Gould Farm is thrilled to partner with the Commonwealth Corps and the Massachusetts Service Alliance to offer two wellness coordinator service internship positions for the 2024-25 season! Full description below. We are currently accepting applications!
The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable
knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state.
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit agency that oversees the program and supports host site partners and members to find success throughout the program year.
The two Commonwealth Corps members with Gould Farm will serve 10 months in a full-time capacity. They will join a diverse corps of members across Massachusetts who share a common desire to discover their passion and build their network in service to their communities and the Commonwealth.
Gould Farm, established in 1913, stands as the nation's first residential therapeutic community dedicated to adults with mental health challenges in achieving recovery and independence through community living, meaningful work, and clinical care. Residents, referred to as "guests," are welcomed into a supportive 700-acre campus environment, where
depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and other challenges are addressed through a full continuum of services.
The Gould Farm Story: We Harvest Hope
The wellness program at Gould Farm, known as REACH, embraces a holistic approach encompassing recovery, nutrition, exercise, appreciation for the land, and fostering healthy relationships. REACH groups, held twice a week, offer various activities such as stress management, yoga, nutrition, and exercise. With the assistance of Commonwealth Corps participants, we seek to enhance and expand this wellness program to include wellness and nutrition education, more groups for guests, individual assessments, and tools for improved outcomes. Members will help Gould Farm build program capacity and contribute to sustained outcomes and ensure a comprehensive and supportive environment aligned with Gould Farm's mental health mission for years to come.
What You’ll Do:
Essential Responsibilities:
● Complete a minimum of 1500 hours of service, serving through June 21, 2025
● Attend a minimum of 6 Commonwealth Corps training and service events held by MSA post-orientation.
● Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of MSA-related activities each week. This includes filling out timesheets, completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.
● Develop Wellness and Nutrition curriculum and other wellness educational materials
● Recruit Wellness group leaders and facilitate wellness groups and activities
● Provide administrative support for a Wellness Committee including scheduling meetings and managing agendas and follow-ups
● Develop tools and tracking for the Wellness Inventory and conduct these assessments for program participants
Marginal Responsibilities:
● Participate in one of six therapeutic work teams with staff and guests. Teams include: Kitchen, Bakery, Farm, Garden, Roadside and Forestry & Grounds. Some teams have specific requirements - for example: able to lift 25 lbs., standing for 2 hours, able to bend/kneel. Other teams are more accessible. Corps members will be placed where appropriate.
● Participate in various community activities and committees as appropriate.
● Be a part of the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including participating in cross-site learning groups, writing a short profile for the CC newsletter, connecting with other members on our online platforms, and attending optional social/service events.
Who You Are:
You must be:
● A Massachusetts resident with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
● 18 years of age at minimum (member age range is 18 – 70+ years old)
● Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experiences
● Able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way
● Mature, compassionate, and able to maintain professional boundaries
● Have knowledge, experience, and/or training in mental health
● Have interest, knowledge and/or experience with wellness, inc. fitness and nutrition
It would also be great if you:
● Enjoy the outdoors and working with your hands
● Have school/work experience in fitness, wellness or nutrition
● Have an interest in living in a therapeutic community
What is it like to be a volunteer at Gould Farm?
What You’ll Get:
● Furnished shared housing and all meals provided by the host site;
● Stipend of $1,250 semi-monthly while in service, up to $26,250, minus taxes and withholdings;
● Health insurance (individual coverage only);
● Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to three free, in-person counseling sessions, plus a lot more;
● Completion award of up to $4000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and
withholdings;
● Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service and/or goals (Up to $100; Dependent on approval from MSA)
● Extensive training from MSA with a diversity, equity, and inclusion focus and other professional development opportunities;
● Limited reimbursement for travel to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities;
● Internet reimbursement up to $50/month while required to complete some service from home if required by site;
● Limited travel reimbursement from their host site for certain service-related travel away from their usual service location, according to that agency's policies;
● Mental Health/Personal Day once per month counting towards 8hrs
● Planned absences and time off at the discretion of the host site, Gould Farm. Time off does not count toward total hour completion.
Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.
Term of Service:
● Position Start Date: August 19, 2024
● Position End Date: June 21, 2025
● Service commitment 40 (full-time)hours per week during the following days/times Monday-Friday 8:15 am to 5 pm with morning and afternoon breaks and a 45-minute lunch break.
How to Apply:
● To apply, send your resume and cover letter to the Volunteer Coordinator: pbanducci@gouldfarm.org
Early applications are encouraged as applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Questions about this position can be directed to Pauline Banducci at pbanducci@gouldfarm.org or Mike Covell at hr@gouldfarm.org.
Accepted members will be required to undergo a criminal history check.
Gould Farm will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, color, political affiliation, creed, national origin, marital status, or any other status as protected by federal, state, and local laws. Gould Farm welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations for interviews and for service upon request.