Bidirectional Integration Through
Voluntourism
Bidirectional Integration
The life/work model at Erik’s Ranch & Retreats not only takes the residents into neighboring communities, but brings the worldwide community to them. We’ll create rich, meaningful experiences for residents and guests through Voluntourism (vacationing individuals who volunteer their time during their stay). Our guests will closely interact with our residents, working and recreating side-by-side, and making progress together. Consistent interaction with new people and ideas will expand the life skills and abilities of those with autism who struggle to initiate and maintain social relationships. Because of our unique and enriching environment, and the frequency and duration of the connections we offer, both family and community participation will occur at a higher rate than in other group home models.
Voluntourism and Guest Accommodations
A combination of vacationing and volunteering – voluntourism is dramatically on the rise with more than half of Americans in a recent Conde Nast survey expressing an interest. Volunteer vacations can enrich lives forever – for both the volunteers and the people they serve. Erik’s Ranch & Retreats will offer discounted luxury accommodations in its destination locations to voluntourists willing to give back some of their time during their stay; working or recreating with residents or donating time in an area of expertise. A day or two goes a long way in helping us meet the varied needs of our community.
Voluntourists are also an important part of our self-sufficient operation. Not only do these guests volunteer, they supply a major revenue stream, creating rich and varied working opportunities for our residents, and a worldwide community of interpersonal relationships.
In addition to voluntourists, our properties will provide volunteer experiences and/or guest accommodations to individuals from the local community, ecotourists, business travelers, vacationing families with children with autism and traditional vacationers. Our varied activities and opportunities, coupled with our destination locations and upscale accommodations, offer a relaxing, rewarding, and enjoyable experience for all.
