Live-In Volunteers Wanted

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Project Description: The Lukas Community is a residential community for developmentally challenged adults. Volunteers spend approximately twelve months living and working with the adult residents who have a wide range of abilities and handicaps. There is some work within the households (personal care of the residents, meal preparation, housekeeping as needed, etc.) and also outside the home in such activities as therapeutic gardening, Eurythmy, weaving, music, fitness activities, painting and crafts, to name a few. There are 17 residents, 10 staff members and 8 or 9 volunteers. Most of the volunteers come from outside of the US.

Work: Within the households (supervising residents in personal hygiene, meal preparation and housekeeping as needed) and other work outside the home engaging residents in such activities, music, eurhythmy, watercolor painting, and fitness activities. As challenging as the work is, it is very fulfilling. Previous volunteers, remembering their time here and the friendships made with us, have often come back for short periods of time to visit and work.

Working hours: It is our experience that the more involved volunteers are in the life and work of our community, the more they benefit from their time with us. Volunteers work five days per week; specific times and number of working hours vary depending upon the needs of the household and the community, and upon which two days they have free. During their five working days, volunteers help cover mealtimes, activities and rest periods, as well as covering supper/evening activities 2-3 evenings per week.

Volunteers also have 1-2 nights (9pm-7am) per week when they are responsible for being present in the house in case of emergency. However this is not considered working time as volunteers have no duties and may do whatever they like, as long as they are in the house.

Holiday and leisure time regulation: Volunteers have 3-4 weeks (approximately 20 work days) off depending upon the length of their service (12 months in most cases) and Lukas staffing needs. Vacation time is provided during our regularly scheduled winter and spring break periods when many residents are away. Volunteer vacations must be pre-approved by Lukas before making definite plans to be away.

Requirements: An open mind, eagerness to learn, and a sense of commitment to the needs of residents; strong sense of responsibility to themselves and the work and a willingness to take on new challenges as time progresses and be willing to take suggestions from experienced co-workers, and above all, the desire to be here is the key to a successful year.

Food: Provided

Accommodation: Private room, shared bath, community eating in household.

Pocket money: 200 USD per month

Insurance: NOT provided by Lukas - must be purchased prior to arrival

Fees: None

Visa: B1 Visitor Visa required if coming from outside the US; Lukas will provide supporting documentation and some guidance, but it is the responsibility of the volunteer to apply for and obtain the visa on their own.

Other: Automobiles for personal use are not provided, but quite often volunteers purchase an automobile to share. Volunteers will need to sign an Agreement Form before coming. We have a three month trial period which gives both volunteer and house parents the opportunity to determine if our community is the right place. The volunteer will be supported by a volunteer orientation, ongoing support from his/her respective houseparent as well as from David Spears, the Executive Director.