Stacie Swanson, Ananda

by Josie Ruiz, Ananda House Leader

Stacie entered the L’Arche Tahoma Hope Community on October 10, 1988.  She lived at Anawim house until the spring of 2003 then moved into Ananda house. Prior to moving, Stacie visited Ananda occasionally for tea and dance parties or sleepovers, giving her much familiarity with the people there.  For the first few months after she moved, she was reluctant to visit Anawim because she somehow knew she belonged at Ananda. Stacie has done several jobs in community such as papermaking on the farm, showing her artistic painting skills at Noah’s workshop and showing her love for people and kids at Puyallup playcare.

Now Stacie mostly spends her days making people smile and filling hearts with silly songs and laughter.Stacie has a way of making us miss her even after one day. There aren’t enough words to express how much Stacie means to the community and everyone she meets. We are so blessed here at Ananda to get to live this wonderful and crazy life by her side.

Robin Benedict, Farmhouse

by Xavier McIves, Farmhouse House Leader

Robin Benedict is a Farmhouse assistant who has been at L’Arche Tahoma Hope for three and a half years! He’s been Farmhouse’s trusty house shopper for three of those years, almost the entire time he’s been an assistant. Before coming to L’Arche Tahoma Hope he was an assistant at L’Arche Portland for two and a half years, starting in August of 2016 – meaning Robin’s been a part of L’Arche for almost a decade. Before joining L’Arche, Robin worked at a day program for developmentally disabled folks in Chicago.

Robin has attended 4 L’Arche retreats and regional gatherings in his time with L’Arche. His favorite was a “Long-Term Assistant Enrichment Retreat” at an abbey in Kansas.

Robin is passionate about working with the folks in our community and is always a strong voice of advocacy for Core Member power and choice. He sees the work of support as a sharing of life and an opportunity to help people live their best lives.

When he’s not at Farmhouse, Robin is an avid hiker and spends most of his time outdoors.

Do you know someone like Robin who would make a great assistant? Are you someone like that? We are hiring! Click the link for the details and reach out about joining our team.