About L'Arche
Learn what makes us special
Sharing Life Together
Founded in 1972 by Fr. George Strohmeyer and Sr. Barbara Karsznia OSB, L’Arche Erie was the first L’Arche community in the United States.
We have welcomed core members with great needs— those without families or those with profound disabilities. In doing so, our community has been built on mutual relationships and sharing life together. L’Arche Erie has continued to grow into a diverse community that seeks to meet the needs and celebrate the gifts of each person — Core Members, employees, friends, supporters and board members.
As an agency, L’Arche Erie receives approximately 97% of its budget from state and county funding. Government funding assures a “healthy and safe” environment for our homes. The heart of L’Arche Erie’s mission is forming mutual relationships and providing a high quality of life for Community members.
Our Community
Welcoming differences & celebrating each person’s unique gifts!
In L’Arche Erie’s homes, adults with and without intellectual disabilities live together and share friendship, building a community strengthened by faith.