Exciting things are happening in a small studio at 1736 England Avenue in Courtenay.
L’Arche Comox Valley welcomes people with and without developmental disabilities to socialize and create artwork. Candle making, beading and painting activities are offered every week.
Everyone who comes gets involved and is encouraged to experiment, create and play. Some work independently, others work together.
Kris needs help seeing the colours of the paint, Judy needs help threading her needle for beading, John needs help to share materials in the group.
New participants often discover their own creativity, by seeing the freedom and unique exploration of others. There is a lot of laughter, sharing and companionship.
“I come to paint with my friend, Suzanne.” “I like coming, it’s fun.” “I feel accepted, appreciated and loved without judgment.” “L’Arche has been a bigger gift in my life than I could imagine.”
The Outreach Centre relies on fundraising and selling the crafts that are made at the Centre to fund the programs.
This Friday, between 10 and 11:30 a.m., anyone with an interest in seeing the Outreach Centre to come by and take a look. There will be displays of work, finished items for sale, refreshments and a warm welcome.
Contact L'Arche at orc@larchecomoxvalley or 250-334-8320 for more information.
L’Arche Comox Valley opened a home in Courtenay 11 years ago where four adults with developmental disabilities live together with assistants to share their lives together.
Four years ago, L’Arche opened the Outreach Centre. The hope was to create a place of support and welcome for more people with developmental disabilities — a place to meet and make friends and discover our unique, often-hidden talents.
Central to L’Arche values, they celebrate the unique gift that each person has to offer, engaging in relationships to discover what it means to be truly human. They open our hearts to change, beginning with ourselves.
— L'Arche Comox Valley