I was first introduced to L’Arche through L’Arche Clinton in 2014. I casually volunteered—about once per quarter—for L’Arche Clinton through a campus ministry group at St. Ambrose University while attending college. While volunteering one February day, I was making Valentine cards with the core members there. After the activity, we started to clean up. One of the core members approached me with his Valentine card. “Here—this is for you.” For me? Surely there was someone else in his life he could give that card to. The card he spent an hour working on—so carefully and meticulously. I had only met him a few times. I said, “Are you sure? You don’t want to give this to one of your friends or family?” He smiled and said, “Friend,” and reached further toward me to hand me the card. This simple act of kindness made a lasting impact on me. I still have that card from 10 years ago.
This is what L’Arche represents. I felt like a stranger at L’Arche Clinton, and they welcomed me like family. I belonged there. I continued to volunteer infrequently while managing school and work. Eventually, I graduated and moved back to the Chicago suburbs. While pursuing Occupational Therapy school, I met Kim Bryze, who introduced me to L’Arche Chicago. I am forever grateful for that connection and for Kim’s mentorship. I was able to complete my Occupational Therapy fieldwork rotation at L’Arche and had the pleasure of sharing life in all three (only three at that time!) homes. I couldn’t leave. How could I leave? I stayed on as a part-time assistant at Peace House until 2022. At that time, it became necessary for me to focus solely on my career as an Occupational Therapist outside of L’Arche Chicago. I thought about L’Arche all the time. I wondered how my friends were doing. I wondered what they would do for Camp L’Arche that year. I missed everyone and missed community. I wanted to make Valentine cards and have dinner and take root beer walks to the park. I couldn’t stay away for long. I feel incredibly blessed to be back with L’Arche Chicago—my community where I’ve always belonged.
Grace, Program Manager
