FAQs

What are you looking for in a volunteer?

In our experience, the most successful volunteers possess the following: patience, a desire to live in rural community setting, a sense of humor, compassion and empathy, a positive attitude, the ability to work as part of a team, good communication skills, and an ability to deal with challenges in a mature manner.

Is previous experience living or working with adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities necessary?

No, prior experience living or working with adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities is not necessary to volunteer with Innisfree Village. While previous experience might be a plus, Innisfree provides training and support to all volunteers to ensure they can effectively contribute to our community regardless of their background or experience.

More often than not, most of our volunteers come to Innisfree with no prior experience and soon discover the incredible opportunities for self discovery and personal growth as they learn the needed skills to be a volunteer and caregiver. We do ask that our volunteers come ready with an attitude of patience, adaptability, and openness, as well as a sense of humor, all key traits for a volunteer to successfully support and care for the individuals to whom they are responsible. 

Does Innisfree offer shorter volunteer terms? Longer terms? 

We ask our residential volunteers to commit to at least one year of meaningful service at Innisfree. This allows our volunteers to learn, grow, and develop into their caregiving role while also acclimating to community culture and dynamics. Because we emphasize the importance of developing meaningful connections and relationships with residents and other community members, a year long commitment facilitates this while also giving volunteers a more fulfilling experience.

After 10 months, if a volunteer is interested in extending their time beyond one year, they are eligible to submit a written proposal to extend that the community will consider. After gathering community input, the volunteer application committee meets to decide on the proposal. We do value having longer-term volunteers at Innisfree.

What is a coworker? 

We use the term coworker for any individual with an intellectual or developmental disability who lives as a resident at Innisfree Village. 

Do you accept international volunteers? How do I obtain a visa?

Yes, we regularly accept volunteers from around the world! The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have created more challenges with international volunteers being able to join us, therefore, we currently accept a limited number of international applications per year. Volunteers who have a current and valid B1/B2 visa as well as those whose home country falls under the U.S. Visa Waiver are more likely to be selected as candidates.

Volunteers must apply for a B1 or B2 visa in order to join us. Once a volunteer has applied and been accepted, Innisfree provides documentation for the volunteer’s visa interview at their corresponding U.S. consulate/embassy. If the request is denied by the embassy, unfortunately, Innisfree cannot appeal or assist in changing the embassy’s decision.

Can I come for an in-person visit? 

We encourage in person visits as much as possible for potential U.S. candidates. Once a volunteer has successfully completed their application and interview, usually a visit is encouraged. This includes either a one day visit and tour, or a more extensive 2-3 day overnight visit. To learn more about in person visits, click here

Can I bring my family with me if I volunteer at Innisfree Village?

Innisfree welcomes families to apply, however, due to limited space in the village for families, we consider these applications on a case by case basis. 

Do I need to be able to speak English? 

Yes, volunteers must be able to effectively communicate in English. A volunteer who is not completely fluent in English must have moderate to advanced conversation skills and comprehension. While volunteers have ample opportunity to continue improving their English skills at Innisfree, being able to communicate effectively in English greatly enhances the volunteer experience, as it facilitates interaction with coworkers who may have limited communication skills themselves as well as a smoother coordination and understanding with other volunteers and staff. 

Will I be paid? 

Volunteers do not receive a salary or wage for their volunteer participation and service.

For the duration of a volunteer commitment, Innisfree provides each volunteer with room and board and meals, along with a modest monthly stipend to offset personal expenses only.

Will I receive health insurance? 

Currently, Innisfree can only provide basic health insurance for U.S. volunteers. International volunteers are encouraged to purchase a modest travel insurance policy that will provide basic medical care coverage in case of an emergency. Innisfree does however, have potential funds available to both U.S. and international volunteers under emergency circumstances. 

Are there travel costs? 

Yes, each volunteer is responsible for covering their travel expenses in order to join us; i.e. airfare, and/or car/train/bus transportation. This includes arrival and departure costs once a volunteer’s commitment is complete. Innisfree does offer pick up and drop off at major transportation hubs. 

I am a new volunteer arriving soon, what do I need to bring with me? 

There are a few essentials you’ll want to bring along. Firstly, make sure to pack comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for outdoor activities and potentially varied weather conditions as it is usually hot and humid in the summer and cold (and sometimes snowy) in the winter in Virginia. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring any necessary personal items such as toiletries, medications, and any specific items you might need to make your stay more comfortable. Bedrooms comes fully furnished with bed, storage, closets, desk, etc, and your house will also be stocked with linens, kitchenware, and other household items. 

What is the training like?

The first month for a volunteer is called a “trial period.” During the first 4-6 weeks of arrival, volunteers will have various trainings and orientations that will equip them to serve in their homes, workstations, and the overall community. Training will include a rotation through workstations, thorough in-house training of daily routines, personal care, and house management. Medical training is also included with medication administration orientations, discussions on disabilities, challenging behaviors, and medical histories. Community-wide orientations include the history and mission of Innisfree, community guidelines and policies, as well as financial training. At the end of the trial period, each volunteer will have an informal evaluation to check on the status of their training and overall community experience. It is during this check-in that volunteers confirm their one-year commitment to service.

What kinds of care are Innisfree volunteers expected to provide?

Coworkers require different levels of personal care. Our volunteers play a crucial role in providing support to coworkers with personal care tasks such as bathing, toileting, dressing, toothbrushing, and more. Through their dedication and empathy, our volunteers ensure that our coworkers receive the individualized care and attention they deserve, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment within our community. Training is provided, and volunteers are not expected to assume these responsibilities immediately upon arrival. Volunteers are expected to have a willingness to learn and perform these skills while developing trust and rapport with the coworkers in their care.

Our volunteers also play a vital role in providing emotional care and support to our coworkers. Providing a compassionate presence and understanding contributes significantly to the well-being and quality of life of the coworkers. By offering empathy, companionship, and a listening ear, volunteers create a nurturing environment where coworkers feel valued, understood, and connected. This emotional support fosters a sense of belonging and enhances the overall sense of community at Innisfree Village.

How many hours does a volunteer work each day?

Since Innisfree Village is a life-sharing setting where life and work are woven together, it is different from a job that involves punching a time clock and where there is a strict separation between work and life. For most volunteers a day “on” begins between 7:30 and 8 am with morning routines that include: medication administration, breakfast, personal care, etc. followed by workstations from 9 am – 3 pm. After workstations are over, a volunteer may attend a meeting some days, or return home to help prepare dinner or spend time with the coworkers in the house. Evenings are more relaxed with opportunities for spending quality time as a household; i.e. watching a movie, playing a game, or chatting over a cup of tea. Most houses end their full day between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

How much time will I be spending in workstations?

Volunteers are generally off either Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday. Since there are no workstations on Tuesday, this means volunteers most often spend three days a week in the workstations, or a total of about fifteen hours (9 am – 3 pm, with an hour lunch break for three days).

What can volunteers do for fun on their days off?

Volunteers often get together in the evenings to watch movies, play games, make music, or simply sit around a chat in one of the houses or around a campfire. Our natural setting provides lots of opportunities for those who enjoy hiking, walking, running, biking, or other outdoor activities. The close proximity to Charlottesville also provides ample opportunities for cultural enrichment, community events, shopping, restaurants, and even sporting events.

Does Innisfree have wireless internet?

Yes, each Innisfree house has Wi-Fi as well as all community buildings and workstations. Details about responsible internet use and community policies are provided during a volunteer’s training period.

Can I come with my dogs/cats/other pets?

No, we do allow one-year volunteers to bring pets. If you have an official service or emotional support animal with the proper certification, we can consider your application on a case-by-case basis. Volunteers who extend beyond one year of service are eligible to make a pet request to the community for review. 

Do I need to bring a personal car as an Innisfree volunteer?

No, you do not need to bring a personal car, but you are welcome to do so. The benefit of bringing a personal car is that it provides a volunteer with freedom and mobility, and the drawback is the expense of maintenance, insurance, gas, etc. If a volunteer uses a personal car for community use (e.g. taking a coworker to a medical appointment, out shopping, etc.) they will be monetarily reimbursed for it.

I don’t have a driver’s license. Can I still apply to be an Innisfree volunteer?

Yes, you can still apply to Innisfree if you don’t have a driver’s license. However, the community needs a certain number of volunteers who are cleared to drive in order to take coworkers to medical appointments, on outings, to grocery shops, etc. Volunteers who do not drive have the added task of relying on others in the community for transportation on their days off and for their personal wants and needs.

If a volunteer has a driver’s license, in order to drive Innisfree vehicles, a volunteer must go through a car orientation and take a driving test with a member of the Innisfree Village car committee. In order to be considered eligible to drive Innisfree vehicles, a volunteer must have a clean driving record as well as at least one year’s experience of driving. In order to transport coworkers, a volunteer must have at least 3 years of driving experience.

Is there public transportation available to and from Innisfree? In Charlottesville?

Village drivers may provide access to and from Crozet and Charlottesville, but there is no public transportation between Innisfree Village and Charlottesville. Within the city of Charlottesville, there is a local bus service. Furthermore, Charlottesville is serviced by the Amtrak train as well as by Greyhound bus service. The Charlottesville-Albemarle airport is about a 35-minute drive from Innisfree Village.