2024 brought many peaks and valleys for L’Arche St. Louis. We shared laughter as well as tears (we’ve bought more tissues this year than ever before!). Through it all, we have seen the blessing that comes from sharing life with one another in a diverse and inclusive community. No one had to go through this year’s challenges alone. There was always a friend to lean on and reminisce with.

This is our vision of community - a supportive and caring world where we can share our joys and sorrows and everyone belongs. It doesn’t mean everyone’s happy and gets along all the time! But it does mean everyone has what they need: respect and dignity, high-quality holistic care when we need help from others, and a safe home.

We have been working all year to spread this vision of belonging to more people with and without disabilities in St. Louis. This past week, we took another step closer to welcoming more people into our inclusive community. Construction of our fourth home is coming along quickly, and we took the opportunity before the walls are finished to fill the home with messages of joy and love.

On Wednesday, members of Sunrise, Joyful, St. James, Family Support, and our office team signed the walls before gathering for a meal, games, and Christmas music. On Thursday, we welcomed the Brentwood mayor, members of the police and fire departments, other city workers, Board members, and friends and family to add their blessings to the home. The new home truly has “Walls of Joy” now!

Thank you to all those who came out and who wrote messages that will bless the residents of this home with joy and love for decades to come. Thank you also to Pete and Jen Uetrecht of Compass Design + Build for the joy and love they are constructing into this home! Finally, thank you to YOU for helping us build a world where everyone belongs.

Walls of Joy

Home and Belonging

Edward Interviews: Julia