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Assistants Needed
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L'Arche is an International Federation of Communities in which people with a mental handicap
and those who help them live, work, and share their lives together. L'Arche started in 1964
in Trosly, France; and there are now over 103 communities in over 27 countries.
Jean Vanier, the founder and director of the original community at Trosly, has become
internationally known for his work with the people with a handicap, and for his ability to
share the Gospel message with the poor and/or handicapped, as well as with the educated and
the privileged.
The Mobile community began in 1974. It consists of four homes and a Work/Day Program for
people with a mental handicap. Our community is funded through pensions of residents,
supplemental payments from parents or the state institution, and from various sources, and
sometimes foundation grants for capital expenditures.
An assistant (or helper) in L'Arche works as a team member with the Head of House and
assumes responsibility outlined under the Head of House. General supervision is provided
by the Director.
HOURS:
This is a situation where we are trying to make a family together. The people with a
handicap need company, they want this living together. L'Arche is not just a professional
center where educators and social workers help people with a handicap become more autonomous.
We try to break down that separation between the "helper" and the"helped". For many
assistants, L'Arche is also their home, their family. For these reasons our "hours of work"
do not fit the usual structure that concept implies.
On weekdays, assistants are in the homes from the rising hour for the people with a handicap
through breakfast and departures of the residents for work. Then assistants usually work or
have meetings from 9:00-12:00. 12:00-3:00 is considered break time. The people with a
handicap return from work between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m., so assistants are with them from then
until bedtime, at about 9:00 p.m.
On weekends, assistants are with the people throughout the day and usually only a two (2)
hour break is possible. Much of the time with the people is spent in simple household tasks
or in shared recreational activities.
This living together is for assistants, a real change of cultures, because the culture of
the people with a mentally handicap is centered around relationships, presence, and play;
not around more intellectual or "productive" pursuits.
LIFESTYLE:
Our lifestyle is simple, due to choice, as well as necessity. Assistants and residents
seek to share their lives as brothers and sisters. People with a handicap are offered a
community for life, but are encouraged toward autonomy according to their capacity.
We are looking for dedicated persons who want to live and share in our growing community.
No professional experience or academic training in mental retardation is required, although
applicants need to be of reasonably sturdy emotional disposition and good physical health.
They should have a desire and capacity to live with, learn from, and relate to people with
a mental handicap on a personal level, as well as the ability to work closely in a team with
other assistants and relate well with them.
Duties of assistants include sharing with everyone the manual labor of keeping a home
together; cooking, cleaning, yardwork, repairs, etc... Sometimes, sharing involves teaching
these skills to others. Assistants help people with self-care and community living skills,
as well. Developing leisure time pursuits together, celebrations and music are important.
Shared prayer is a regular part of our life together, although no one is required to
participate.
Assistants have private bedrooms, but otherwise share all the living conditions of the
people with a handicap, the same common rooms, bathrooms, the same table, etc... L'Arche
depends a great deal on the gratuity of others and so we try to be content in living simply.
Our homes are attractive and pleasant. Meals are nutritious; usually about three-fourths
of the meals are vegetarian. Transportation to events shared with the people with a handicap
is provided. Privately owned cars are useful, or bicycles. Public transportation is helpful,
but not entirely adequate. Our houses are in the older part of our city, they are near the
bus line and within walking distance of drug and grocery stores.
BENEFITS:
Two days away per week, Workmen's Compensation, unemployment, withholding, and social
security are covered. Medical insurance is provided after one month of the three (3) month
trial period is completed. Vacation is 15 days for the first year and 22 days thereafter.
L'Arche Mobile has an apartment for assistants to use on time off. Travel to most L'Arche
events, such as retreats and meetings, is also a valuable in-service benefit. Room and
board are provided by L'Arche Mobile. A stipend for expense money is provided to full time
assistants.
OUR PROCEDURE FOR ACCEPTANCE IS:
-Applications are processed
-References collected
-A visit is requested
-A person is accepted for a three (3) month trial period. After the three (3) month
trial period is completed, we ask for a one year commitment. Short terms of less
than a year are also available.
If you are interested or would simply like more information please contact:
Martin E. O'Malley, Director
L'Arche Mobile
151-A S. Ann Street
Mobile, AL 36604
(334) 438-2094
