The first L’Arche community was founded in 1964 in France in response to the inhumane conditions of the large institutions where people with intellectual disabilities had been placed. L’Arche came to the USA in 1972 and to Syracuse in 1973!
Raphael Simi, Philippe Seux, and Jean Vanier created the first L’Arche Community in Trosley, France.
The first L’Arche community in the United States opens in Erie, PA.
Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger generates interest in the development of a L’Arche Community in Syracuse.
L’Arche begins in Syracuse when Doug and Perry Mouncey open our first residence on Court St.
In 1978 a home at 1701 James St. was established. Soon after, the home on Court St. was closed and a home at 1226 Butternut St. was created.
Third residence is opened on Teal Ave.
An accessible fourth residence is opened on Highland Ave.
Core members and assistants in our James Street home move into the brand new, accessible Galster home near Shop City.
The people in our Butternut Street home move into the fully renovated, accessible Cleveland home on Onondaga Hill.
The people in our Teall Avenue home move into the fully renovated Croyden home near the Syracuse University area. All of our homes are now accessible!
The Syracuse community celebrates its 50th anniversary!
L’Arche Syracuse seeks to respond to the changing needs of our core members, while being faithful to the core values of our mission. While our programs grow, we are rooted in mutual relationships, trust in God, and the unique and sacred value of each person.