Assistants coming to L'Arche Antigonish for the first time are asked to come for an initial transition period of three months. At this point in time an evaluation will take place and if the person is affirmed in their role as an assistant they are asked to give a one to two year commitment. During this transition period new assistants will participate in a number of talks and reflections on the philosophy of L'Arche and the responsibilities of being an assistant. An assistant's responsibilities will vary widely according to the needs of the core members. Growing as a team together through meetings and opportunities for sharing is an important part of an assistant's life.
Teams take time each week for planning and sharing in order to build supportive relationships.
The unity of the team has a direct impact on the unity in the home. Assistants are also expected to attend and contribute to various community meetings and events. Much of the community's well-being depends on the gratuity of freely giving of each person's talents and energies. These activities are to be appropriate, meaningful, dignified, integrated and individualized. Work assistants are part of a team that consists of the LEAP coordinator and other assistants.