The Journey of a L’Arche Assistant: Year 1 Through Year 5
Year 1
- • An invitation to make your life matter.
- • The opportunity to form relationships with individuals who have intellectual disabilities.
- • A chance to discover the beauty and
challenges of living in community.
- • Gaining a deeper understanding of trust,
celebration and spirituality.
- • Having a voice in decision-making.
- • Receiving feedback at a three-month and
one-year review.
- • Regular mentoring.
- • Hands- on training in one or more of the following: Conflict resolution skills, Sign Language, First Aid/CPR, CPI (non-violent crisis intervention)
- • The possibility of attending L’Arche Ontario
events such as Prayer Partners, Communiity
Exchanges, Formation Retreats and Seniors
Gathering.
- • A salary that increases annually.
- • Extended health care and E.A.F.P. after three months.
- • First step in community membership process.
Year 2
- • Deeper relationships and a sense of
belonging within the community.
- • Invitation to discover and develop
leadership skills.
- • Encouragment to participate in committees and
community council.
- • Participating in your annual review.
- • Regular accompaniment with an experienced
community member.
- • The possibility of attending zone retreats.
- • Dental and vision benefits.
Year 3
- • Gain a deeper sense of belonging within the
community and receive support in exploring your
life vocation.
- • Regular accompaniment and an annual
review.
- • The possibility of having a MAP or PATH
process or taking the Assisted Living Diploma
program through St. Francis Xavier University.
- • The opportunity to attend Growing in the Mission,
a three-week program that fosters personal and
professional growth.
- • The process for entering the Discovery phase of
community membership.
- • Percentage of RRSP contributions matched.
Year 4
- • Possibile privilege of accompanying new
assistants and making a difference in the lives
of young people.
- • Possibility of joining the Long-Term Assistants
Group.
- • Continued accompaniment, annual and
membership reveiws.
- • Opportunity to attend regional/zone retreats.
- • Possibility of attending L’Arche Canada Leadership
Training and taking on leadership roles.
Year 5
- • Develop a deeper understanding of the
International Federation of L’Arche with the
possibility of participating in a solidarity experience.
- • Possibility of being considered to lead or participate
as a team member in regional events.
- • An ongoing journey to re-experience and deepen
the opportunities of the previous years.
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