Begin a Journey of Transformation
Many of our former assistants describe their time living in community with people with and without disabilities as one of the most significant experiences of their life. Life in community can be challenging, but it's often in these places that we discover the true depths of the human spirit. If you are interested in pursuing an assistant position within the L'Arche Atlanta community, please see the "How to Apply" section at the bottom of this page for additional information.
Assistant FAQ's
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WHAT IS A L'ARCHE ASSISTANT?
At L'Arche, persons with an intellectual disability are known as "Core Members," and "assistants" are those who come to share life with them. Assistants accompany Core Members in their activities of daily life: creating home and supporting core members in sharing their gifts within the house and the larger community. WHO LIVES IN A L'ARCHE HOME? Each L’Arche Atlanta home includes people with and without disabilities who live, work, pray, and celebrate together. Those who share daily home life in a L'Arche home include:
L'Arche is faith-based. The community is religiously diverse; we have a spiritual life coordinator who walks alongside our community to offer faith-based practices. Our community also has a circle of volunteers that provide consistent support & friendship to our Core Members and staff. WHAT DO ASSISTANTS DO? Assistants build a relationship of mutual care and support with persons with disabilities; foster a home life of unity, mutual respect and participation by all members; and provide direct care supports and skill building for core members: personal care needs, money management, medical care, appointments, family and work connections, household chores, laundry, medications, meal preparation, and transportation. WHO CAN BECOME A L'ARCHE ASSISTANT? For us, some of the most important criteria are an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual. Assistants can range in age from the early 20s on up. Assistants come to L'Arche from all stages of life: after college, as a shift from a previous career, or after their formal career. As an international organization, we also often welcome assistants from other countries, which can add a unique cultural diversity to our communities. DO I NEED SPECIAL TRAINING TO BE AN ASSISTANT? Some people who come to work in L'Arche have experience working with people with disabilities, but most have not. The first requirement is that applicants have a desire to share life together in a faith community setting. Besides training in skills for caregiving, L'Arche provides formational experiences on broader topics that help its members to reflect on their vision of humanity and to grow in their relationships with others. It does so believing that the quality of life of the people with developmental disabilities is directly affected by the way caregivers think and relate and the view of the world that they hold. I AM APPLYING FROM ABROAD, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? L’Arche Atlanta welcomes international volunteers only under a U.S. B-1/B-2 visa, which permits unpaid volunteering in some nonprofit settings. We cannot provide or sponsor work visas (e.g., H1-B, J-1). U.S. immigration law does not currently support employment-based visas for care work. All international volunteers must: Apply independently for a B-1/B-2 visa in their country of residence. Cover all travel, housing, and personal expenses during their stay. Remain unpaid throughout their time at L’Arche Atlanta. Upon request and after a screening interview, we can provide: A 'Welcome Letter' confirming your invitation to volunteer. Our 501(c)(3) documentation to include in your visa application. If you are unsure about your visa eligibility, please consult your local U.S. embassy or consulate before contacting us. If you are a L’Arche community member in another country and hope to join us for a visit or extended volunteer stay, we are happy to talk with you—but we ask that you review the above conditions first. |
WHAT SORT OF COMMITMENT DOES L'ARCHE ASK OF ASSISTANTS?
Most assistants dedicate a year or two to L'Arche. Some assistants choose to renew their commitment at the end of that time. Because of the nature of L'Arche, building and fostering intentional relationship and community, a year or two offers community members time to settle into life together. There are also assistants that build a long-term home at L'Arche. The decision to continue living L'Arche is a thoughtful process for each assistant made with support from their peers, community coordinators, and others who surround the assistant in community. DO ASSISTANTS RECEIVE COMPENSATION? Yes, all of our assistants earn competitive salaries which include room and board benefits (if live-in), health insurance and retirement options, and generous paid time off. WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION: After submitting your application, you should hear from us within a few weeks letting you know if you have been invited to continue the process. You will be asked to set up a time to visit our community and we will discuss setting up an interview for the assistant role with you. |
How to Apply
See the application page for more information.
"L'Arche communities are places of hope. Each person, according to his or her own vocation, is encouraged to grow in love, self giving and wholeness, as well as in independence, competence and the ability to make choices."
-- The Charter of the Communities of L'Arche
-- The Charter of the Communities of L'Arche
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ConTACT US Phone: 470.582.0008
500 S. Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30030 |
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