We call our residents “Core Members” in recognition of their role at the heart of our community. By sharing the gifts of people with disabilities, L’Arche inspires the world around us to imagine community differently.
Many people have questions about how they, or their loved one, can become a Core Member at L’Arche. Because L’Arche Boston North is a service provider licensed and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), our community must comply with its referral process when welcoming new Core Members.
Becoming A Residential Core Member
Eligibility
You may be eligible to become a L’Arche Boston North Residential Core Member if ALL 3 of the following are true:
- You have a contract for services from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), AND
- Your contract for DDS services is located in the Merrimack Valley Region, AND
- Your contract is for 24-hour residential services.
ALL NEW L’ARCHE BOSTON NORTH CORE MEMBERS MUST BE REFERRED BY THE MERRIMACK VALLEY OFFICE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES (DDS).
Discernment Process
Once L’Arche Boston North receives a referral for you to become a new Core Member from the Merrimack Valley Office of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), we begin a discernment process with you, your family, and your DDS Service Coordinator to see if the fit is right for you and for us.
Do you have a waiting list?
No. L’Arche Boston North receives referrals from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services on a case-by-case basis when we have openings in our homes.
How often do you have openings for new residents?
Openings for new Core Members at L’Arche Boston North are rare. We have only opened 1 new home in the last 20 years, so openings usually only happen when one of our existing Core Members chooses to move out of community or when a Core Member passes away.
What if I/my loved one does not live in the Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts?
All new L’Arche Boston North Core Members must be referred to us by the Merrimack Valley Office of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). If you or your loved one does not have an eligible contract with DDS, you will not receive a referral to L’Arche Boston North. L’Arche Boston North does not choose who will receive a referral from DDS, and our discernment process for new Core Members does not begin without a referral from DDS.
Can I visit L’Arche Boston North?
Yes! We would love to welcome you to come to dinner in one of our homes or to a community event. Please reach out to office@larchebostonnorth.org or give us a call at 978-374-6928.
Even if you don’t have any openings right now, how can I/my loved one start to get to know the L’Arche Boston North community?
Building a more inclusive community is an important part of our mission as L’Arche. We would love to welcome you to come to dinner in one of our homes or to a community event. Please reach out to office@larchebostonnorth.org or give us a call at 978-374-6928 to schedule a visit.
*Please note that getting to know the L’Arche Boston North community does not circumvent the DDS referral process. L’Arche Boston North does not choose who will receive a referral from DDS, and our discernment process for new Core Members does not begin without that referral from DDS.