The Fellowship Community, founded in 1966 by Ann and Paul Scharff, is a dynamic, work-based, intergenerational community centered on the care of the elderly. Approximately 140 elder members, co-workers, and their children live together in the rural setting of a farm, with woods and orchards, located 30 miles northwest of New York City. It is a place for people who are interested in self-development, by working and learning in service to others and caring for the earth. Everyone here at The Fellowship, young and old, is working and learning to become her or his truest self, to best serve the human community.
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At the Fellowship, we welcome independent members and those requiring more assistance. Our way of working meets the whole human being, and we understand that there is more to you than your stage of life, illness, or disability. Our community is not just a place to retire: it's a place to live, from birth to death, in health and in illness.
A co-worker's experience at the Fellowship is unique, in that it allows for experience across a variety of activities, from eldercare to farming, from the weavery to the cafe or kitchen, from the pottery studio to the candle studio, and beyond. We are an intergenerational community whose elder members are surrounded by, and interact with, people of all ages, including young families. We are seeking people interested in living on campus and working full-time, who will take part in a community-building process.
Our volunteers take a real joy in their service, and cherish the experiences gained in our community setting. Many volunteers make lasting friendships with our members, co-workers, students, and interns, who are also a part of the community. We have volunteer opportunities for helping directly with our elderly members, at Duryea Farm, in the gardens, and our various workshops: pottery, wood & metal, weavery, candle making, and Mercury Press. Many volunteers are interested in Rudolf Steiner's philosophy, biodynamic agriculture, or simply helping with kitchen cleanup or folding laundry.
Threefold Educational Foundation's Pfeiffer Center and The Fellowship Community's Duryea Farm have combined farming and educational activities in a new cooperative endeavor, creating a mutually supportive association of work and community. From its beginnings, the Fellowship Community had gardens; its members were committed to growing as much of their own food as possible, and to being good stewards of their land.
Reviews (8)
Claus Sproll
Jun 01, 2020
Nevaeh Monique
Apr 12, 2020
You were transparent! We live in deceptive times people! Keep your eyes open and take heed to those you THINK were a great community! Time has truly shown the blatant lies and other deceptive behaviors that has brought YOUR true characterization to light! This demeanor you have set forth has created a paradox to be generated throughout your community for the way you have treated those outside your community! God is great all the time and he sees and knows the truth. With that being said judgements will come to every man that has done wrong in JESUS name!
Valerie Lucznikowska
May 31, 2019
Joan Roach
Mar 21, 2019
I visited the Fellowship Community to see if I may be able to move there in the near future. I found everyone I talked with to be pleasant, friendly and helpful. I witnessed truly caring people who were taking care of some of the elders who needed special care. There are lots of activities and the location is also lovely. I felt it to be a very special place.
Patrick Slicker
Dec 12, 2018
Hope Lieb
Oct 29, 2018
M. Schleif
Mar 24, 2018
Barbara Lloyd
Nov 22, 2017
