Daily + Weekly Rhythms
A typical workstation day
The day-to-day at Innisfree follows a similar pattern with the exception of Tuesdays, with many options for volunteers and coworkers alike
Morning
Each day begins with breakfast in the home, enjoying preferred beverages and foods together as a household. Morning routines may also include volunteer assistance with personal care and medication needs. House members then head to their first workstation of the day at 9AM. Typically, volunteers stay in one workstation such as the vegetable garden or weavery throughout the work day and coworkers change workstations each period. At 12:30PM the whole community comes together for a vegetarian lunch prepared by the CC Kitchen workstation.
Afternoon
After lunch, folks may go for a walk or simply visit with friends at the Community Center. A designated group will finish lunch clean up, resetting the kitchen for a new day. Coworkers and volunteers then head to the last workstation of the day until 3PM. After work community members enjoy going to special activities like the gym, pottery class or music class, going home for a snack or rest, or seasonal parties and celebrations.
Evening
Volunteers share the responsibility of cooking dinner for their households and incorporate coworker skills into meal preparation. Each house may approach this differently, but most houses have dinner together around 5:30PM. Coworkers may visit houses other than their own for dinnertime. After dinner activities can involve watching TV, time outside, special celebrations organized by volunteers or staff and time to rest and clean up after dinner. Each evening volunteers assist coworkers with personal care routines and medication.
Tuesdays
Tuesdays at Innisfree offer a day without workstations to take care of household responsibilities. Most volunteers and coworkers will work on their weekly chores like laundry, cleaning rooms, grocery shopping, and sometimes appointments for coworkers. Occasionally there are activities planned in the afternoons and evenings, as well as seasonal activities.
Saturdays and Sundays
Weekends at Innisfree are a time to relax and unwind. It’s the perfect time for special outings and day trips as well as spending a quiet day at home. Going on walks through the village or doing brunch with your neighboring house, weekend opportunities are a great way to continue building community and lifesharing with one another. Sometimes there are village activities planned by the activities committee or Special Olympics depending on the season.
Volunteers also enjoy 2 days off per week, which vary according to house needs. During weekends, volunteers have opportunities to enjoy their personal time in their own ways; i.e. dinner at the Charlottesville Downtown Mall with fellow volunteers, a day hike in the Shenandoah National Park, an overnight trip to Richmond, fun night-life activities in Charlottesville, tours of Virginia wine country, and much, much more.
Seasonal events & holiday celebrations
Life at Innisfree includes participating in village-wide activities such as guest performances, birthday parties, and seasonal celebrations.
Volunteers have the opportunity to explore their interests by leading and organizing events that contribute to the fullness of community life.
Past events have included potlucks at the pool, baking competitions, concerts and musical performances, village-produced plays, and much more!
Throughout the year there are opportunities for people beyond the Innisfree community to be a part of special events hosted in the village. This includes:
Junefest- our annual music festival and craft fair
Open House- our yearly holiday event featuring tours of the village, craft fair, a wreath workshop and kids crafts.
Special Olympics
Coworkers and volunteers have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics events together throughout the year. This can include practices in Charlottesville or nearby towns during the week as well as tournaments on the weekends.
