Jean Vanier is the founder of L'Arche, an international organization which creates communities where people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them share life together. He is the son of the 19th Governor General of Canada, Major-General Georges Vanier, and was born in Geneva, Switzerland while his father was on diplomatic service for Canada. In his youth and during World War II he served with the Royal Navy and then with the Royal Canadian Navy. As a midshipman, Vanier accompanied the Royal Family on their tour of South Africa aboard HMS Vanguard in 1947.
In 1964, through Vanier's friendship with a Dominican order priest, Father Thomas Philippe, he became aware of the plight of thousands of people institutionalized with developmental disabilities. Although L'Arche communities are found in many different cultures and reflect the ethnic and religious composition of the locales in which they exist, they share a common philosophy and approach. The goal of L'Arche is to bring together people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them to live and work to create homes, recognizing one another’s unique value and gifts.
In recognition of his contributions and humanness to the marginalized, Jean Vanier has received numerous distinctions and awards including the Companion of the Order of Canada and the Legion of Honour (France).
Web Site: Official Web Site
