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Summer Fellowship
L’Arche Atlanta
Location Details
Description
L’Arche Atlanta is a faith-inspired, inclusive community where adults with and without intellectual disabilities share life together in mutual friendship, support, and belonging. Our purpose is to reveal the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, foster relationships of genuine reciprocity, and model a more compassionate and human way of living. Through shared homes, community gatherings, and daily life, we seek to build a world where every person’s unique gifts are valued and celebrated.
Student Role
The student will be welcomed as a member of our L’Arche Atlanta community, sharing daily life alongside adults with intellectual disabilities (“core members”) and assistants. Most days center on relational presence—preparing meals together, accompanying core members to appointments or activities, and supporting with daily routines such as cooking, cleaning, errands, and recreation. Through these experiences, the student will learn how relationships of mutual care and interdependence foster dignity and belonging. In addition to daily life in one of our homes, the student will have the opportunity to support our Community Engagement work by coordinating our biweekly virtual trivia gatherings, which bring together people with and without disabilities for fun, friendship, and connection. Depending on the student’s interests, additional time may be spent assisting with administrative or event-related tasks such as communication, planning, or logistics (no more than 8–10 hours per week).
Work Schedule
Students will typically serve Sunday through Thursday, with Fridays and Saturdays free. The weekly schedule will vary based on the activities and needs of the core members but will generally combine a mix of “routines” (what we call morning, afternoon, or evening shifts in the homes) and designated office hours to support community engagement or administrative work. Morning routines may include preparing breakfast, tidying common spaces, and accompanying core members to daytime activities. Afternoon and evening routines might involve meal preparation, shared recreation, or participating in community gatherings. Exact hours will be determined collaboratively to balance community needs and the student’s well-being, ensuring a full schedule of approximately 35–40 hours per week.
Orientation
Before arrival, students will participate in two Zoom meetings—one to introduce them to the mission and values of L’Arche Atlanta and another to review logistical and preparatory details for their summer placement. Upon arrival in Georgia, students will complete a state-required background check and fingerprinting process on their first day, as this must be done in-state. They will also receive an in-person orientation introducing them to our community life, values, and practical training on daily routines, communication practices, and safety procedures. During the summer, each student will have a designated supervisor based on their primary area of engagement. The Home Life Leader will supervise time spent in the homes, providing mentorship and reflection around community life and teamwork. The Community Engagement Manager will oversee work related to our community programming, such as coordinating virtual trivia or supporting events. Supervisors will meet with the student at least every other week to provide structured reflection, guidance, and ongoing support, ensuring the internship is both a meaningful learning experience and a positive contribution to community life.
Housing Information
Students will live in one of L’Arche Atlanta’s homes, where adults with and without intellectual disabilities share daily life together. The student will have a private bedroom with simple furnishings, including a bed, dresser, and closet. There are two private bathrooms on the same floor shared among household members. The home environment is warm, family-style, and centered around shared meals, mutual support, and belonging. As part of community life, students are expected to participate in household rhythms and community gatherings—joining for dinner in the home as often as possible and attending community events such as monthly potlucks, celebrations, and prayer or reflection times. These shared experiences are at the heart of L’Arche life, offering a unique opportunity to live and learn in a setting rooted in friendship, hospitality, and mutual care.
Student Preferences
Students who thrive at L’Arche Atlanta are flexible, patient, and open to learning through relationships. Extroverts in particular tend to flourish here, as much of the experience centers on shared meals, conversation, and community gatherings. A strong sense of curiosity about people and a willingness to enter into daily routines with humility and good humor are essential. Because community life can vary from day to day, adaptability and emotional maturity are important qualities. Independence and good communication skills will help the student navigate both home life and organizational tasks. Helpful skills include event planning, public speaking, or comfort with technology and social media—particularly for those supporting our community engagement efforts such as virtual trivia. Academic interests in disability studies, theology, psychology, social work, education, or nonprofit leadership may provide a meaningful lens for reflection and integration during the internship.
Start And End Dates
Eight consecutive weeks between May 17 and August 16, 2026.