Audrey Staudacher

Director

I am a retired social worker who worked in the tri-cities communities and Burnaby for many years.  My first involvement with L’Arche was through my sister-in-law Linda, who has a developmental disability. Linda lived her whole life with her parents and extended family.

When Linda’s parents were aging, we planned that a family member would share their home with her.  A worker from the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion suggested that we consider L’Arche as a possibility for Linda.  We decided to give it a try.

When Linda was moving into her new home at L’Arche, I wondered if this was the right decision.  It was then that a L’Arche staff member put her arm around me and said, “It’s okay, Linda has just grown up and is moving into her own home.”  We have not looked back.  This model is outstanding. I was subsequently asked to join the Board of the L’Arche Foundation of Greater Vancouver.  This organization exceeds its mission statement; it is truly a humanitarian group of people doing what they do best.