Community History

1964 – Jean Vanier created the first L’Arche Community near Paris, France.

1973 – Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger generates interest in the development of a L’Arche Community in Syracuse.

1974 – L’Arche begins in Syracuse when Doug and Perry Mouncey open our first residence.

1978 – Second residence is opened.

1993 – Third residence is opened.

2004 – An accessible fourth residence is opened.

2005 – The people in our James Street home move into a brand new, accessible home near Shop City.

2007 – The people in our Butternut Street home move into a fully renovated, accessible home on Onondaga Hill.


Our story...

In hindsight, it is hard to imagine that so much was accomplished in such a short time-frame.

Indeed, many of the activities, traditions and organizational structures of the L’Arche community of today had their genus in those 3½ years of fall 1975 through June 1978. 

Read the full story...



“My hope is that more and more people will discover that the peace we all yearn for is not just the work of governments, but the task of each one of us. We can all become makers of peace. We can do our part . . . (in) rediscovering a vision, a path of hope for all humanity.”
-- Jean Vanier
    L'Arche Founder