Blessings to Our Dear Friends of L’Arche Blue Ridge Mountains:

L’Arche Blue Ridge Mountains is a community of faith and a lifelong home for people with severe developmental disabilities and assistants who share their lives in mutual relationship. We are part of an international federation of communities with a common mission to value the unique abilities of every person in society.  (www.larcheusa.org) Members with disabilities are called core members, because they form the true center and heart of the community. Assistants come not just to provide care but to walk with the core members and share a common experience. Everyone in L’Arche has something to give and to receive—something to teach, and something to learn.  More than just a home, L’Arche is a place of transformation as people learn to welcome and respect weakness (in ourselves as well as in others), live in unity with those who are different, and become a sign of hope for the world that this is possible everywhere. 

Ordinary moments become extraordinary.One afternoon an assistant was reading from a book by Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche International.  In the forward she read "God loves you just the way you are."  Kristen, our newest core member, said--"I know what that means now." The assistant asked "What is it that you know now?"  She answered "I know that people are happy to see me every morning when I wake up and they come in my room".  Later the reading mentioned brokenness and how all people need something and all people have gifts.  Kristen said "I know you need me. I love you.  All of you."  She spread her arms and, sitting in the sunlight in the sunroom, they seemed to go around the world.  Kristen needs total care but she has found a way to give beyond what hands can do.

L’Arche Blue Ridge Mountains needs your help in order for our community to grow.
Over 5,000 people with intellectual disabilities are waiting for services in VA.  Few existing homes are available and willing to serve those with the most severe intellectual, medical and physical challenges. We are now building our second fully accessible home. Medicaid funding may not be used for room and board, recreation, or many other expenses that lead to a quality life--and does not cover the increased costs to serve those with greater needs.
This is why we need you.

L’Arche is a changing presence in Lynchburg and the world.

Your gift makes it all possible.  Without your help we cannot help those most in need. 

Donate Now! Make a difference!

How Your Gift Helps

• $1,500 provides mortgage for one month (for each house)
• $700 provides groceries for one month (we have a garden and use the Food Bank)
• $600 pays for utilities for one month
• $375 pays for one month medical supplies not funded by Medicaid
• $300 pays for one core member or assistant to attend a L’Arche Retreat
• $50 allows us to buy materials to recycle candles and make new candles
• $80 fills the gas tank for our two used vans
• $40 provides one dinner at the house
• $600 pays our loan for 2 accessible vans
• There are many other ways your gifts can help and they are essential to us.