Our Daily Life at Innisfree Village
At the heart of the Innisfree experience are coworkers—men and women with intellectual 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 20 full-time residential volunteers who come from all over the world to share a year of their lives with us. The fifteen members of our permanent staff began their time at Innisfree as volunteers and have been here from 5 to 25 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 intellectual 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 81! 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 designated as a Life Sharing Community 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.^ BACK TO TOP

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 $60,000 capital contribution is required upon the completion of a successful trial period. Tuition for 2009 is $2962 a month. ^ BACK TO TOP