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Alumni Weekend Report
L’Arche Toronto joyfully celebrated its’ first Alumni Weekend this past month. Alumni came from various parts of Ontario, Newfoundland and Germany to celebrate with old friends and meet new community members.
The agenda for the weekend revolved around various activities such as :sharing meals together, attending a play called “ The Mourning Dove “( A fictional play written by Emil Sher based on the Tracy Latimer story ) and a discussion panel after the play, swimming, bowling, storytelling, dancing, cake and having fun together.
The idea for the weekend evolved from our desire to:
• see people reconnect and laugh with one another
• create a venue where people could share memories about the past
• reflect about the ways L’Arche helps form people
• hear stories about the way L’Arche impacts how people chose to live in the world even though they no longer live in the community on a daily basis
Alumni’s Reflections about the impact of L’Arche on their lives:
“ I received a very warm welcome when I first came to L’Arche. This welcome helped me feel safe and I came to realize my gifts in this environment. Today, I put a lot of energy into making my home feel warm and welcoming to all who enter it. L’Arche taught me about the importance of welcoming people well. People change for the better when they feel welcome”
“ I learned the meaning of support and community in L’Arche. This shaped how I listen and respond to the people who are in my care. I work in the health care field. I do not take the importance of community and support for granted “
“ Being in L’Arche changed the type of parent I am today . L’Arche gave me the tools to let my children be their own people while teaching them gratitude, respect , the importance of sharing their feelings and having healthy boundaries.
“ I haven’t been in the community for years but the community is in my heart every single day. I carry it with me wherever I go and whatever I do. It is part of who I am.”