Become A Core Member

We are helping adults with intellectual disabilities who live in our homes to lead happy, fulfilling lives that would otherwise be out of reach every day.

1. A Unique Model of Care

The daily routines of people with intellectual disabilities that live in L’Arche homes are much like those of every adult that works, volunteers, participates in their community, pursues activities, enjoys downtime, and maintains long-lasting friendships. L’Arche makes this possible, to be in your forever home.

2. Our Homes Provide:

  • Transformative relationships for residents, assistants, volunteers, and friends
  • Coordinated, person-centered care
  • Demonstrated positive change in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities, including measurably higher quality of life

3. Integrated Into Our Neighborhoods

Each person with an intellectual disability has opportunities to be integrated and engaged members of their neighborhood.They work and volunteer locally. They are supported to participate in their faith communities, to belong to the gym and simply live as active members of their community.

4. Working Together With Those In Our Community

As a community of faith, L’Arche supports attendance and participation in each resident’s church, temple, or friendship circle of choice. Neighborhood faith communities are made stronger by the gifts and participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

5. A Global Movement

We provide financial support to under-resourced communities in developing regions of the world to provide basic necessities like housing, food, medicine, and staff salaries.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We do not discriminate based on cultural, religious, or financial background. Please be aware that openings tend to be infrequent as most core members decide to live in L’Arche for life.

To express interest, please fill out our inquiry form and send it to kcolon@larchelongisland.org

What is Self-Direction?

Self-Direction is a powerful choice that allows a person to maintain control over their life through a person-centered process for accessing supports and services in New York State. It is funded by federal and state Medicaid funds, and is overseen by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Each person is unique. Self-Direction empowers people to design supports based on their unique strengths and needs. We firmly believe that Self-Direction gives the people we support and their families greater control over the services they receive, how they receive them and who provides them. Self-Direction allows people to develop a self-directed plan which supports choice as to where to live, daily activities, friends, and relationships, and how to participate in the greater community.

Infographic of Advantages of L'Arche Long Island Homes

Who Is Eligible For Self-Directed Services?

Anyone who is eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver can choose to self-direct their services. Self-direction may be right for a person if they can make their own decisions (or have help to), and if they want more flexible supports and services.

How Does Self-Direction Work?

A person can choose if they want an agency to help them to self-direct (agency-supported self-direction) or if they would like to manage their own budget and staff with help from a Fiscal Intermediary and Support Broker (Self-Direction with Budget and Employer Authority). Self-Direction allows people the opportunity to hire their own support staff. FI and Broker Services are necessary to pursue Self-Direction.

Self-Direction gives a person the chance to make decisions about supports and services that help them to:

  • Enjoy meaningful relationships with family and friends
  • Experience health and growth
  • Live in the home and community they choose
  • Work, volunteer or do activities they enjoy
  • Integrate into their communities

Begin TheJourney

Start the journey of becoming a core member at L’Arche Long Island by submitting an inquiry form to our team.

Complete our Inquiry Form