L’Arche Chicago is truly beyond grateful for the nearly 10 years of dedication, passion, and heart that our Board President, Kimberly Bryze, has poured into our community.
Kimberly Bryze, PhD, OTR/L, began her journey with adults with intellectual disabilities as a volunteer while still in high school. Over the years, she went on to become the Program Director and Professor of Occupational Therapy at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. Kimberly holds a baccalaureate degree in Special Education from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, a second baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy, along with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Throughout her remarkable career, Kimberly has worked in and consulted for various group homes and organizations serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Yet, in 2016, she found something truly extraordinary at L’Arche Chicago. Kimberly is drawn to L’Arche’s live-in assistant model, the small assistant-to-core member ratio, and the incredible sense of community and faith that defines us. She believes these elements create an environment where authentic, mutually enriching relationships can flourish between core members and assistants.
L’Arche Chicago is incredibly fortunate to have Kimberly as such an integral part of our organization. She connects with each core member on a personal level—knowing their interests, routines, and even their unique senses of humor. Kimberly encapsulates the heart and soul of L’Arche Chicago, and we are so grateful to have her light guiding us and inspiring our community every day.
Kimberly reflects on L’Arche by answering some questions:
How did you first get involved with L’Arche?
One late afternoon in 2016, I was working with a research student who mentioned that she had done a short-term mission trip to “L’Arche Mobile.” I Googled “L’Arche” with the students and saw that there was a community in Chicago. So, of course, I shot out an email to Mic, Executive Director & Community Leader, offering some “free OT.” Well, I received an email response first thing the next morning with an invitation to come meet with him, then to the community night the next evening, and… I was hooked. I soon recognized how different L’Arche Chicago truly is. I have often said that I wish I had learned about and been a part of L’Arche 50 years ago.
What is something you have learned since being a part of L’Arche?
I am increasingly learning how unique each human being truly is, and how worthy of love, friendship, and belonging they are. We truly are interdependent, and we grow and live well only in relationship with one another. I have come to relish the idea of sharing life, time, and experiences with others. I have learned that there is great value in presence, stillness, and being with another person.
Why would you recommend joining the Board of Directors?
The L’Arche Board of Directors brings their diverse gifts and talents to supporting and championing the reality that individuals with and without disabilities can and do live and share life together. By joining with other Directors, we impact our little corner of the world and make significant and positive contributions to core members’ lives. With a shared vision, the BoD fosters strength and growth in a much-needed and unique community for persons with and without disabilities.
As we continue to grow, we are now looking to expand our board. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about contributing to our community, please reach out to us at [email protected].
