No Time Limits on Dreams: Welcoming Vivian to the L’Arche Family!

Vivian was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, but Atlanta has been her home for the past 12 years. While she loved LA, the high cost of living motivated her to make a change. Leaving behind a solid job at United Health Care, Vivian decided it was time to head south—embracing the affordability, warmth, and Southern charm that Atlanta has to offer.

Since moving to Georgia, Vivian has worked in a few different roles. She served as a financial counselor at Northside Hospital and has worked extensively with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). At DFCS, she was both a behavioral aid (a demanding role that often had her working seven days a week for months at a time) and a member of the permanency program team. For Vivian, the permanency side of DFCS was rewarding as it gave her the opportunity to walk alongside children for longer periods of time, build meaningful relationships, and support them through the foster care system.

While Vivian found value in social work, she knew that moving forward in the field meant taking her education to the next level. She was accepted into Georgia State University’s Master of Social Work program, specializing in community outreach. It is through this program that her path crossed with ours!

Vivian will be interning with L’Arche for the academic year, helping to expand some of our new initiatives. Her primary focus will be identifying community-based events, groups, and programs where our core members and the wider I/DD community can explore specific hobbies and meet others with similar interests. Through this work, she hopes to help them establish deeper, sustainable relationships outside of their home communities.

When asked why she chose L’Arche, Vivian shared:

“I wanted to gain experience working with individuals with I/DD. I like to go out of my comfort zone because I feel that is how you can make the most impact. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the different personalities within L’Arche and exploring daily life and interests with everyone.“

Vivian’s schedule is slightly busy!  Between teaching a class of GSU freshmen, navigating graduate school, interning at L’Arche, and raising her children, her days are packed. I asked Vivian what keeps her motivated and inspired when her schedule feels completely overwhelming.

“Two things,” Vivian replied. “I’m doing all this to remind others what can be done, especially when we’ve been told so many times that it can’t. And, I want to be an example for my children. They need to understand there is no time frame or time limit for getting what you want and pursuing your dreams.”

When Vivian has a free moment, you can find her reading on her Kindle, cheering on the New Orleans Saints, or catching a flight to somewhere new—even if it’s just for a quick trip.

We are grateful for Vivian’s passion and desire to join our L’Arche community. We are excited to learn and grow alongside each other this year!