CooperRiis, a specialized residential therapeutic and rehabilitative “Healing Farm Community” for people with mental illness or emotional distress seeks (A) Lodge Advisor to reside in each lodge with residents to be on duty through the evening providing social, physical and recreational support; assist with off campus activities; responsible for administration of medications; support on-going communication with clinical staff. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with life experience that has thoroughly tested the individual’s relationship skills, excellent interpersonal skills, exercise good judgement. (B) Support Staff to provide support in the work training program in areas such as kitchen/bakery, farm/garden, housekeeping, creative arts, workshop, or computer education; assist with recreational activities, physician appointments and other miscellaneous travel needs. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or related life experience with tested relationship skills, 21 years old, excellent interpersonal skills, able to exercise good judgement, able to work in an office and/or farm work setting, good physical condition.
www.cooperriis.org

606. Mesopotamia, Ohio

Hopewell Inn, a therapeutic farm community, located one hour east of Cleveland in the Amish countryside, needs Program Volunteers and an Office Assistant Volunteer. Hopewell’s work program and therapeutic philosophy are designed to provide those suffering from mental illness with the time and space to learn, grow and recognize that they can live full and productive lives. Program volunteers help lead small groups of residents through everyday work projects needed to raise fresh vegetables, care for the land and livestock, cook meals, take care of housekeeping tasks, and coordinate recreational activities. Informal counseling takes place in this natural work setting. The office assistant volunteer would be required to perform routine office tasks as requested. Requirements: Well-rounded, flexible, enjoy working with people, at least two years of college preferred or experience in human service setting, must have at least one successful work experience, valid driver’s license.
www.hopewell.cc

Innisfree Village is a life sharing community for adults with developmental disabilities, founded in 1971. Sixty-five community members live in eight family-style houses on a 600-acre farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Seeking Residential Caregivers, Weavers, Woodworkers, Gardeners and Bakers. Community volunteers live together with coworkers (adults with disabilities), running the house and assisting with personal care. In addition to house life, volunteers work in our therapeutic workstations, gardening, weaving, baking, woodworking and cooking. Our is an international community, near the university town of Charlottesville, in a beautiful setting. Requirements: A desire to live with adults with developmental disabilities, 21 years of age or older, willing to participate in rural community life, patience, flexibility and a sense of humor.
www.innisfreevillage.org

Gould Farm, America’s oldest residential psycho-social therapeutic facility for adults with mental illness needs volunteer Work Leaders, Assistant House Advisors, Food Service Workers, Childcare Assistants, Farmers and people interested in Gardening and Forestry projects. Volunteer duties are to lead, coach and work along with small groups of residents in various real life tasks needed to keep the farm running and rehabilitation successful; to serve as informal counselor and role model; to join in community life and recreation; to give clear feedback to residents and other staff regarding work habits and successes; to support our mission to provide a caring place where people can learn to lead more meaningful lives through work, recreation and self-help. Requirements: Mature, caring, people-oriented, interested in community living, as least one successful job experience, valid driver’s license, strong service orientation, flexible. Musical, artistic and craft oriented talents are always appreciated.
www.gouldfarm.org

609. County Kilkenny, Ireland (three houses in/near small town and in village)
611. Dublin, Ireland (two houses in city)
612. Tecklenburg, Germany (two houses in small town)
613. Belfast, Northern Ireland (one house near city)
615. Cork, Republic of Ireland (five houses in and near city)

BVS placements are available in these locations at some of the many L'Arche communities in Europe. The worldwide L'Arche movement provides developmentally disabled adults with living and working environments in which they can flourish, and seeks live-in House Assistants to share life in all its aspects with the core residents. Requirements: 21 years old; embrace the concept of living with people of varying abilities; willing to live in a Christian community (participation is mostly voluntary but sometimes for the core residents necessary); accepting of people of other cultures, social origins, and practices; driver's license helpful.
www.larche.ie (609, 611, 613, 615)
www.larchebelfast.org and http:/larchebelfast.blogspot.com (613)
www.arche-deutschland.de (612)