Centered upon an organic dairy farm and large garden, Community Homestead is a sustainable non-profit living and working with people with developmental challenges. We believe that everyone has value and importance, and can contribute
to a purposeful life no matter their abilities. In teams of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, we run the farm, bakery, kitchens, gardens and craft groups, look after each other and create a happy home and social life. We live in extended family households within walking distance of the farm and find our high energy, friendly lifestyle fulfilling and
welcoming for us all. Website: http://www.communityhomestead.org
https://www.facebook.com/communityhomestead/?tn-str=k*F
Community Homestead Incorporated, 280th Street, Osceola, Wisconsin, États-Unis
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
You must co ordinate your arrival so we can pick you up from the airport Christine.elmquist@communityhomestead.org.
Fly into Minneapolis/St Paul international Airport (MSP)
VFP hosts, staff and co-leaders work hard to ensure a rewarding and unforgettable experience in the USA. Please
read the following expectations below.
INSURANCE: Volunteers must obtain health and accident insurance for the duration of your travel and stay in the US. This insurance must cover you for all medical eventualities. You must bring your insurance card or receipts with you. If you cannot prove that you have insurance on arrival, you will not be allowed to take part in our workcamps. Some travel related insurance carriers are World Nomads, HTH Worldwide, and Global Rescue LLC
• CONFIRMATION: Volunteers must email VFP a confirmation of their participation before the camp begins. A Confirmation form is provided along with the information sheet. Please include specific arrival details to the project on the confirmation form along with a confirmation that you have received a visa (if applicable).
Participation in a project may be cancelled if we do not receive confirmation.
• VISA INFORMATION: Regulations have changed and the US Department of State makes it very clear that an invitation letter will not make a difference in whether you receive a visa or not. You must be sure you meet and understand the requirements to get a visa before you apply to the project. Follow the link for more information on visa requirements from your country. (http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visitor.html#overview)
• Volunteers should be motivated to work at least 30 hours per week, or as indicated in project description.
• INFORMATION SHEETS: These will contain more detailed information, including travel information and what to bring, and will are available now.
• TECHNOLOGY FREE: There are positive benefits to spending a little time away from technology and we hope you will be fully present to the volunteer experience. There will be designated times for volunteers to stay in touch with family and friends. In some project locations there is little or no cell phone service available.
Every volunteer is an important and valuable part of the group. You are expected to be an active member, contribute to the work project, assist with cooking and cleaning, and participate in work and free-time activities. Please bring recipes, photos, music, cultural information, group games and other information and activities to share with other volunteers and the community.
Work activities will take place for about 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Some days and projects may have longer or shorter work periods depending on the weather, leadership, motivation, availability of materials and other factors.
VFP and your local hosts will provide many fun and cultural free-time activities during the project. If volunteers decide to travel to a different location as a group or plan their own free-time activities they will be responsible to cover the expenses. The camp leaders will be able to share how much free-time activities will cost.
Co-leaders, workcamp hosts and work project leaders are there to help you plan activities, understand your tasks, teach you how to use tools and many other things. If you have concerns or issues please raise them with a leader and work with the leader to engage the group in finding a solution that works for everyone.
Volunteers are expected to live as a group. You are expected to stay for the entire duration of the project and are not allowed to arrange your own activities and spend days or nights away from the project.
Volunteers are welcomed and live as part of a household where they help with the running of the home they also enjoy. During the work week they join a team on the land, bakery, food preserving kitchen, construction/woodworking, or crafts, facilitating, learning, and helping the team reach their goal. Weekends and evenings are filled with social and vocational opportunities. The type of volunteer work is matched to the individual’s tastes and strengths to optimize the most fulfilling experience for all. The hours vary and follow a farm-life structure with some early mornings and late nights in the growing season and a creative, co operative, and flexible attitude to social opportunities and travel to best suit everyone.
Coworker position requires a motivated person who enjoys being part of a team. Practical idealism, an appreciation of the outdoors, and a wish to make a real difference in the world helps! Previous agricultural experience or experience of people with disabilities is not necessary, but an open mind and a wish to learn definitely is.
Volunteers live together family- style in homes lead by long term volunteers in the community. Each person has their own bedroom. All meals, and use of amenities (computer, wifi, toiletries, house phone, workshops) is included. We can insure drivers over 21 with a clean driving record to use our vehicles.
We live in the middle of a conservation area with hiking and biking trails, waterfalls and a pristine river to canoe and kayak. Our friendly small town offers shopping, coffee shops, parks, community theater, swimming pool, gym, basic amenities, and local festivals. Museums, concerts, theaters and events can be accessed an hour away in Minneapolis/St Paul. While there is no public transport, people over 21 with a clear driving record can often drive our vehicles and those who can’t are offered rides and use of bikes for shorter distances. We make it possible for volunteers to camp, visit Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, (4-7 hours away) and Lake Superior depending on their interest and enjoy connecting them to opportunities see more of the USA in and outside the tourist areas. Year-long volunteers can expect to have about 3 weeks of vacation offered through the year.
