The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library Director shares her account of a recent visit to Innisfree Village

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Ruth Riley, Director of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library 2008:

In June 2008, I had the privilege of experiencing Innisfree Village, a wonderful residential community with adults with mental disabilities, nestled in 550 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Charlottesville, Virginia. http://www.innisfreevillage.org/

Cabana

I had this good fortune because the executive director of Innisfree Village, Carolyn Ohle, is a friend of my partner. While visiting Carolyn, she invited us to tour Innisfree and help them celebrate the grand opening of their new cabana by the pool. The first impression I had of Innisfree Village was the overwhelming beauty of the land as we drove onto the property. Regardless of where we stopped on the tour, the view of the gentle, rolling mountains surrounded us at every angle. This excerpt from the Innisfree website provides the basic history and framework for the organization.

Bakery

"Innisfree was founded in 1971 when a group of parents decided they wanted a bright future for their sons and daughters with mental disabilities. More than 30 years later, Innisfree is a stable, therapeutic alternative to institutional or group home living. We are a charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) status. Initially housed in a 200-year-old farmhouse, we now live in eight modern, family-style homes around a one-mile loop in the center of 550 acres with stunning views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. We are home to 39 coworkers (or adults with mental disabilities), 12 full-time residential volunteers, and 12 support staff."

Garden

The volunteers and coworkers work together in the woodshop, weavery, organic gardens, community kitchen, and bakery. The weavery was particularly impressive with an assortment of many looms, bright colored spools of thread, and many placemats, bookmarks, and scarves in the making. These products, along with cutting boards, ceramics, and granola, are sold at the Innisfree World Artisan craft store in Charlottesville. The gardens and flowers were magnificent. They grow enough food to support a CSA (community supported agriculture) program. Their bakery produces fresh bread, cookies, rolls, and very yummy granola that we brought home to South Carolina.

Village

The volunteers come from all over the United States and the world and are asked to commit to one year. Many apparently stay longer. I can see why. It is obviously a very unique place where special bonds are formed between the coworkers, volunteers, and staff. If you are in the Charlottesville area, I encourage you to arrange a visit.

Ruth Riley, School of Medicine Library Director, ruth@gw.med.sc.edu

NOTE: Click on the title above to go to the Innisfree Village Web site.