Colorado Life-Sharing |
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Camphill Philosophy and History
The Plan In Colorado Providing Comprehensive Services Community Connections |
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What are these Life-Sharing Homes exactly? The Camphill philosophy isn't about "care-giving" and "care-receiving" but instead is founded on the idea that everyone has special abilities and also levels of disability and that all people are drawn to experience their full potential for growth and self-expression without respect to their levels of ability in one area or another. It is common for people who are drawn to Camphill homes to live in them for the long-term and that is the primary goal of building these homes in Colorado--to create a place where companions with disabilities and co-workers can live out their lives with joy, putting down roots and creating a sense of family, living rewarding lives. |
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Who is eligible to be a companion in the Camphill homes?The first requirement for someone to be a companion is that he or she demonstrates in some manner the desire to participate in community life. People need to be at least 21 years old, moderately ambulatory and able to participate in their own care and do some sort of work. People who would pose a danger to others will not be eligible, but beyond these simple requirements, each person who wishes to be considered will participate in an interview process and assessment. People who are drawn to Camphill just seem to sense that it is right for them and that this way of life is central to who they are and what they can contribute to the world. | ||
How much will it cost for a companion to live in a Camphill home?The Community Center Board (CCB) will determine the specific dollar amount of an individual’s Comprehensive and SLS services, based on that individual’s needs for support in living and working. In the case of privately paying individuals, a similar needs-based cost assessment will be done by the organization. In addition, families will be expected to participate in providing funding or fundraising to support operating and capital expenses in order to insure that the nonprofit is stable and thrives in the long-term. |
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Will you accept Colorado State funding for Comprehensive and SLS services?In Bringing Camphill to Colorado, CLCI is working closely with the Larimer County CCB to become a Program Approved Service Agency, so that the nonprofit can accept both Comprehensive and SLS payments. Can someone transfer their CO State services from another county? Yes, if a person moves, this can definitely be accomplished, both for Comprehensive and SLS services. | ||
How many people will you serve?The goal is to begin in 2006 with two houses with three companions in each and with the necessary co-workers for these houses. Once the first homes have been opened and a day program has been established, the time-frame for acquiring other life-sharing homes will either slow down or speed up, depending on the level of demand and the success of fundraising. | ||
What is the difference in calling the effort "Bringing Camphill to Colorado" rather than simply "Camphill Colorado?"The process for becoming an official Camphill organization is guided by the Camphill Association of North America. But it would be impossible not to invoke the name Camphill at every stage of this process, because that is the model for what is being created. Everyone involved is working very hard to implement the Camphill philosophy and to build an organization that can proudly join over 100 other Camphill locations world-wide. |
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Will my son or daughter be included in the local community?Absolutely. CLCI is committed to a progressive model of inclusion that makes full use of local amenities including walking trails, sports and recreation facilities, public transportation, and cultural activities. It is vitally important for Camphill home residents to experience meaningful work, continuing education and enjoy life skills such as using computers so that everyone participates fully in the richest life possible. Some Camphill home residents will choose to work at local businesses while others will prefer Camphill-sponsored employment. And service projects will be undertaken so that people with special needs experience the same joys everyone else feels when they serve others. The Camphill organization will provide both a secure home and a stable foundation from which everyone can participate in all kinds of personal, social and vocational activities in the community. And the families and friends of companions will always be welcome to be an active part of Camphill life in numerous important ways. | ||
How do you get co-workers?This is one of the most common questions asked by people new to Camphill, and its answer will surprise you only in the beginning, because once you experience how Camphill homes function you'll see that there is no shortage of people who are drawn to live and work in this environment. Even before the first homes have been established there is a high level of interest by experienced Camphill co-workers around the world. It is hard work, rewarding work, and it is work many talented and compassionate people feel drawn to do. | ||
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