Meaningful Work

Where will you a make a difference?

Volunteering at Innisfree Village brings the give and take of a lifesharing home and work environment with residents who have intellectual disabilities. Residents and volunteers participate side-by-side in a variety of workstations that can tap into their artistic energies at the bakery, community kitchen, farm, herb & vegetable gardens, the free school, weavery and woodshop. Benefits include a private room, all meals, a monthly stipend, wireless Internet, access to onsite fitness facility and an incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Now accepting applications from volunteers who can begin a year of service starting between the months of July and October. Read about a volunteer's experience at Innisfree »

The pay may be modest. The work is important. The satisfaction is incredible. Whether working in soup kitchens or family shelters, teaching and inspiring at-risk or disadvantaged youth, empowering the mentally ill, building houses for the poor, assisting the elderly or helping the fight against hunger, you'll find your options in this channel.

Your efforts may not immediately change the world or solve deep-rooted problems, but will serve as an ongoing commitment to helping others in need while promoting the integrity of creation. If you have a passion for service and are willing to go the extra mile to help a good cause, it's time to start making a difference—the world needs you!

In the Spotlight

Camphill Communities offer a life of celebration, service, and community building in which all members may flourish. Camphill staff, called coworkers, live and work alongside children, youth and adults with developmental and other disabilities in one of ten rural communities throughout the U.S. (California, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania) and Canada (British Columbia and Ontario). Since everyone in Camphill contributes to the community according to his or her ability, the work is varied. Work life may mean providing human support and caregiving, teaching a craft, working on the farm or garden, cooking wholesome food, engaging in the healing arts, or celebrating seasonal festivals together. Some coworkers come for a short-term experience, while others make it a long-term way of life. Coworkers with families are also welcome (a Waldorf education for long-term coworker children is provided). Benefits include room, board, medical insurance, a modest stipend, vacation time, and training and education in social therapy, organic and biodynamic agriculture, the healing arts and crafts; an AmeriCorps educational award of $5,550 is possible after a year of service. Prospective coworkers with a genuine interest in others, a willingness to do what is needed, flexibility, tolerance, and cheerfulness are eagerly sought by each community. Current volunteer opportunities for each Camphill community can be found online. Camphill.org

Camphill Communities: Coworker and resident sharing moments together.

Learn more about a Camphill Communities California coworker who found his place to help, change, and influence the lives of others while being submerged in a culture of genuine acceptance, love, caring, thought, idea and action.

Service Learning in Kentucky more

Are you flexible, cooperative, dependable, self-motivated and team-oriented? Based in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian counties, the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) helps foster self-sufficiency in individuals who are economically poor or otherwise marginalized. Volunteers are needed year-round to serve in a variety of programs, including child and family development centers, family advocacy, elderly services, housing and home repair, disaster relief, spouse abuse shelters, food pantry and more. In addition, volunteer camp counselors, lifeguards and nurses are especially needed every summer to staff two overnight summer camps. Volunteers live in intentional Christian community sharing meals, chores and prayers. Short-term service commitments are available from 3 weeks to 8 months, while long-term volunteers serve for a year. Benefits include room, board, training, support and spiritual retreats. Long-term volunteers also receive a stipend, health insurance and a potential AmeriCorps education award when available. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old; 21 for many positions. Apply online or call (800) 755-5322 for more information. The required application is thorough, and includes a background check and feedback from 3 references.

For those who want to do something about poverty in Eastern Kentucky, volunteer with the Christian Appalachian Project.

• Volunteering time and talent is a great way to make a difference in people's lives, make friends, visit new places, understand different cultures and learn more about yourself. CAP offers a variety of different service-oriented work experiences that fit most any need and interest.

Service Work Opportunities in Massachusetts more

With locations in the Boston suburbs and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Gould Farm is a compassionate, respectful family environment where people with mental illness learn to build more meaningful lives for themselves through work, recreation and community life. The services at the farm remain rooted in the belief that every person has something to contribute despite mental or emotional limitations. Serving as informal counselors, work team leaders and role models, most staff and volunteers engage small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run this 600-acre farm. In order to provide the most fulfilling experience, volunteers are asked to be flexible and work on several areas of the farm, which may include gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, restaurant & retail management, childcare, administration, maintenance, and/or residential support. Boston area program staff live in a smaller community and provide support, guidance, and advocacy for clients who are well on their way to leading more independent lives. A minimum commitment of 12 months is necessary, with opportunities available throughout the year. Benefits include a monthly stipend, housing in private rooms, wholesome meals and full medical coverage. Mature, well-rounded and people-oriented individuals who are interested in learning and living in a therapeutic community are encouraged to apply. GouldFarm.org

NOW HIRING a Kitchen Work Team Leader
• Reporting to the Kitchen Manager, the Kitchen Work Team Leader will assist in the successful operation of the Gould Farm kitchen facility, which feeds approximately 60 to 100 people per day, three meals per day. Responsibilities also include assisting with the general operations of the kitchen including maintenance of a clean, safety conscious and efficient work environment, leadership of the guest work program, and assisting in meal planning and nutrition.

• The unique spirit that resides in the rural community lifestyle at Gould Farm offers both meaningful work coupled with recreation, singing, music, crafts and a celebration of nature and life.

Residential Internships in New Mexico more

Are you looking for a unique experience with an innovative program that will shape your life forever? Serving thousands of homeless men, women and families, St. Elizabeth Shelter creates an atmosphere of loving concern that respects the dignity of each individual and provides the homeless with hope for the future. Case management, transitional and educational programs are provided—helping many to achieve independent living. Residential Interns are responsible for most of the hands-on operation of the shelter, ranging from assisting homeless guests, organizing meals, processing donations, providing case management and maintaining the facilities. St. E's also strives to facilitate an internship experience that will bring a mutually satisfying experience for both the intern and the residents. Positions are available full-time from 6-12 months with flexible start dates. Benefits include a $6/hour wage, housing (in a fully-furnished private suite above the shelter with shared living/kitchen space), food allowance and training in crisis resolution, mediation and nonprofit management. Those who commit for one year will also receive health and dental insurance. Applicants must have a high school degree and two years of college or work experience and be willing to work hard at helping the homeless. Spanish language ability and prior work in the social services field is a plus. Apply at steshelter.org.

A prospective intern was hoping to find an entrée into the social work field, to learn about operating a nonprofit, and to obtain some experience in case management. Sarah Dolan's internship journey at St. Elizabeth Shelter explores how the expectations were fulfilled beyond her wildest dreams.

Make a Difference in Texas more

Camp Summit is a traditional camp for children and adults (ranging in age from 6 to 99 years old!) with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Barrier-free outdoor camp experiences that promote personal growth and foster independence include a specially designed swimming pool, an adapted tree house, playground and ropes challenge course, horseback riding, sensory garden, covered outdoor gymnasium, fishing pond, and lodge with fireplace. Seasonal staff positions include Counselors, Unit Leaders, Rovers, Nurses, Kitchen Staff, a Program Director and Activity Directors in the following areas: Arts & Crafts, Horses/Wrangler, Kaleidoscope, Nature, Pool, Ropes Course, and Sports & Games. Job opportunities are available during the summer months (mid-May to mid-August) or the fall season (mid-September to mid-November). A commitment for the entire season is preferred, and applicants must be able to commit to at least five consecutive weeks. Benefits include a salary (starting at $200/week), room and board, free laundry facilities, and an intensive week of instructional and hands-on training. Experience working with a special needs population is not necessary; however, a desire to work with these special campers is a must! Fill out the online application or contact Nikki Hastad for more info.

SUMMER AND FALL Employment Alert
• Now seeking staff for both the summer and/or fall seasons—apply now!

At Camp Summit you will have the opportunity to gain experience working with a variety of people with a wide range of disabilities.

• Camp Summit provides an incredible opportunity for growth, fun, resume building, memories, and impacting the lives of remarkable campers who have a wide range of disabilities. One season will change your life.

Share Your Talents in Vermont more

Located on 600 acres in Vermont's Green Mountains, surrounded by woods, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, and near the pristine serenity of Spring Lake, Spring Lake Ranch is a therapeutic residential community with a common purpose to engage in the lives of others and the life of the land; and in so doing, to engage more fully in our own lives.

House Advisors/Crew Leaders live and work alongside residents, leading the wide variety of tasks that keep the Ranch running through every season of the year: care of the farm animals, working in the garden, bringing in hay, shoveling snow, chopping wood, pressing apple cider, cutting ice from the lake, building furniture, producing maple syrup, clearing trails, and helping with the ongoing tasks of cooking, cleaning, sewing, and repairing. Benefits include $297/week, private accommodation within a Ranch residence, all meals, full health and dental insurance, three weeks' paid vacation (first year), 10 days paid sick time yearly, educational opportunities, use of all Ranch facilities including: laundry, linen service, woodshop, auto shop, pottery studio, art room, sewing room, computers, and lake front with private dock and canoes; plus the many less tangible benefits that come from living and working in a close-knit community. House Advisors make an initial commitment of six months to one year and many apply to stay longer. SpringLakeRanch.org

Spring Lake Ranch: Perspectives from House Advisors

Engage in the lives of others and the life of the land. Share your skills, talents and warmth with a diverse community of people trying to lead more fulfilling lives. Play in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Learn about becoming a Shadow Warrior or how the team contributes a steady stream of energy, creativity, enthusiasm for residents at Spring Lake Ranch.

Find Your Calling in Virginia more

Set in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Innisfree Village is celebrating its 40th year as a lifesharing community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Coworkers and residential volunteers work together on this 550-acre farm in a model therapeutic environment emphasizing empowerment, interdependence and mutual respect of all community members. Serving as houseparents, Volunteers live together with coworkers in family-style homes throughout the village. After a one-month orientation period, responsibilities include cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping, and finances of the house as well as caring for the personal needs of each coworker. Volunteers are also engaged in therapeutic and meaningful work in the bakery, community kitchen, farm, herb & vegetable gardens, the free school, weavery and woodshop.

Benefits include a private room, all meals, a monthly stipend of $265, 15 paid vacation days, access to onsite fitness facility, WiFi access, medical insurance and two consecutive days off per week. Fifteen to twenty people, all with various backgrounds and nationalities, are needed each year. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, able to make a one-year commitment and be patient, empathetic, flexible and positive. Applications are accepted throughout the year; a visit to Innisfree prior to applying as a volunteer is strongly recommended. InnisfreeVillage.org

Volunteer Caregiver Alert—Now Hiring!
• Now seeking 4-5 volunteers for positions beginning between the months of July and October 2013. There is a greater need for male applicants, a one-year commitment of service is necessary, and preference is given to those who have at least three years of driving experience and a clean driving record. Apply now »

Innisfree volunteers are engaged in therapeutic and meaningful work in the bakery, community kitchen, farm, herb & vegetable gardens, the free school, weavery and woodshop.

Volunteering at Innisfree Village brings the give and take of a lifesharing home and work environment with residents who have intellectual disabilities. Learn how the community empowered Lisa G. to find a new way to move through the world while volunteering again and again and again.

Meaningful Volunteer Placements Worldwide more

Use your talents to help change the world.

InterExchange Working Abroad offers challenging and rewarding volunteer placements in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Ghana, India (Goa, Himachal Pradesh & Rajasthan), Peru and South Africa.

•	Teach English and assist local camp counselors with sports and art activities at a summer camp in Ecuador.
•	Work on after-school projects or volunteer at a museum or zoo in Peru.
•	Educate local people about human rights, teach underprivileged children of migrant farm workers or teach computer and English skills in India.
•	Teach and care for orphaned or neglected children or assist with HIV/AIDS education programs in Ghana.

Many more options are available and all programs include volunteer placement, housing, meals, social and cultural activities, as well as a local support and supervision. Programs in Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica and Peru may include a four-week Spanish language course.

Evidence of Humanity: inspiring people and organizations changing our world

Learn more about the volunteer experience in Peru with Cross-Cultural Solutions

Adventure to Peru through the eyes of a volunteer's experience with Cross-Cultural Solutions. You will be a part of something bigger than yourself—serving mankind and fanning a flame of hope and joy that for so many has grown faint.

Through an extensive leadership and service training program, AMIGOS volunteers jump in with head, heart and hands to contribute to sustainable health, education and environmental service projects in one of seven Latin American countries. Read more more about a volunteer's experience in Paraguay or Uruguay.

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