I have been connected to L'Arche for over 30 years. The model of community is not for everyone,but those who choose it, find transformation, not only in their own life but also in the lives of those who they support and those who choose to live in community with them. People who come to L'Arche and stay, have an innate capacity that goes beyond the mind set of a 'job'. This is NOT a distinction of 'better than' someone who just wants a job that they do and leave..it extends to a personality type that thrives on mutuality in relationship and one that has a different perception of what it means to share life..Aside from the Etherial aspect of what Jean Vanier created, the model of L'Arche challenges the paradigm of what society believes should be a separation of work and home life, never mind the grey lines of professional boundaries.. What L'Arche and living in a L'Arche home offers, is a sustainable example of family and values.People share a history and are there to advocate for each other. People with disabilities in the homes have people in their lives that KNOW them..Turnover in developmental services is high and results in on-going grief and loss as staff come and go..Rejection has already played a significant role in the lives of people we support who came from Institutions. There is room for what L'Arche has offered and continues to offer for those seeking a place of belonging. We all define community in many different ways and we are only now being more open to the definition of a chosen family.. Equity and Employment standards are playing a role in how we in Canada are re-shaping how L'Arche can maintain the integrity of its core values while at the same time, keep current with changing guidelines and attitudes to what supported housing and staffing arrangements should or could be improved to reflect quality of care and of life. I am not sure the impact, if any, my thoughts and comments will have o this process e dept to say that L'Arche has a voice and a perspective that other developmental service agencies listen to and often emulate in moving forward with person centred practices..a practice I am sure all agree would like if they were the one who was seeking service and support would gravitate towards.