We are delighted to welcome Andrea, one of our newest Core Members, to L’Arche Chicago!
Andrea joined us in December and has already sparked a new found excitement within our community which stems from her desire to share her passions and gifts with Core Members and assistants. Some of these passions include baking, reading self-development literature, watching anime, and photography (Don’t be surprised if you see her capturing photographs at upcoming events). Her interests have already helped her develop connections. She states, “I’m happy that people at L’Arche also like anime, crafts, and going out to eat. It has helped me build friendships.”
Since her first encounter with L’arche Chicago at a Community Night, where she enjoyed participating in song, crafts and conversations, Andrea knew she wanted to join our community. Andrea comes from a close family. She loves spending time with her mother, brother, sister, aunts, and two grandmas. Her brother is particularly excited about Andrea joining L’Arche Chicago because he has autism and is happy she is surrounded by people who respect her and celebrate her gifts. Andrea reflects on her experience thus far, stating, “I like that assistants don’t treat us differently. They take the time to bond with us.”
L’Arche Chicago provides Andrea with an opportunity to live independently while maintaining meaningful relationships and the support she needs. Since joining, she has already taken many trips with Core Members including a New Year’s Eve dinner party and a trip to the movie theater.
Andrea has lived in Forest Park in the past, so she is no stranger to the neighborhood. She is thrilled to be back, connect with old friends, and utilize the public transportation system. For the past five years, she has worked as a baker at Unique Sweets. She plans to continue her work and hopes to get involved with new opportunities in the area.
We look forward to Andrea’s future with L’Arche Chicago, and we know her ambitious spirit will be a catalyst for new development in our community.