Innisfree Village is a residential, lifesharing community with adults who have an intellectual disability. Residents (also known as coworkers) and volunteers live together on a 550-acre farm set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the university town of Charlottesville, Virginia. At the heart of the Innisfree experience is lifesharing among Innisfree's more than 75 coworkers, volunteer caregivers, and long-term staff. Life sharing at Innisfree means that coworkers and their caregivers live, work, and play together, sharing the joys, sorrows, satisfactions, and frustrations of everyday living. In this close-knit environment, everyone learns from each other and community members can develop profound, lifelong relationships. 2011 was a milestone year for Innisfree—celebrating 40 years of lifesharing community! |
| What You'll Be Doing |
Full-time Volunteer Caregivers are the special ingredient that sets Innisfree apart from any institution, whether public or private. A two-to-one ratio of residents to volunteer caregivers is maintained in order to foster a sense of community "with," not "for" adults with intellectual disabilities. Volunteering is an essential part of life sharing Innisfree's caregivers are volunteers who forgo traditional employment in the mental-health field, which can advocate detachment between caregivers and care receivers. They choose life sharing instead because they are seeking a way of life, not a typical job. As a live-in volunteer caregiver, you will manage Innisfree households and provide personal care to the coworkers who live there. Responsibilities include serving as a houseparent with other volunteer caregivers, ensuring the daily care, health, and human rights of Innisfree's coworkers; working in work stations three or four days a week; helping make community decisions at regular meetings; and participating in committees that may include topics on activities, volunteer acceptance, car care and clothing closet.
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The Daily Rhythms |
Crafts from Innisfree's weavery and woodshop are sold in select area stores, at craft fairs, and through Innisfree's online store. Granola from Innisfree's bakery is sold at local gourmet stores, and bread from the bakery is enjoyed at Innisfree community meals and in Innisfree houses. Organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers from Innisfree's gardens are used at Innisfree gatherings and residential houses and are sold through a community-supported agriculture project called Innisfree Community Gardens. When workstations end in the mid-afternoon, community members have the opportunity to participate in fitness activities, music therapy, art therapy, pottery, and paper-making. Meanwhile at home, other community members help prepare dinner, learn the challenges of house cleaning or doing their own laundry, and generally become more independent in caring for themselves. At night and on weekends, special events draw out individuals who want to relax and have fun. Among regular events are movie night, potluck dinners, themed dances, and summer barbecues by the swimming pool. These activities enrich the shared sense of community among all who call Innisfree home. It is often at these gatherings that the joy and wonder of the Innisfree lifestyle is most keenly felt. |
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Perks & Rewards |
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The Essentials |
Innisfree does not require volunteer caregiver applicants to have experience working with people with disabilities or in specific workstation areas. On-the-job training is provided. |
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| Your First Move |
To begin the application process, contact Rhonda Miska for a brief pre-screening interview to discuss your interest in volunteering at Innisfree. After this interview, you may request an information packet and application to be sent via mail. Along with a completed application, you will need to arrange a two to three day visit. This will include a tour of Innisfree; meeting coworkers, volunteer caregivers, and long-term staff; working in different workstations with coworkers; experiencing lunch at the community center and dinner in one or more community houses; and having an overnight in a community house. International applicants must obtain a Class B visa to enter the United States. Visits are not required for potential volunteers coming from abroad. Now accepting applications from volunteers who can begin a year of service starting between February and June 2012. |
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Connections |
Rhonda Miska (434) 823-5400
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Navigation |
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The rhythm of weekdays revolves around cooperative, therapeutic workstations that include a 
