LEARN: History of L'Arche Spokane
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In 1974, Mary Hurley, SNJM, spent a year in the then L’Arche Community in Missoula, Montana. Two years later, after consultation with L’Arche International founder Jean Vanier, she welcomed Richard Deshon and Walter Wells, two men with developmental disabilities to live in community with her at the vacant convent at St. Paschal’s Church. They called themselves Spokane Nazareth.
By 1982, the community had grown to consist of 12 men. They purchased a farm in Mead, WA, where the men could have regular, productive work. They raised pigs, goats, geese, rabbits, chickens and dogs, and had an apple orchard and garden. They also began a woodshop. Sr. Mary continued to to pursue her dream of becoming part of the International Federation of L’Arche. After much work and discussion that dream was realized in 1986 when they were welcomed as a probationary member. Also at this time, Sr. Mary stepped down as director, and the name was changed to L’Arche Spokane. |
As the community grew in L'Arche values and way of life some of the men decided they would like to live in more independent situations. They moved on to other places but remained good friends with L'Arche Spokane. 
In 1989 the decision was made to move near Gonzaga University to be closer to the Jesuit community, to be more active participants in the life of Spokane and have better access to public services. They opened Harvest House and Nazareth House in the Logan Neighborhood, and for the first time, women were welcomed into the community.
The woodworking shop that began at the farm grew to welcome other people with Developmental Disabilities and the shop also moved to the Logan neighborhood. Over the years some of the core members who worked there came to live in the community.
In the years since the workshop has become it's own independent business and separated from L’Arche in 1994 and grew into The Artisans which continues to employ people with disabilities.
In 2002, the community expanded with the purchase of Trinity House, and they again welcomed new core members, with established core members showing new folks the ways of L’Arche.
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2010 brought many changes as Nazareth House closed, and the core members moved into two houses.
If you would like to make history with us, see our volunteer, assistant, board member or donor pages for more information!
Are you already part of the history of L'Arche?
See our alumni page to find out how you can stay connected with us, or if you lost touch, to be reconnected! |
