As parents, we want our children to succeed and to find their place in life. When you are a parent of a child with a disability, in a society that values money and power above all else, it is very hard to imagine your son or daughter finding happiness and a sense of belonging in this world. It is almost two years since my son went to live in L’Arche Cape Breton. Jonathan is a member of the household at Point Grace and works full time at The Ark Store. When he left home, he was very quiet and reserved. In fact, he was so reserved that he seldom spoke. Many people who knew Jonathan had never heard his voice. I really don’t know why he had such a hard time speaking to people. He had lots to say at home, but he communicated away from home only through eye contact and facial expressions, or not at all. Needless to say, it was very difficult for my husband and I to let him go to L’Arche and to trust that he would be O.K. But we knew that the only way for him to reach his full potential was to give him the freedom to do it on his own in a supportive environment. I am very pleased to say that his move to L’Arche has worked out well. The past two years have been a time of tremendous growth for Jonathan.

Although Jonathan had no shortage of love from his family and friends, it wasn’t until he went to live at L’Arche that he felt that he “belonged”. He finally felt totally accepted just as he was.This acceptance of him in such a welcoming, non-judgmental way was very freeing for Jonathan. He felt the freedom to risk speaking out when he had something to say, the freedom to try new things and to go places he never went before, but most importantly, the freedom to be himself. As time went by and his sense of belonging grew, so did his confidence and self-reliance. He gradually was able to lower his barriers and relax in the realization that those around him felt that he “belonged” to them and to the community. This feeling of "belonging" and being at `home’ is truly a gift of L’Arche.