Lily’s story
Like every parent in the U.S., Sara and Jonathan G. had anxiously awaited the day their daughter, Lily, would graduate from high school. Their concerns were no different from those of any other parents: Would their daughter find friends who supported and guided her toward making good decisions? Would she have the space to grow into the person she dreamed of becoming? Would the world be kind to her, and when it wasn’t, would there be people in her corner to help her navigate the difficult times?
The only difference between Lily’s parents and any other parents facing their child’s first flight from home was that Lily had been diagnosed with a developmental disability at a young age.
At CVM, we refer to “residents” as Villagers. The process for becoming a Villager is slightly more involved than most housing facilities. This is done to ensure that the prospective Villager feels comfortable and is able to adjust to all of the changes that come with community living. Like most Villagers, it is a process that can be both exhilarating and intimidating.
Community members were asked to reflect on Lily’s arrival at Camphill. One workshop leader fondly remembers that, although Lily was “timid”, she had a “quirky sense of humor” with a “natural creative talent”.
Over the past three years, community members and Lily’s family have had the joy of witnessing both of those attributes, along with so many more, take shape and flourish. When asked what she feels she has improved on since moving to CVM, Lily says “my art skills, learning new skills like pottery, my ability to help others, and meeting new friends”.
As the third oldest of five children, Lily was a quiet child who often found it easier to melt into the background of a very busy home. She attended high school alongside her siblings, and as graduation approached, the question of “what’s next?” was at the forefront of Sara’s mind.
Sara first learned about Camphill Village Minnesota(CVM) while Lily was still in the early years of high school and made a point of checking in periodically about potential opportunities at CVM for Lily. As luck would have it, Lily graduated shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, just as an opening became available at CVM. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for Lily to explore a new experience and become part of the Camphill community.
At CVM, Lily is not simply someone to be supported; she is an active and valued contributor to the community, her home, and the lives of those around her. Whether she is teaching others artistic skills she has mastered, such as crochet or playing piano, sharing her love of baking and cooking, or helping care for the children who live here, Lily brings her unique talents, kindness, and love of laughter to the community each day.
As parents, Sara and Jonathan always knew that Lily simply needed a space where she could take her time, feel comfortable being herself, and grow into the person she was truly meant to be.