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Formed: 1966 Established: 1966
This page last updated:4/24/2010
The Fellowship Community of the Rudolf Steiner Fellowship Foundation
Chestnut Ridge, New York,
United States
(Rockland County)
 We are an intergenerational community focused on the care of the elderly. Our administration of care extends to the land and the social process. As a community, we seek to work and learn together using the spiritual, scientific insights of Rudolf Steiner and the life experiences of many individuals. The Anthroposophical world view is of interest to most of us in varying degrees. We live on eighty acres of land in a suburban setting 35 miles from NYC. We farm biodynamically, growing most of our own berries and vegetables. We also have a small dairy, chickens, and sheep. Our creative practical work activities (bakery, candles, wood, metal, weavery, handwork, publishing press, gardens, medical practice, outlet store, pottery), help support the life of the community. We receive no state or federal funding. Our work activities are recreational and socially enlivening for all ages and produce a modest income. A sense of productivity is vital for many. Other Anthroposophically oriented institutions in the neighborhood include Sunbridge Institute, Spring Valley Eurythmy School, The Threefold Foundation, The Pfeiffer Center, and Green Meadow Waldorf School. We are open to new elders and active coworkers and families who have an interest in working and learning together in this intergenerational setting. Individuals with special training, such as artists, nurses, social workers, doctors, farmers, administrators, teachers, and those with mechanical skills, who have a desire to work from an Anthroposophical, spiritual, scientific world view, could be a huge support in our effort at a unique social therapeutic endeavor under way for nearly 45 years. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming an elder member, co-worker, or volunteer.
 
Contact:
Rudolf Steiner Fellowship Foundation
241 Hungry Hollow Rd
Chestnut Ridge, New York 10977-6111 United States
Phone: 845-356-8494 ext. 2
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Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)
Former/Other Names: Rudolf Steiner Fellowship Community in d2.2
This page last updated:4/24/2010
 
Visitors Accepted
 (we welcome visitors)
Visitor Process: Call, write, or email if you intend to visit. We give one-hour tours, usually on Saturdays. Visitors must call ahead for confirmation of tour dates. We like to send out information first, so please plan to receive and read material before coming, or read material on our website.
Network Affiliations:
Network Affiliations:
Camphill Association of North America (CANA)
:: affiliated with Weleda, PAAM and with Camphill through Anthroposophy
Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:
Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Comment: Mixed age group in housing which is highly variable.
Population
Members(adults and children):
140
Non-member Residents:
50
(total part time volunteers)
Open to new members:
Yes
(coworkers & elderly)
Government
Decision Making:
By consensus
(Responsible elders and younger co-workers can become members of an administrative group. A group of Trustees is part of the process in governance. They work together to plan the future.)
Identified Leader:
Yes
(Dr. & Mrs. Scharff, founders)
Leadership Core Group:
Yes
(The Executive Circle takes up issues suggested by but not able to be completed by the other Circles, Work Groups, and/or individuals. Very serious issues are taken up by the Trustees, all of whom are quite closely involved with this social endeavor.)
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
Other
(Elder Members have independent finances. Co-Worker stipends based on need.)
Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt:
Yes
(Financial concerns are negotiated on an individual basis.)
Labor Contribution:
Expected
(Individual work schedules are based on needs of the community and the abilities of each individual. A deep expression of work, truly human action, comes out of love.)
Join Fee:
No Answer
(Elders pay Life Lease fee. Retirees (Members) pay rent. Coworkers receive a stipend and numerous supporting benefits)
Regular Fees:
No
(The elderly pay rent. Coworkers receive a stipend in addition to board and room.)
Land and Buildings
Rural
(We live on 80 acres surrounded by residential suburban Spring Valley and surrounding towns and villages)
Area:
80 acres (32.4 hectares)
(woods, fields, gardens & community buildings)
Land Owned By:
Another form of Non-profit
(RSFF-(we also lease some from our sister institution, the Threefold Educational Fndtn)
Number of Residences:
10
(four for the elderly, eight for coworkers)
Cohousing:
Yes
(some apartments are individiual, some houses share common rooms such as kitchen, laundry, living room)
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
21-50%
(Depending on the weather and coworker population to tend the crops)
Share Community Meals:
Nearly all meals
(independent elderly, co-workers, and members needing help are served at the common meal by co-workers)
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
We all share a common diet
(vegetarian offered whenever meat is served, doctor supervised special diets)
Dietary Practice:
Primarily vegetarian
Alcohol Use:
Prohibited
(strongly discouraged)
Tobacco Use:
Seldom used
(individual choice but discouraged in public. Specifically designated areas for smokers.)
Social Factors
Common Spiritual Practices:
Yes
(We strive to serve humanity individually and collectively) Life style supports this social responsibility and service and selfless self-fulfillment.)
Which Spiritual Traditions(s):
Other
(The community is founded on anthroposophical spiritual science. It is not a religion. However, it embraces all religions and is related to other spiritual movements. We are non-denominational.)
Educational Style(s):
Private school off the property
(most of our children attend Green Meadow Waldorf School)
 
 


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We happily link to the following organizations, all of whom share our strong commitment to promoting community and a more cooperative world:
Cohousing The Federation of Egalitarian Communities - Communes Coop Community Cooperative Sustainable Intentional North American Students of Cooperation Global Ecovillage Network
Special thanks to the sponsors of our Art of Community Events.
NICA Common Circle Permaculture Classes Lafayette Morehouse