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Our Daily Life
at Innisfree Village
At the heart of the Innisfree
experience are coworkers—men and women with mental
disabilities. Coworkers live in one of our eleven homes,
where each has his or her own room. There are usually
three to eight coworkers living in a house, along with
two to four
volunteers. Innisfree is home to 38 coworkers and 12
full-time residential volunteers who come from all over
the world to share a year of their lives with us. The
ten members of our permanent staff began their time
at Innisfree as volunteers and have been here from 5
to 22 years, providing stability and a strong sense
of continuity for coworkers as well as excellent training
of new volunteers.
Innisfree welcomes young people
with a variety of mental disabilities between the ages
of 21 and 35. Once accepted it is assumed that Innisfree
will be home for most of one's adult life. Our oldest
community member is 83! Should a coworker's medical
needs become greater with aging, they may no longer be
able to remain in the community. Coworkers who need more
medical attention or those who become harmful to
themselves or others must find alternative placement.
The rhythm of weekday activities
revolves around participation in cooperative, therapeutic,
productive tasks. Volunteers and coworkers work side
by side in the woodshop, weavery, organic gardens, community
kitchen, and bakery. We are known throughout the area
for the fine quality and utility of our products.
When the busiest part of the day
winds down, community members have the opportunity to
participate in sports, pottery, fitness, yoga or music.
Later in the day people return home to help prepare
dinner, catch up on the news, or rest. Evenings are
spent visiting with friends, watching TV, attending
art club, or pursuing other hobbies. Each month the
activity committee, made up of volunteers and coworkers,
plans special activities that might include dances,
movie or game nights, and trips to places of interest.
There are many excellent doctors,
psychiatrists, neurologists and therapists in the Charlottesville
area, at the Martha Jefferson Hospital and the University
of Virginia Hospital. We will work with you to ensure
the health, safety, and well-being of your family member
while in residence at Innisfree.
A town living arrangement is possible
for those who are interested in and able to take advantage
of public transportation and supported employment. Two
houses in Charlottesville with room for three coworkers
and two volunteers in each are currently full.
Innisfree is licensed by the Department
of Social Services, Commonwealth of Virginia. Our volunteers
receive extensive training in first aid, CPR, house
management, nutrition, and medication assistance.
We offer a secure, wholesome, and
friendly environment. Community members experience the
warmth and intimacy of home life and the opportunity
to develop lasting friendships in a setting that values
interdependence, mutual respect, and creativity. We
welcome family members' visits and encourage you to
take your family member home during special holidays.
The best way to understand our community is to come
for a visit! If you plan to be in the area, please call
to arrange a weekday tour.^
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Admissions
After an initial tour, the admissions
process begins with a two-week visit in one of our homes.
During that time we are able to determine the needs
of the individual and whether or not Innisfree would
be a good fit. If that visit is successful, the coworker
is invited for a six-month trial period. Prior to
acceptance, each prospective family is asked to make a
presentation to the admissions committee showing a good
faith effort to provide its dedication and commitment of
assets to the potential coworker disproportionate to
other obligations. A $57,500 entry fee is required upon
the completion of a successful trial period. Tuition for
2008 is $2800 a month. ^
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