‘. . . the person who is hungry, abandoned or in need is first of all a heart who needs to find another heart; someone who will listen, understand and love. People who are poor and discouraged need to hear someone say to them 'I love you. I have confidence in you. You are beautiful. You can give life to others.' This helps them find new confidence in themselves, new strength, new hope. The poor do not need to hear a lot of words, not even pious words. They may need people who will do things for them. Above all they need friendship: friends who love them and are willing to do things with them. This will help them grow and develop both humanly and spiritually . . . ‘ (Jean Vanier, 'An Ark For The Poor')
' . . . everyone is of unique and sacred value and everyone has the same dignity and the same rights'. (Charter of L’Arche)
Every L’Arche Community wants people to decide about their own lives. Everyone has the same dignity and the same rights. We make all decisions in the open, and everyone can say what they think. Every L’Arche Community works hard to make sure that all its members have equal opportunities and equal rights. They are consulted, listened to and respected. It can also be very challenging. It sometimes means that members and Assistants have a change of direction in their lives.