L’Arche Erie welcomes adults with intellectual disabilities (Core Members) who require a broad range of support. When L’Arche welcomes a new core member, we anticipate that the individual will live in L’Arche for life.

For that reason, openings in our community homes are infrequent and we move through the selection process carefully.

Provided Services

Residential

At L’Arche Erie, our Residential Services provide a supportive and inclusive home environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe in fostering a community where each individual, regardless of ability, is valued and celebrated for their unique gifts. Our homes offer 24/7 care and support, focusing on building relationships, promoting personal growth, and encouraging independence.

Our dedicated team of Assistants work closely with individuals to ensure their needs are met, while also promoting meaningful participation in everyday life. From daily routines to community involvement, residents are empowered to live with dignity and joy.

Core members reside in various homes across Erie, Millcreek, Fairview, Lake City, and Girard. Each home accommodates between 2 to 4 core members.

LifeSharing

L’Arche Erie’s LifeSharing Services offer a unique opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in a family-like setting with committed caregivers. In our LifeSharing program, individuals and their caregivers share not just a home, but also their daily lives, building deep and meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and care.

LifeSharing goes beyond traditional care models by fostering a sense of belonging and interdependence. Through this service, individuals are welcomed into the home of a caregiver, becoming an integral part of their family and community. Together, they share meals, experiences, and day-to-day activities, all while supporting personal growth and fostering independence.

Respite

Respite care is a service designed to provide temporary relief to caregivers. It offers a break to caregivers from their caregiving responsibilities and helps ensure the well-being of their loved one with an intellectual disability. Respite care involves trained professionals or specialized caregivers who have experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. The services provided may include personal care, supervision, assistance with daily activities, social engagement, and recreational activities tailored to the specific needs of the individuals. Respite care for individuals with intellectual disabilities aims to promote their independence, social inclusion, and overall quality of life while providing caregivers with much-needed rest and support.

Respite services are direct services that are provided to supervise and support individuals living in private homes on a short term basis for planned or emergency situations, giving the person(s) normally providing care a period of relief that may be scheduled or due to an emergency. Respite can be arranged for just a day, several days, or up to 31 calendar days in one year, depending on the needs of the caregiver and the care recipient.

Eligibility Requirements for Services

A number of factors go into the decision, including whether the prospective core person is interested in living in an intentional community. We do not discriminate based on cultural, religious, or financial background.

L’Arche Erie accepts two different waivers: Community and Consolidated. To find out more information about either option or to apply for a waiver, please visit the Erie County Care Management website.

ECCM