Camphill Communities and AmeriCorps celebrate service

For more than 70 years, Camphill has been building communities around the world designed to meet the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities through community life, the arts and work on the land. For the past 11 years, AmeriCorps members have played an integral part in those communities by working side-by-side with people with developmental disabilities.

Since 2001, Camphill Association of North America has grown its mission to build communities steeped in culture and environmental awareness and has been recruiting committed individuals from AmeriCorps. The decision to participate in the AmeriCorps program came from a growing challenge among Camphill communities in the region: a shortage of qualified American coworkers.

This Foundation-funded project helped create an abundance of dedicated and service-oriented individuals. There are currently 100 AmeriCorps members serving in 11 Camphill or Camphill-affiliated communities across seven states. Many are in their second year and some may join Camphill as long-term coworkers. The seeds planted by the Foundation’s investment in this project have grown into maturity, involving qualified and dedicated coworkers for existing and future Camphill communities.

“Combining the Camphill approach to community living, service, outreach and support with AmeriCorps members’ high level of commitment to civic engagement and “giving back” is a great match,” said Lauren Wolff, Camphill AmeriCorps Program Director.

An AmeriCorps position within Camphill is challenging but brings great rewards. Members have the opportunity to form deep and lasting relationships with others, and to experience significant personal growth. Public service work for organizations like Camphill or AmeriCorps can be a gateway to a variety of careers, including those outside public service. U.S. citizens and green card holders are eligible to join a Camphill community through AmeriCorps, and can earn an Education Award of $5550 after 11 months of service.
This may be applied to student loans, or to tuition expenses up to seven years in the future. Student loans are also put into forbearance during AmeriCorps service.

For more information, visit www.camphill.org.

with thanks to Kathleen Ferrari, Camphill Foundation