Arche Edmonton began in Sherwood Park in 1972. Today they have 2 homes in Sherwood Park and 4 homes in Edmonton. In addition to the residences, they have a community centre located in Fulton School, a community hub of like-minded organizations . At the heart of their Community Centre is their Discovery Day program where people with and without developmental disabilities use their gifts to expand their circle of friends by continually finding ways to reach out to people beyond their community. As a community they are committed to personal and spiritual growth, discovering each day what it means to be in relationships. Currently 12 people with disabilities and from diverse cultures, some from other countries, live in a home for one year. A strong hospitality pace creates friendships where day-to-day joy and celebration are a strong part of life. They celebrate diversity by sharing experiences, community holidays and community visits i.e. greenhouses. L'Arche (ages 40-80) also offers the gift of outreach services to seniors in the community who may be isolated. Public community events include an art pageant by members and allow members to access the story of Christmas through their annual Christmas Pageant.

 

As a retired City Policeman, Greg Alcorn considers his role unique in creating awareness of this program as well as seeking monetary support for the organization. Although partially supported by the Provincial Government, the organization also currently receives support from the Melting Pot as well as the provision of boards and expertise --in the breaking of same-- from a South Edmonton Tae Kwon Do College of Martial Arts. Naturally they welcome any support with gratitude. his was truly an interesting and heart-rending presentation.

 

 

This Leadership Assembly "Inspiring Leadership" is designed for you!  The agenda was created for us to come together in a smaller setting for facilitated discussions, learning's, and sharing on the specific topics noted in the attached document. 

 

 

Here is the sign up: