Recently, Anders, core member, was joined by Cassie, Kim, and Mic for a trip to Nashville as part of the L’Arche USA Inclusive Leadership conference. Members of the L’Arche Inclusive Leadership Team from across the country gathered to collaborate on ways adults with intellectual disabilities can more actively engage in consultation and leadership responsibilities both within L’Arche and in our communities.
During the trip, we were delighted to catch up with Andrea, former L’Arche Chicago Day Support Manager and current Community Leader of L’Arche Buffalo. It meant a lot to Anders to learn that she’s shared many L’Arche Chicago traditions with her up-and-coming L’Arche Buffalo community.
“It was so delightful seeing Anders, Cassie, Mic, and Kim in Nashville. While every L’Arche gathering feels a bit like a family reunion, catching up with folks from L’Arche Chicago is particularly sweet. I’ve stolen so many of my best tricks from L’Arche Chicago- we’re hosting cooking classes with chilis and soups that I first learned to make at Peace House, we’re leading song circles that Meadow, an Assistant, led at Camp L’Arche Chicago, and we’re forming a “Care Co-op” using many of the same skills and systems from L’Arche Chicago’s support crew. Hearing updates on dear friends of mine is always so special, and reminds me of the importance of communities like those I saw tended around the tables of Angel House, Peace House, and Friendship House,” shared Andrea.
