The first L’Arche home was opened in 1964 in the village of Trosly, France in response to the call to bring people with intellectual disabilities out of the degrading conditions of institutions. No longer were people with disabilities seen as something shameful that needed to be quarantined, but as full human beings inherently deserving of respect. That first L’Arche home in its simple beginning became the model for today’s federation of over 150 L’Arche communities in 38 countries worldwide.

In 1968, Sister Marjorie Wisor of the Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton, IA, was studying French in Paris, and made a visit to the L’Arche community in Trosly. According to Sister Marjorie her visit “….left a great impression on me as I felt layers of me being stripped away as those with disabilities met me person-to-person. There were no barriers. Our ‘persons’ met at the deepest level.”

In 1972, Sister Marjorie and Father Mottet of Davenport Catholic Social Services discussed the effects of the Scott County Home closing, and consideration was given to opening a L’Arche home in Davenport. When a L’Arche home in Davenport did not emerge, Chet Swanson, Skyline’s director, suggested opening a L’Arche home in Clinton. The First Presbyterian Church of Clinton donated a house and on June 6, 1974, Gerry Potter became the first community member welcomed by L’Arche Clinton.

Though founded as a L’Arche community, L’Arche Clinton was initially called The Arch, symbolizing a bridge between two worlds. Sister Marjorie Wisor served as the first Community Leader from 1974 to 1986. According to Sister Marjorie, “God called this community into existence. I just happened to be the person here to lead it.”

Today L’Arche Clinton serves up to 14 core members (persons with intellectual disabilities) in our three homes, as well as core members living independently in their own apartments. The community employs approximately 30 people, including the assistants who share life with and provide direct support to our core members, our administrative staff, and our board of directors and other regular volunteers.

Core members at L’Arche Clinton are the heart of our L’Arche community just as they are in L’Arche communities worldwide. Our core members are busy with days spent at jobs or other day programs in the Clinton area. Our community gathers monthly for birthday parties and anniversary celebrations. We participate in regional and national L’Arche gatherings. Many core members have taken vacations to the hot spots around the nation. We enjoy our preparation and participation in regional and state Special Olympics, with core members always hoping to bring back the gold, but to be brave in the attempt if they receive anything less.