The Uniting Church in Glebe Road, Merewether, has agreed to lease its five-bedroom house next door to the church to L'Arche NSW after renovations to the kitchen and bathroom have been completed.
L'Arche (the French word for 'the Ark) is an international Federation of people with and without intellectual disabilities sharing life in Communities. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together as we celebrate the unique value of every person and recognise our need for one another. L’Arche communities enable people with disabilities to take their place in the world, giving them the means to express themselves and contribute to society, making it more authentically human. L'Arche was founded in 1966 and now has 151 communities in 37 countries. In Australia there are communities in Canberra, Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with Newcastle about to open its first home.
Hopefully, at least 2 or 3 people with intellectual disabilities can move into the Merewether house in the not too distant future so a real Community is established. L'Arche would be pleased to hear from any who have relatives or friends for whom this house would provide a safe and beneficial home. The contact address for such enquiries is: shirlcro@bigpond.net.au
Those who would like to know more about L’Arche in the Hunter can visit the L’Arche Hunter website, www.larchehunter.org.au.
A film fundraising event will be held on Thursday 26 October at Lakes Cinema, Bolaroo from 7pm. The money will go to help support the renovations of L'Arche first house in the Hunter. Learn more.