L'Arche Saint John & Creative Connections

L'Arche Saint John & Creative Connections We are part of an international organization creating homes, programs, and support networks with people who have intellectual disabilities.

Learn more at www.larchesaintjohn.org. L'Arche Saint John (Canada) is part of a worldwide federation of communities dedicated to the creation of homes, programs, and support networks with adults with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 2005, L'Arche Saint John has one home, McKim House, and a day program, Creative Connections, which opened in 2016. For more info, visit www.larchesaintjohn.org.

As we celebrate 20 years at L’Arche Saint John, we are sharing 20 stories of people who have shaped our community.Meet L...
06/17/2026

As we celebrate 20 years at L’Arche Saint John, we are sharing 20 stories of people who have shaped our community.

Meet Luke, a UNBSJ Nursing student who started at L’Arche for a community clinical placement that quickly evolved into something more:

I first came to know about L’Arche Saint John when I was chosen to attend my community clinical placement with another classmate last year in the fall. When I first started spending time with L'Arche, I saw it mainly as part of a community learning experience connected to our group work, but it quickly became much more personal than that. From the beginning, there was something different about L’Arche. The atmosphere felt warm, welcoming, and genuine, and the core members made that obvious right away. It never felt like we were just coming in to complete a project. Instead, it felt like we were being welcomed into a space where relationships really mattered and where everyone had an important place in the community.

One of the biggest things I learned came directly from spending time with the core members. Starting with volunteering for the annual gala, their openness, honesty, and sense of humour made a strong impression on me. Even short conversations felt meaningful because they were real and sincere. I realized that connections do not have to be complicated. Sometimes, it is just about being present, listening, and taking the time to genuinely engage with someone. What surprised me most was how much those small moments stayed with me afterward, and how powerful that can be in everyday life.

Continue reading Luke’s story: www.larchesaintjohn.org/meetluke

As we celebrate 20 years of L’Arche Saint John, we’re sharing stories from the people who have shaped our community.Jenn...
06/11/2026

As we celebrate 20 years of L’Arche Saint John, we’re sharing stories from the people who have shaped our community.

Jenny is a core member of our L’Arche Connects program and an important part of community life. Here is her story:

I first learned about L’Arche when someone recommended it after my family moved here from Ontario. When I was first getting to know the community, I didn’t know anyone and wasn’t sure how I fit in. It was an adjustment, but I found comfort in knowing that everyone else going to L'Arche Outreach meetings was in the same boat, navigating the same thing. It gave me a sense of community.

It was when I was chosen to be a core member that things started to get exciting. I remember the moment clearly. It was Sunday, February 22, my dad and I were playing Yahtzee when we got the call. My family and I were so excited – that was the moment everything changed. I couldn’t believe it; I really didn’t expect to be chosen. That night, we went out for dinner to celebrate that I would be joining the L’Arche Connects program and would soon have an apartment of my own.

Continue reading 👉 www.larchesaintjohn.org/meetjenny

Recently, Jenny, a L'Arche Connects core member, and Gloria, our L'Arche Connects program leader, visited the L'Arche Ca...
06/03/2026

Recently, Jenny, a L'Arche Connects core member, and Gloria, our L'Arche Connects program leader, visited the L'Arche Cape Breton Community as part of a community exchange.

During their stay at Corinthian House, Jenny reconnected with friends she had met through L'Arche, made new connections, and enjoyed exploring local cafés, the Sunflower Garden, and some of Cape Breton's beautiful natural spaces. The visit wrapped up with a shared dinner, bringing everyone together for an evening of conversation and laughter.

Thank you to the L'Arche Cape Breton community for your warm hospitality and for making Jenny and Gloria feel so welcome. Experiences like these remind us of the connections that unite L'Arche communities across the country.

This past weekend, April and Krista represented Creative Connections at the unveiling celebration for this year’s Uptown...
05/26/2026

This past weekend, April and Krista represented Creative Connections at the unveiling celebration for this year’s Uptown Box Art Program in Uptown Saint John.🎨

They spent the day painting, connecting with visitors, and taking part in a community celebration of art and culture. Thank you to Uptown Saint John for creating opportunities that showcase local artists and bring creativity into our streets and public spaces!

05/20/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Randy
Dickinson — a true pillar of our community and a remarkable advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and human dignity.

Randy’s kindness, generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives across New Brunswick and beyond. He was an extraordinary force for positive change, helping to found and lead numerous committees, organizations, and initiatives, including the New Brunswick Premier’s Council on Disabilities and New Brunswick Disability Awareness Week.

The list of boards, committees, and organizations Randy served throughout his life is extensive, but what stands out most is the impact he had on people. He inspired others through his compassion, wisdom, advocacy, and belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and included.

His legacy will continue through the many lives he changed, the communities he strengthened, and the important work he helped build.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by Randy.

*********

Nous avons le profond regret d’annoncer le décès de Randy Dickinson — un véritable pilier de notre communauté et un défenseur exceptionnel de l’inclusion, de l’accessibilité et de la dignité humaine.

La gentillesse, la générosité, le leadership et le dévouement inébranlable de Randy ont touché d’innombrables vies partout au Nouveau-Brunswick et au-delà. Il a été une force extraordinaire de changement positif, contribuant à la fondation et à la direction de nombreux comités, organismes et initiatives, notamment le Conseil du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick sur la condition des personnes handicapées ainsi que la Semaine de sensibilisation à la situation des personnes handicapées du Nouveau-Brunswick.

La liste des conseils, comités et organismes auxquels Randy a consacré son temps au cours de sa vie est impressionnante, mais ce dont on se souviendra surtout, c’est de l’impact humain qu’il a eu. Il a inspiré les autres par sa compassion, sa sagesse, son engagement et sa conviction profonde que chaque personne mérite d’être vue, entendue et incluse.

Son héritage continuera de vivre à travers les nombreuses vies qu’il a changées, les communautés qu’il a renforcées et le travail important qu’il a contribué à bâtir.

Last weekend, we were so happy to welcome the community to The Art of Knowing, this year’s art show and sale by the arti...
05/15/2026

Last weekend, we were so happy to welcome the community to The Art of Knowing, this year’s art show and sale by the artists of Creative Connections.

It was incredible to see the gallery filled with conversation, connection, and so much encouragement for our artists and their work.

To everyone who purchased artwork, shared kind words, invited friends, or simply spent time with us, thank you. Your support means so much and helps make programs like Creative Connections possible.

We’re especially grateful to the artists, volunteers, staff, family members, and community supporters who helped make the weekend such a success.

If you weren’t able to make it to the show, it’s not too late to purchase artwork. You can still view available pieces on our website: www.larchesaintjohn.org/shop

05/15/2026

We’re hiring for the summer!

L’Arche Saint John is looking for a Summer Development Officer to support our fundraising and communications work. This role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys storytelling, creating content, and being part of a mission-driven team.

Over 8 weeks, you’ll help with donor engagement, social media, campaign materials, and planning a fundraising event, while gaining hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector.

If you’re creative and interested in community impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]

Visit our website for full details: www.larchesaintjohn.org/summerdevelopmentofficer

05/15/2026

We're hiring two summer Program Assistants!

L’Arche Saint John is looking for two Program Assistants to join our Creative Connections team this summer.

This role supports an art and garden-based program for adults with intellectual disabilities, helping to create a welcoming space where creativity, connection, and community can grow.

Over 8 weeks, you’ll help facilitate activities, support day-to-day programming, and be part of a team that values inclusion, creativity, and relationships.

If you’re interested in community inclusion, creative programming, and working in a supportive team environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]

Visit our website for more information: www.larchesaintjohn.org/summerprogramassistants

Today’s the day! Join us this afternoon for The Art of Knowing, our annual Creative Connections art show and sale.“The A...
05/09/2026

Today’s the day! Join us this afternoon for The Art of Knowing, our annual Creative Connections art show and sale.

“The Art of Knowing” explores creativity, belonging, and the relationships that shape us. Come meet the artists, experience their work, celebrate and maybe bring home some art!

🗓 Today | 2–4 p.m.
📍 Saint John Arts Centre

We hope to see you there!

Address

623 Lancaster Avenue
Saint John, NB
E2M2M3

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