We’re still growing! Brooke, who has been living at Laurel since July of last year, has now become a full-time member of our community. We welcome her with enthusiasm and look forward to her involvement in our village. Her parents Andi and Glenn visited in January to celebrate this milestone. We look forward to our connection with Brooke’s whole family. WELCOME BROOKE.

Though mailed on November 1, 2011, many of our friends have told us they did not receive our Annual Appeal mailing and newsletter via the US Postal Service. You can take a look at our 2011 Annual Appeal Village Voice on line by clicking NEWSLETTER in the upper right hand corner of our home page…and you can also donate directly by clicking on the DONATE button, also in the upper right.

Thank you for all of you who came to our Open House and made this day a great success.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from ALL of US at INNISFREE.

December 10th

10am – 5pm

A day filled with fun!!!

We offer a wreath-making workshop,

Refreshments, Tours of Innisfree Village and Children’s activities.

Crafts for sale from our weavery, woodshop, pottery, bakery and gardens.

Advance registration and fee required for Wreath-making workshop.

For more information or to register for the workshop, please call 434-823-5646

Last October 16th was a very special date in the 40 year history of Innisfree. More than 350 people gathered on a golden day to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Innisfree. Check out pictures from the 40th by clicking on photos in the upper right hand corner of our home page. Terri Allard came to perform under the tent on this fabulous day, too. Check out her blog telling about her many year connection to Innisfree at Charlottesville Inside-Out

You can still order a 40th Anniversary Memory book if you haven’t yet. See the details below.

And our tennis champs keep making the news! Chris and Jon were interviewed on Channel 19 on November 1. Check out their form and watch them hit a few with the pros! VNB tournament to Benefit Special Olympics

See if you can figure out “Who’s Who” … Look at our Halloween characters and goblins in our Halloween photo album.

In honor of our 40th anniversary, we compiled a commemorative history of Innisfree. This 60+ page full color book captures our beginnings and celebrates our today.

You can order one (or more) of these wonderful mementos by sending your order to 40thbook@innisfreevillage.org. Consider giving a book to members of your family and your friends to share the story of Innisfree.

Here is a taste of life at Innisfree, in song:

Warning!

This archived news item is from 2010!

Saturday, December 11

10:00 AM—5:00 PM

Crafts for sale from Innisfree’s weavery, bakery, woodshop, pottery, and gardens. Plus children’s activities, tours of Innisfree Village, refreshments, workshops, and more!

Wreath-Making Workshop

1:00 PM

$35 (includes all materials). Advance registration required.

Sign up now!

For more information, directions, or to sign up for a workshop, call 434-823-5646.

By Rachana Dixit
Published: September 06, 2010, The Daily Progress

Emily Graves walked up to the closed metal gate and, looking between its bars, said hello to the cow staring back at her.

“What does the cow say?” Fluvanna County resident Pam Graves said to her 2-year-old daughter, who quickly replied, “Moooooo.” (more …)

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 (also known as coworkers) to volunteer caregivers is maintained in order to foster a sense of community “with,” not “for” adults with intellectual disabilities.

This therapeutic model is at the heart of Innisfree’s philosophy. Volunteer caregivers receive a small monthly stipend. they do not come to Innisfree intending only to care for persons with intellectual disabilities, rather they join a community to share their lives.

Volunteer caregivers from all over the world come to Innisfree for a minimum of one year, while some stay on to make it their home for much longer. No matter how long they stay, volunteer caregivers are committed to creating a setting where each person is treated with dignity and respect. All community members are challenged and encouraged to grow, give and receive support, and have the opportunity to both teach and learn!