LARC – Developmental Disabilities Services

For more than six decades, LARC has quietly served one of the most important missions in Acadiana—supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and helping them live meaningful, independent lives. On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Nicole Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of LARC, along with Karon Davis, Marketing Director, to learn how this remarkable nonprofit touches hundreds of lives every day. Founded over 60 years ago by parents who wanted better opportunities for their children with disabilities, LARC has grown into a multifaceted organization providing day programs, residential services, community support, and employment opportunities. Today, more than 150 individuals participate in LARC’s day program on any given day, building life skills, forming friendships, and engaging in activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Nicole Harrison’s own journey with LARC began 13 years ago when she started as a Direct Support Worker, working directly with individuals in their homes. A Lafayette native and graduate of Comeaux High School, Nicole says the organization’s mission is deeply personal. “LARC is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to live a meaningful, independent and fulfilling life.” Participants attend weekday programs where they choose activities that match their interests and abilities. The campus features ten different classrooms and activity spaces, including a movie room, music room, recreation room, computer lab, and two bingo rooms—because as Nicole notes, “Everyone loves bingo. So we actually had to convert one of our other rooms into a bingo room. So now we have two bingo rooms.” The day begins with transportation provided by LARC, bringing participants to campus where they check into their “homeroom” before exploring the activities they enjoy most. A hot meal is available through the St. Ann’s cafeteria, where individuals can choose among several lunch options before continuing with afternoon activities or relaxing outdoors under the gazebo, often dancing to music and enjoying time with friends. LARC serves individuals across the full spectrum of intellectual disability, from mild to profound, and staff members work with each participant to promote independence through personalized goals. Even small achievements can represent powerful milestones. “Once they complete it at 100%, that’s like a huge milestone for them… it’s a satisfaction for them.” Beyond the day program, LARC also provides community support services, helping individuals who live independently or with family members by assisting with transportation, appointments, and daily living needs. The organization operates ten group homes, including four in Lafayette and six in the Zachary area, where staff provide 24-hour care and support. “We have individuals with mild intellectual disabilities that may hold a job in the community… and others who may need assistance with activities of daily living,” Nicole explained. One of the most visible parts of LARC’s mission is its employment programs. The organization partners with local businesses to provide supported jobs for participants. In addition, LARC operates Mardi Gras Beads-N-More, where donated parade beads are sorted and resold. providing both employment and income for the program. “When the parade goers donate their beads back, it provides our individuals with the opportunity for employment. It gives them employment and empowerment and independence because they can earn their own paycheck.” Visitors often encounter LARC’s work at Acadian Village, the historic cultural site owned and operated by the organization. The village serves as a major fundraising arm for LARC and hosts weddings, events, tours, and the beloved Noel Acadien au Village Christmas celebration, which draws more than 50,000 visitors each year. Karon Davis explains that Acadian Village exists thanks to community generosity. The land was donated by a local couple raising a niece with special needs, while historic homes were moved to the site to preserve Acadiana’s heritage. “At the core of this are parents that back over 60 years ago; the only option they had was to institutionalize their child. They got together, formed a group.” The village now serves as both a cultural destination and a critical source of support for LARC’s programs. LARC’s Acadian Village offers New Hope Chapel as a wedding venue to help create a magical moment. The New Hope Chapel is a non-denominational facility and a stunning replica of an 1850s Acadian-style church, with seating for up to 95 guests. The Bridal Suite at Acadian Village offers the perfect private space for the bride and her bridal party to relax, laugh, sip champagne, and get dolled up before walking down the aisle. Contact [email protected] or 337-981-2364 opt. 8 to learn more. Pictured: the LeBlanc House One of the popular homes to visit onsite at Acadian Village is the LeBlanc House, built between 1821 and 1856 near Youngsville. The LeBlanc house is the birthplace of Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc. Cajun politician and entrepreneur. “Couzan Dud” LeBlanc was born on August 16, 1894. In 1924, LeBlanc was elected a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, and served as State Senator from 1940 to 1944, 1948 to 1952, and in 1964. In 1945 he established the Happy Day Company, which manufactured the popular Hadacol brand health tonic; with 12 percent alcohol, it guaranteed to cure all ills. LeBlanc promoted Hadacol extensively, sometimes using major entertainers as spokespersons. An active Cajun culture preservationist, LeBlanc served as president of the Association of Louisiana Acadians, and in the late 1960s helped to establish CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana). He authored three books: The True Story of the Acadians (1927); The Improved Version (1932); and The Acadian Miracle (1966, a revised and expanded version of his first book). LeBlanc appealed to political supporters via radio in Cajun French, at a time when Cajun French was rarely heard on radio. He died on October 22, 1971, and was buried in Abbeville. The LeBlanc exhibit contains memorabilia from the life and times of “Couzan Dud.” Throughout the conversation, Nicole and Karon emphasize that the organization is sustained not only by staff but also by volunteers, donors, and the broader community. LARC welcomes donations of art supplies, office materials, clothing, and even cardboard for creative classroom projects. Volunteers also help with gardening, events, and special activities for participants. Nicole says the most rewarding part of her work is advocating for the people LARC serves. “The most fulfilling part of what I do is being an advocate for them, because when they can’t speak or defend themselves, I can.” Karon Davis echoes the deep sense of purpose that motivates everyone involved with the organization: “As a parent, I think I would I would like to know that my children would be taken care of. And I think that’s the most important part of our mission, caring for people that can’t take care of themselves, but also giving those parents peace of mind that they’re going to be okay. And we love them. I mean, they would they give us is much more than we give them. But they’re well taken care of and they’re well loved.” And perhaps the most powerful lesson LARC teaches is about love, community, and human connection. “Everything is beautiful to them. It’s truly unconditional love. They just don’t care what you look like.” From employment programs to residential care, from the bead shop to Acadian Village’s Christmas lights, LARC continues to demonstrate what happens when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. As Karon puts it simply: “There’s no other place like it.” Learn more about LARC:Noel Acadien au Village is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. LARC’s Acadian Village is located at 200 Greenleaf Drive in Lafayette. Visit www.lafayettelarc.org for ticket information and more details.Facebook: LARC Lafayette | Acadian Village | Noel Acadien au Village LARC welcomes volunteers, donations, and community engagement. Businesses and organizations interested in tours, partnerships, or service projects are encouraged to reach out.