A Yes Makes Belonging Possible
Sometimes belonging begins with a single visit.
Nearly two years ago, Esther joined us for the house blessing of our first L’Arche home. She came to celebrate a milestone, but something about the community stayed with her. What began as a visit slowly became a relationship.
Over the months that followed, Esther continued to find her way back to L’Arche. Her sons volunteered to help with yardwork, caring for the home where adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities share daily life with assistants. In June, her family joined us for the Run, Walk, & Roll, celebrating a community where everyone has a place. With each visit, the connection grew a little deeper.
Then Esther learned about a different kind of need.
It takes approximately $33,000 each month to provide the staffing, care, transportation, programs, and support that make L’Arche home. Medicaid funding and resident fees cover much of that cost, but they do not fully fund the relationships that define our community. That leaves an approximately $8,000 funding gap each month.
When Esther heard about that need, she responded.
She became L’Arche North Carolina’s very first Belonging Ambassador by funding an entire month of that operating gap. Her gift helps ensure that this home continues to be a place where people are known by name, where friendships are nurtured, where meals are shared, where laughter fills the kitchen, and where every person is recognized for the gifts they bring.
Belonging is not built through extraordinary moments alone. It is cultivated through people who keep saying yes.
Yes to showing up.
Yes to serving.
Yes to helping a community flourish.
Esther’s generosity reminds us that a community of belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It is built by ordinary people who choose to show up for one another.
Her story began with attending a house blessing.
Today, because she said yes, an entire month of belonging is possible.
We are deeply grateful that Esther became our very first Belonging Ambassador, and we hope her story inspires others to discover the joy of making belonging possible for someone else.
Could You Become a Belonging Ambassador?
Like Esther, your journey does not have to begin with a major gift. It begins with saying yes to a community where every person is welcomed, needed, and belongs.
If you would like to become a Belonging Ambassador or learn more about how you, your family, your read more
What belonging looks like in action!
Last month was filled with opportunities of community, learning, and deeper connections. We were honored to welcome back our Duke Divinity Intern, Tatum Tricarico, who spent a couple of days with us in community, including leading two Stations of the Cross: Disability Justice gatherings. Tatum shared about her experience visiting L'Arche and the community we've continued to build since she graduated a few years ago. Continue reading below to learn more: -- I had a wonderful time visiting L’Arche NC for the Stations of the Cross a few weeks ago! While I was in town, I noticed something I didn’t expect that made me love L’Arche even more! One evening, I was riding in the L'Arche van with Laura and a core member. Before we went to our destination, we dropped off the core member at a fun event they were attending. While we chatted, Laura communicated who would be driving to a few other events too, like L’Arche NC events, coffee meet-ups, doctors' appointments, and more. As someone who is functionally Blind, I am unable to drive. I often say that not being able to drive read more
Help Anchor our Community of Belonging
Hello L'Arche NC Friends - In 2011, a small group came together with a dream: to build a community where people with and without intellectual disabilities could share life, friendship, and belonging. That dream became L’Arche North Carolina. Fourteen years later, we’ve opened our first home in Durham and continue to host vibrant gatherings across the Triangle where we witness how belonging transforms lives. Whether I’m at the house or a Together event, I see relationships forming that defy isolation. L’Arche GWDC recently released a beautiful short film, On Loneliness, reminding us that the antidote to loneliness is friendship across differences. I can’t watch it without getting goosebumps—because it reflects what we see and experience at L’Arche NC every day. This July, in honor of our first meeting L'Arche NC meeting, we’re inviting 20 new monthly donors—our L’Arche Anchors—to join us. We need your help and commitment to continue this work of building belonging. Would you consider committing to giving $10 a month? $10/month ($120/year) may seem small—but in community, small gifts multiply. Here’s what it can do: Provides craft materials for friends at our monthly Craft Together gathering—supporting inclusive art and expression. read more
“I’m Happy!” – A Story About Belonging
Hello L'Arche Friends - Recently, I was driving one of our Core Members to one of his regular weekly activities. The moment he got in the car, he looked at me, beaming, and said, "I'm happy!" I smiled and replied, "Right on!" Without missing a beat, he declared again: "I'm happy! I'm with my friend. The sun is shining! God woke me up today! I'm happy!" That moment has stayed with me ever since. It was simple, profound, and contagious. His joy wasn’t dependent on anything fancy—just friendship, sunshine, and the gift of another day. Since then, I’ve borrowed his exclamation for my own morning mantra. Before checking email or pouring my coffee, I try to begin with those same words: "I'm happy. I'm with my friends. God woke me up today." At L’Arche North Carolina, joy shows up in unexpected places. Since I began working here in 2021, I’ve seen time and again how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only recipients of care, but givers of joy, connection, and purpose. Each of our four Core Members brings light into our community in a way that can’t help read more
Together, for Access, Inclusion, and Belonging
Many of you may be wondering what the proposed federal spending cuts to Medicaid could mean for individuals with disabilities and for our L'Arche community. What Do Medicaid Cuts Mean for L’Arche NC? They put inclusion, dignity, and access at risk—and we need your voice today. Medicaid isn’t just a line in the budget. For L’Arche North Carolina, it’s over $280,000 in essential funding that helps keep our new home open, staffed, and thriving. Cuts to this support would directly threaten the services that allow people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in safe, supportive, and inclusive communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid provides vital health coverage to millions of people with disabilities. When that funding is reduced, so is access to care, housing, and community life. We’re asking you to act today—because advocacy matters. Use The Arc’s simple online form (linked below) to contact your representatives. Tell them why Medicaid matters to you, and why people with disabilities deserve continued access to the support and services they rely on. Make Your Voice Heard – Take Action Now! It only read more
Gifts don’t grow alone—they grow in community!
L’Arche was founded with Christian roots, and today, L'Arche NC is a nonfaith organization that welcomes people of all backgrounds. We partner with a wide range of religious and social organizations, which helps us live out our vision of being an inclusive community of communities. At L’Arche NC, we recognize that people of every belief system and tradition seek meaning, purpose, and belonging—and we strive to create a space where everyone feels at home. Last Sunday, friends of L'Arche North Carolina joined Edenton Street UMC for worship. It was a beautiful Spring morning to share in community together. I had the honor of sharing a sermon; it was my first time doing so since L'Arche NC welcomed our Core Members and Assistants to move into the house. The lectionary text for the Sunday was Luke 13:1-9, the parable of the barren fig tree. I've copied my sermon below; or, you can watch the YouTube clip, which also includes our L'Arche friends reading some of the prayers (beginning at 20:00), scripture, and assisting with communion. Loving God, thank You for the gift of community – help us to read more
Brunch was a bunch of fun!
We are overjoyed to share that our first Brunch & Belonging event was an incredible success! The room was packed, and the spirit of community was truly palpable. We were moved by heartfelt stories from the family members of two of our founding Core Members, who spoke about why they chose L’Arche and the positive impact our community has already had on their lives. Another special highlight was the presentation of our first-ever Spirit of Belonging Award, given to Warrie Evans, III. Warrie has attended an impressive 44 L’Arche events this year, and he exemplifies our mission of radical welcome. At each gathering, Warrie makes everyone feel seen and valued, often by simply asking, "How are you doing?" and listening with genuine care. Thanks to all who joined and supported us. However, we’re still short of our fundraising goal. The great news is our $30,000 match has been extended – which means any donation you make this week will be doubled! If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to make a powerful impact. Help us continue to grow this beautiful community by giving today. Every gift, read more
L’Arche NC House Blessing & Ribbon Cutting
We had over 90 people join us a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the L'Arche House for the House Blessing & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! We were especially grateful to have former board members, and those who helped shape this vision over a decade ago, with us at our wonderful L’Arche home south Durham. Their dedication has truly made a difference! Check out this reel on Facebook or Instagram. We were thrilled to welcome L’Arche USA staff, including Laura Giddings, the Executive Director of L'Arche USA and Thomas Marquis, Manager of Community Support & Learning. Other L'Arche communities were present for this exciting occassion, too, including Katie Miyakado from L'Arche Tacoma and Dustin Barrington from L'Arche Northern Colorado. The connections of L'Arche across the country were truly felt! Thank you to all our L’Arche friends, community partners, and supporters for, not only joining us, but making this day possible. Your presence, financial support, prayers, and many volunteers hours have made this house a home! *Special thanks to Mark Evans for capturing these photos during the ceremony. read more
Disability Pride Month – celebrate all year!
As Disability Pride Month comes to an end, we want to thank you for celebrating with us. This month has highlighted the unique gifts and contributions of individuals with disabilities, and we are grateful for your support.
