This is an ongoing project. Volunteers can stay for a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. Burlington DISMAS HOUSE provides housing and opportunities to men and women getting out of prison so that they can successfully transition back into the community. http://www.dismasofvermont.org/ Volunteers will be working with Directors on administrative tasks in small office as well as supporting the residential community by participating in group activities.
Study part:
Criminal Justice
Min age:
22Accomodation: Shared room in large Victorian house, meals & laundry provided.
Location:
Burlington is a beautiful college town overlooking Lake Champlain (Pop. 40,000). Recreation includes house activities and many festivals and events in area. Volunteers are offered a sight seeing trip to Canada or Boston with Staff, and time off for travel may be approved.
Terminal:
Burlington, Vermont
Special requirements:
Volunteers must be 21+, speak fluent English and have basic computer skills. No drugs or alcohol on premises. VFP MOTIVATION FORM and EMAIL INTERVIEW REQUIRED. A 10-week minimum commitment is required.
This is an ongoing project. Volunteers can stay for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months. Rutland DISMAS HOUSE provides a transitional drug, alcohol and violence free housing opportunity to men and women getting out of prison so they can successfully reconcile with the community before living independently. http://www.dismasofvermont.org/ Work involves a good deal of computer and office work, participation in various components of fundraising activities, student recruitment, representing Dismas at speaking engagements on college campuses and at civic organizations, working with clothing and food donations and participating in house group activities. Volunteers will visit prisons with the Co-Directors and will have an opportunity to observe the interview screening process. The average daily work commitment expected is 5-6 hours per day, however the hours are varied and non-traditional, and may include some weekends and evenings. As a resident of the house, volunteers will live as an equal to and with the same expectations as the former prisoner residents: Absolutely NO alcohol or drug use permitted during the stay; presence at the evening meal Monday through Friday is required, as is presence at the weekly house meeting one evening during the week; no smoking inside the house; no intimate relationships between residents permitted.
Study part:
Reintegration into society from prison.
Min age:
24Accomodation: Modestly furnished shared room in a large Victorian house; sheets, towels, meals, laundry provided.
Location:
Rutland is a beautiful town in the Green Mountains with nearby lakes and streams, population 17,500. Group activities and sight seeing are offered. Snow skiing and hiking, camping and biking near and around area lakes and streams.
Terminal:
Air to Burlington, Vermont, or Albany, New York. Bus/Train: Rutland, Vermont
Special requirements:
Volunteers must be 24+, able to speak and understand a better than basic level of English, and have basic computer skills. A 3 months commitment is required, but volunteers are welcome to stay for up to 6 months. The volunteer will be living with others age 26+ so must feel comfortable with that age group. VFP MOTIVATION FORM AND EMAIL INTERVIEW REQUIRED.
This is an ongoing project. Volunteers can stay for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 3 months. SPRING LAKE RANCH is a non-profit therapeutic work community committed to helping adults with mental illness and substance abuse issues attain a higher level of independence. http://www.springlakeranch.org/ Volunteers will work with community members gardening and harvesting produce, taking care of farm animals, picking up hay, helping in the kitchen, and possibly working on carpentry or landscaping projects. Volunteers will participate in daily community meetings and weekly staff meetings.
Study part:
Mental Illness and addictions
Min age:
21Accomodation: Living with other staff and residents in simple housing. Meals provided on site.
Location:
VERY rural setting in southern Vermont.
Terminal:
Fly to Boston (MA), Albany (NY), or Burlington (VT), then bus to Rutland (VT)
Special requirements:
Ages 21+, no drugs or alcohol permitted, six weeks minimum, three months maximum, dates are flexible. VFP MOTIVATION FORM and EMAIL INTERVIEW REQUIRED
« We did a lot of conservation work, building hiking paths, tidying up wooded areas, removing weeds, planting trees, etc. The work was extremely successful and I found it very rewarding. »
