Name of Farm: The Center for Community Empowerment, Inc.

Name of Contact on Farm: Michael Hicks

Phone Number: (812) 481-2244

Email Address: michael@indianacommunity.org

Website: www. indianacommunity.org

 

 

Time Period: Preferably April 1st – October 31st, though we will consider as few as 3 months.

Number of Internship Positions Available:  3 full time and 6 part time (2 days a week)

Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live (e.g., acreage, woods/fields, buildings, near town/remote area, recreation available, etc.):

The Center operates a 1 acre in-town permaculture garden (where the apprentices will be housed) and a 3 acre rural market farm.  Near the in-town garden, there is a lot to do, including a river and trails across the street.  A Coffee shop a block away.  Shops and downtown several blocks away.  Lots of National Forest close by. Patoka lake 20 minutes away. 

Describe your farm operation (e.g., livestock, crops, bees, herbs, forestry work, greenhouse, orchards, building projects, haying, maple sugaring, meat processing, level of mechanization, products made, marketing, biodynamic/organic, etc.):

We grow a variety of fruits (many not yet producing), vegetables (main crops are garlic, tomatoes, squash, peppers, greens, potatoes, cucumbers), herbs (culinary and medicinal), grains (amaranth, quinoa) and flowers.  We also keep bees, have 2 greenhouses, and make many processed foods (though not for sale at the market level).  Processed foods include vinegar, mead, wine, beer, cheese, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, herbal medicines, dried foods, kombucha, etc.  We grow organically, but are not certified (though we have been in the past).  We practice many permaculture techniques. 

Describe the work to be performed and the skills to be learned by an apprentice (e.g., care of livestock, planting, cultivation, harvesting, selling at market, use of equipment, carpentry, food preservation, woods-work, etc.). Please break the season (or months) into 4 major tasks to be performed during each.

From April to October, the apprentices will be learning the cycles of nature- specifically the cycles of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.  Apprentices will participate in all aspects of the garden/farm process, including seed starting, season extension, soil preparation, planting, tending, harvesting, and farmers market sales. There will also be many opportunities to learn sustainable living skills, such as food preservation (solar dehydrator, canning, fermentation, etc.), solar cooking, wholesome cooking, carpentry, nature awareness, wild edibles, herbal medicine making, etc.  The healing arts and personal growth are also a significant part of this program.  Interns will be given a mentor who they will chat with on a regular basis.  They will also be taught some yoga, and a significant amount of massage, which will help to balance the farm work they are doing. 


What do you expect of an apprentice? (e.g., hours to be worked in a day, days to be worked in a week, heavy physical labor, time off, etc.):

Most days will be full, where apprentices will work 8 hours.  On average, 2 days per week will be at the market farm and 2 days will be at the in town permaculture gardens.  Another day a week will be flexible, doing either garden work, healing arts, massage, team building exercises, mentoring, etc.  Heavy physical labor will be sometimes be needed.  Apprentices will typically have at least 2 days off a week – mostly on the weekend - though sometimes it will be necessary to help with the Sat. morning farmers markets.  It is sometimes possible to get more time off, if advance notice is given.

Explain how you intend to provide instruction and training to an apprentice (e.g., work along with the apprentice, demonstration, apprentice working alone, training “classes,” reading to be done, extent of supervision by yourself or others, etc.):

Apprentices will be working usually with either the director or the farm manager, often working in teams. Most of the time this will be the case.  However, as this is a personal growth program, they will also be working alone to provide time for reflection and introspection.  Demonstrations and direction will always be given, though apprentices will have time to explore and creative themselves.  Reading will also be assigned from the Center’s library. The Center also offers workshops, in which all apprentices will get in free of charge. 


Are you a full-time farmer? Yes

Can you pay a stipend or a wage in addition to providing room and board? No

If so, what are you offering and under what conditions? (i.e., experience level, duration of commitment, graduated scale)

N/A

Do you require a prospective apprentice to visit your farm before a final arrangement is made?

Yes

Do you require a trial period? No

Explain the existing room and board arrangements, or the possibilities for housing on the land:

Will be in the house in single or double occupancy.

Please share details about housing arrangements (e.g. cooking and/or bathroom facilities will or will not be shared with grower’s family, small children live on farm, smoking and/or drinking is allowed or not, etc.):

Apprentices share a bathroom and shower with other apprentices.  No drugs.  Moderate drinking allowed (if 21) and after the workday.  Smoking allowed only outdoors in designated spaces.

Describe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals & interests:

I have traveled a lot (40 countries) and am a very spiritual person.  Our Center’s goal is to encourage individuals and communities to live more holistic lives. Our focus is on food and the healing arts.  I started the market farm in 2004 and have recently opened The Center for Community Empowerment, with the focus on an integrated center of living and learning.  I want to help others to connect deeper to the earth and to realize the harmonious ways in which we can interact.