At L’Arche Atlanta, our mission isn't just about providing a home; it's about transforming lives, including those of the families we serve. In our latest interview, Charlene talks about what L'Arche means to her and Ernie . Since moving into the Mead Home a little over eight months ago, Charlene has seen Ernie step into his own gifts while she has found a new sense of peace.
Q: Since Ernie moved into L’Arche what is a new "spark" or quality you’ve seen in him?
A: I’ve been so surprised at how eager Ernie has been to adapt to his new environment! He is incredibly motivated to be more independent, to interact with new people, and to try new things. He even tried karaoke for the first time! Last weekend, his housemate Isaiah helped him cook grits and eggs, and Ernie was so proud of himself. Seeing that confidence grow has been wonderful.
Q. How has the L’Arche community expanded your own definition of family?
A. It’s interesting that you asked this question because early on, Ernie started referring to the L’Arche house as “home”. One of the intangible aspects that drew us to L’Arche is that feeling of “home” and “family”, I have gradually come to think of Ernie’s housemates as Ernie’s family. And gradually I am finding my place in the family as well.
Q. Motherhood often involves being the "primary navigator." How has your relationship changed now that you can simply "be Mom" while the community handles the daily logistics?
A. Our relationship is changing for the better. I get to be a mom to a young adult who is discovering who he is in the world, independent of me. It’s a mix of excitement and those "scary" feelings I had when Ernie’s older sisters finished college and started their own lives. Ultimately, it is such a joy to witness his growth and share in his happiness. The L’Arche family is modeling for me how to respect Ernie’s autonomy while providing only the support that is truly needed.
We are so grateful to moms like Charlene who trust us to be part of their family's journey. Happy Mother's Day from L'Arche Atlanta!
Q: Since Ernie moved into L’Arche what is a new "spark" or quality you’ve seen in him?
A: I’ve been so surprised at how eager Ernie has been to adapt to his new environment! He is incredibly motivated to be more independent, to interact with new people, and to try new things. He even tried karaoke for the first time! Last weekend, his housemate Isaiah helped him cook grits and eggs, and Ernie was so proud of himself. Seeing that confidence grow has been wonderful.
Q. How has the L’Arche community expanded your own definition of family?
A. It’s interesting that you asked this question because early on, Ernie started referring to the L’Arche house as “home”. One of the intangible aspects that drew us to L’Arche is that feeling of “home” and “family”, I have gradually come to think of Ernie’s housemates as Ernie’s family. And gradually I am finding my place in the family as well.
Q. Motherhood often involves being the "primary navigator." How has your relationship changed now that you can simply "be Mom" while the community handles the daily logistics?
A. Our relationship is changing for the better. I get to be a mom to a young adult who is discovering who he is in the world, independent of me. It’s a mix of excitement and those "scary" feelings I had when Ernie’s older sisters finished college and started their own lives. Ultimately, it is such a joy to witness his growth and share in his happiness. The L’Arche family is modeling for me how to respect Ernie’s autonomy while providing only the support that is truly needed.
We are so grateful to moms like Charlene who trust us to be part of their family's journey. Happy Mother's Day from L'Arche Atlanta!
To celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, I chatted with Mae to learn more about her gifts and interests. During our conversation, Mae shared what makes her special, from her favorite local restaurants to the way she finds peace through mindfulness practices. I learned that Mae has a very kind heart and loves spending time with others, especially when there is a good meal involved.
If you ask Mae to describe herself, the first words she chooses are kind and caring. In the L’Arche household, Mae notices if a housemate is struggling. "If one of my house members is having a bad day, I try to do their chores to make them feel better," Mae explains.
Mae keeps a pretty busy schedule. She attends the Emory Autism Center twice a week, where she practices mindfulness and different breathing techniques. She regularly works at the YMCA after-school program, drawing and coloring with children of all ages while teaching them the importance of cleaning up. And on Fridays, you’ll often find Mae swimming at the YMCA pool or helping out with their "Parents Night Out."
If Mae could have any job in the world, she would work with puppies and kittens at Lifeline.
No story about Mae would be complete without mentioning her eye for good eats! A self-proclaimed "foodie," Mae has a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine like pizza and pasta, but she’s also a fan of vegetables—specifically peppers and mushrooms.
Mae’s Local Favorites:
Melton’s App & Tap: Her go-to spot for the best Mac n’ Cheese.
Taqueria del Sol: A special place she frequents with her dad.
Home-Cooked Treats: She looks forward to breakfast with her housemate, Laura, who is known for making fluffy pancakes and tasty French toast.
For Mae, the beauty of L’Arche is found in being together. Whether it's walking through Mason Mill or Woodlands Garden with Tarelle and Amy, or simply sitting down for a house dinner, she is happiest in the company of her friends. She remembers celebrating her most recent birthday with the community and loved the excitement of going to "PandaFest" a few weeks ago. When she’s relaxing at home, you might find Mae watching her favorite movie, Ice Princess, or enjoying a root beer.
As Autism Acceptance Month comes to a close, we celebrate Mae’s kindness and all she does for her community. We are so lucky to have her as a friend and housemate at L’Arche!
If you ask Mae to describe herself, the first words she chooses are kind and caring. In the L’Arche household, Mae notices if a housemate is struggling. "If one of my house members is having a bad day, I try to do their chores to make them feel better," Mae explains.
Mae keeps a pretty busy schedule. She attends the Emory Autism Center twice a week, where she practices mindfulness and different breathing techniques. She regularly works at the YMCA after-school program, drawing and coloring with children of all ages while teaching them the importance of cleaning up. And on Fridays, you’ll often find Mae swimming at the YMCA pool or helping out with their "Parents Night Out."
If Mae could have any job in the world, she would work with puppies and kittens at Lifeline.
No story about Mae would be complete without mentioning her eye for good eats! A self-proclaimed "foodie," Mae has a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine like pizza and pasta, but she’s also a fan of vegetables—specifically peppers and mushrooms.
Mae’s Local Favorites:
Melton’s App & Tap: Her go-to spot for the best Mac n’ Cheese.
Taqueria del Sol: A special place she frequents with her dad.
Home-Cooked Treats: She looks forward to breakfast with her housemate, Laura, who is known for making fluffy pancakes and tasty French toast.
For Mae, the beauty of L’Arche is found in being together. Whether it's walking through Mason Mill or Woodlands Garden with Tarelle and Amy, or simply sitting down for a house dinner, she is happiest in the company of her friends. She remembers celebrating her most recent birthday with the community and loved the excitement of going to "PandaFest" a few weeks ago. When she’s relaxing at home, you might find Mae watching her favorite movie, Ice Princess, or enjoying a root beer.
As Autism Acceptance Month comes to a close, we celebrate Mae’s kindness and all she does for her community. We are so lucky to have her as a friend and housemate at L’Arche!
Getting down to the Nitty Gritty
At the heart of the L’Arche community lies the beauty of shared life—an intentional, sometimes messy, but always celebrated process of growing together. Recently, core member Amber D., and assistant, Amber A., sat down to reflect on their journey this past year. What materialized wasn’t just a description of their daily routines but a reminder of how two people can impact each other through patience, kindness, adventure, and even a tasty bowl of homemade grits.
A Favorite Memory- Their Spontaneous Outing to the City.
One day, the two Ambers spontaneously decided to get piercings together. "It was completely out of the blue, which made it even more exciting," Amber A. recalled. "I loved how we just went for it without overthinking. Our piercer was amazing and made us feel so comfortable. It’s a moment we’ll always look back on and smile."
A Time of Frustration- Hormonal Hurdles.
When Amber A. was pregnant, there were slight hormonal changes that neither of the Ambers were prepared for. This led to disagreements and moments where they weren’t on the same page. However, “What really stands out is how we handled those moments”, they shared. They always made the commitment to return the following day with a better attitude and a spirit of forgiveness, which ultimately made their relationship stronger.
A Notable Daily Routine- Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty.
In every household, routines can feel repetitive and tiring. For Amber A., that routine is making grits for Amber D. each morning. "I'm more of an oatmeal girl," Amber A. admits with a laugh, "but over time, I’ve gotten pretty good at making grits." According to Amber D., she is officially the "best gritmaker in the house." So, what started as a tiring chore has evolved into a daily expression of care and a skill Amber A. takes pride in— “I like the title of best grit maker in the house”.
A Shared Interest- Finding Joy in the Water.
When they aren't navigating household routines or venturing out, you can find the two Ambers in the pool. Swimming has become a common interest and a special time for them. Beyond the fun of spending quality time in the water, it serves as an aid in Amber D. 's movement and coordination. “It’s been such a pleasure watching her swim style progress since the very first time we went. Seeing that growth has made the experience even more meaningful for both of us.”
An Area of Growth- Through the Eyes of the Other.
On Amber D.’s Growth: “I have seen a steady improvement on her temper and tone. There is a genuine effort made every day. Even during the most challenging times, Amber D. pauses, takes a deep breath, and tries to let go of the frustration.” On Amber A.’s Growth: “ She has become even more patient since becoming a mother. This growth has been meaningful to witness and has deepened our relationship.”
A Quality You Admire- Secrets to Success.
One of the many strengths in the Ambers’ relationship is the admiration and respect they have for each other. Amber A.-- “You’re never afraid to speak up for yourself, and you always find a way to get me to go on an adventure.” Amber D. -- “You’re always down for anything and bring a sense of spontaneity and excitement to every moment.”
At L’Arche, the goal is 'mutual relationship,' and the two Ambers are living proof of what that looks like. By navigating the 'good, the bad, and the ugly' with vulnerability and a shared commitment, they have both emerged as stronger versions of themselves. From the spontaneous adventures to the daily 'nitty-gritty,' their bond is a perfect portrayal of authenticity, love, and mutual respect.
At the heart of the L’Arche community lies the beauty of shared life—an intentional, sometimes messy, but always celebrated process of growing together. Recently, core member Amber D., and assistant, Amber A., sat down to reflect on their journey this past year. What materialized wasn’t just a description of their daily routines but a reminder of how two people can impact each other through patience, kindness, adventure, and even a tasty bowl of homemade grits.
A Favorite Memory- Their Spontaneous Outing to the City.
One day, the two Ambers spontaneously decided to get piercings together. "It was completely out of the blue, which made it even more exciting," Amber A. recalled. "I loved how we just went for it without overthinking. Our piercer was amazing and made us feel so comfortable. It’s a moment we’ll always look back on and smile."
A Time of Frustration- Hormonal Hurdles.
When Amber A. was pregnant, there were slight hormonal changes that neither of the Ambers were prepared for. This led to disagreements and moments where they weren’t on the same page. However, “What really stands out is how we handled those moments”, they shared. They always made the commitment to return the following day with a better attitude and a spirit of forgiveness, which ultimately made their relationship stronger.
A Notable Daily Routine- Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty.
In every household, routines can feel repetitive and tiring. For Amber A., that routine is making grits for Amber D. each morning. "I'm more of an oatmeal girl," Amber A. admits with a laugh, "but over time, I’ve gotten pretty good at making grits." According to Amber D., she is officially the "best gritmaker in the house." So, what started as a tiring chore has evolved into a daily expression of care and a skill Amber A. takes pride in— “I like the title of best grit maker in the house”.
A Shared Interest- Finding Joy in the Water.
When they aren't navigating household routines or venturing out, you can find the two Ambers in the pool. Swimming has become a common interest and a special time for them. Beyond the fun of spending quality time in the water, it serves as an aid in Amber D. 's movement and coordination. “It’s been such a pleasure watching her swim style progress since the very first time we went. Seeing that growth has made the experience even more meaningful for both of us.”
An Area of Growth- Through the Eyes of the Other.
On Amber D.’s Growth: “I have seen a steady improvement on her temper and tone. There is a genuine effort made every day. Even during the most challenging times, Amber D. pauses, takes a deep breath, and tries to let go of the frustration.” On Amber A.’s Growth: “ She has become even more patient since becoming a mother. This growth has been meaningful to witness and has deepened our relationship.”
A Quality You Admire- Secrets to Success.
One of the many strengths in the Ambers’ relationship is the admiration and respect they have for each other. Amber A.-- “You’re never afraid to speak up for yourself, and you always find a way to get me to go on an adventure.” Amber D. -- “You’re always down for anything and bring a sense of spontaneity and excitement to every moment.”
At L’Arche, the goal is 'mutual relationship,' and the two Ambers are living proof of what that looks like. By navigating the 'good, the bad, and the ugly' with vulnerability and a shared commitment, they have both emerged as stronger versions of themselves. From the spontaneous adventures to the daily 'nitty-gritty,' their bond is a perfect portrayal of authenticity, love, and mutual respect.
Corbin- The Bagpiper of Clairemont Avenue
If you’ve ever taken a Tuesday afternoon stroll down Clairemont Avenue, you’ve probably been lucky enough to hear the powerful, melodic sounds of L’Arche core member, Corbin, playing the bagpipes. It was during one of these performances that a neighbor, Ms. Tanya, was home and found herself stopping in her tracks to listen. Captivated by the music, she invited Corbin to perform at Talley Elementary’s upcoming talent show. Tanya shares, "It struck me how impressive his breathwork and dedication to such a unique instrument were. I just thought, ‘People should hear Corbin play!" And play he did!
According to Ms. Tanya, "All those that attended the show that evening entered to the sound of majestic bagpipes, and they were thrilled to have that experience. It really created a festive mood. I witnessed soo many families approach Corbin to thank him for making an appearance at Talley. We will definitely have him back!"
For Corbin, music is a lifelong calling. He has been playing the bagpipes for 20 years (and performing professionally for 12)! His gigs include weddings, graduations, birthdays, the Decatur Porchfest, and numerous L'Arche events. Corbin’s musical talents don’t stop there! He is also an incredible keyboard, flute, and viola player. Though Corbin is blind, he’s mastered all of these instruments entirely by ear rather than using Braille.
His favorite place to play the bagpipes is inside a church because of the acoustics. But, his most memorable performance was kicking off the gathering at the L’Arche International Conference in Belfast. His favorite part of that trip? "Meeting people from many different countries," he says, "and the whiskey was very good."
Bagpipes carry a rich history in Irish and Celtic cultures, but thanks to Corbin’s dedication and talent, that historic sound has become a vital and cherished part of L'Arche Atlanta's culture too.
According to Ms. Tanya, "All those that attended the show that evening entered to the sound of majestic bagpipes, and they were thrilled to have that experience. It really created a festive mood. I witnessed soo many families approach Corbin to thank him for making an appearance at Talley. We will definitely have him back!"
For Corbin, music is a lifelong calling. He has been playing the bagpipes for 20 years (and performing professionally for 12)! His gigs include weddings, graduations, birthdays, the Decatur Porchfest, and numerous L'Arche events. Corbin’s musical talents don’t stop there! He is also an incredible keyboard, flute, and viola player. Though Corbin is blind, he’s mastered all of these instruments entirely by ear rather than using Braille.
His favorite place to play the bagpipes is inside a church because of the acoustics. But, his most memorable performance was kicking off the gathering at the L’Arche International Conference in Belfast. His favorite part of that trip? "Meeting people from many different countries," he says, "and the whiskey was very good."
Bagpipes carry a rich history in Irish and Celtic cultures, but thanks to Corbin’s dedication and talent, that historic sound has become a vital and cherished part of L'Arche Atlanta's culture too.
