Mid County Chamber of Commerce features a different business each month. This month it’s L’Arche St. Louis.
Business Name:
L’Arche St. Louis
Role:
Paula Kilcoyne, MSW, Executive Director
How would you describe L’Arche St. Louis?
L’Arche St.Louis has two homes in Maplewood where people with intellectual disabilities live like a family with people who do not have a disability. Live-in staff are steeped in the belief that they personally benefit and learn from the persons with disabilities whom they support. Secondly we offer one-on-one non-residential support to adults with intellectual disabilities who live in their family home often with aging parents. We provide needed practical supports and bring the person with a disability and their family into a broader network of friendship and community, one that fosters increased independence and an experience of genuine belonging.
What is the most exciting thing to happen to L’Arche St. Louis?
We educate the St. Louis community about the gifts of people with disabilities and challenge societal biases about vulnerability and difference. We give presentations to and facilitate volunteer experiences for high school and university students. In addition, L’Arche St. Louis hosts monthly gatherings. People of diverse backgrounds, ages, intellectual ability, social origin, religions, and cultures come together for celebrations in which the persons with disabilities are at the center.
Do you have a “favorite” Maplewood or Richmond Heights business?
We love Living Arts Studio on Sutton. Gina Alvarez and her team do an amazing job supporting artists with disabilities! And we can purchase artwork for gifts!
Additionally, L’Arche St. Louis would like to invite you to its February Dance this Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Immaculate Conception Gymnasium (7240 Anna Ave.) from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Contact Tina at [email protected] or 314-405-8025 for more information.
L’Arche St. Louis is located at 2934 Marshall Ave. in Maplewood. Reach them at 314-405-8025 or visit their website: www.larchestlouis.org