Getting to Know the Community
There are numerous ways for parents/guardians to form strong connections with the community and the other families of Triform residents. Below are a few opportunities:
Family & Friend Weekends
Held twice a year, in the Fall and the Spring, these weekends are joyful Community gatherings. Parents, guardians, friends and extended family are all welcomed. This is an opportunity to socialize, learn what is new at Triform, experience Festival life, see your child’s classroom work and work area accomplishments, join in community meals, and in the Spring, witness some of the loveliest Graduation Ceremonies you will ever experience.
Connecting with Other Parents
The Community offers several ways for new parents or guardians to make connections. An annual New Parent Breakfast or Dinner serves as a general introduction, a great way to meet other parents or guardians and to ask questions of parents and guardians who have experience in Triform. Community gatherings and committee work offer many opportunities for meeting other parents or guardians as well.
Birthday Meetings
Birthday Meetings are an intimate opportunity to sit down with your child and a supportive circle of Community members in a meeting whose sole focus is the support of your young adult and the fostering of their growth and development.
Committee and Other Volunteer Work
Committee work is one of the very best ways to get to know others in the extended Triform Community. There are numerous opportunities available to partake in the fun and satisfaction of working together to realize goals for the health and betterment of Triform.
The Parent/Guardian Handbook
The Parent/Guardian Handbook, a helpful guide to general expectations about your personal responsibilities vis-à-vis your child’s care, doctor’s appointments, clothing, medications, spending money etc., is issued to incoming parents/guardians and is updated with names and addresses annually, making up-to-date contact information for parents and guardians and coworkers available to you.
Being Part of the Triform Community: What does it mean?
One of the primary things that sets Triform apart is the vibrancy of the community. The intentional community aspect of Triform speaks to the simple but profound concept that we choose “to be in community” with each other. We have a Community which recognizes each Community member’s unique gifts and contributions. This translates into an experience for your child where they are truly “seen” and their inner “wholeness” can shine.
Triform parents/guardians have chosen to be part of this community as well and have the privilege of truly seeing and being seen themselves. Parent/guardian’s gifts also are an essential part of the health of the Community. These gifts can be shared in countless ways, below are some:
Your Financial Support
Triform ceases to exist without the generosity of parents and guardians and the friends and family of Community members. The tuition does not cover the cost of this high quality life. It is the expectation that all parents/guardians, whether the tuition is privately paid or state supported, will contribute over and above tuition, to the extent they are able to do so. This is an integral part of parental responsibility as part of the extended Triform Community.
Additionally there are “formal” opportunities for giving throughout the year. The largest effort is the Annual Fund Appeal in December, an opportunity to not only give our own gifts but allow Triform to reach out to a list of your family and friends who you think might want to support the work of the community. Additionally an annual benefit concert and other fundraisers provide additional opportunities to support Triform.
Your Ideas and Time
There are many avenues available to you to share your ideas and time. The Triform Board of Directors has parent members as does the Triform Foundation. Committees organizing concerts and other fundraisers welcome the help of parents and guardians. Triform’s current Strategic Plan, our blueprint for the future, benefited from the voice of several parents. This web site includes input from parents. A helping hand may be needed in various endeavors throughout the year. If you are lucky enough to come across a volunteer project that matches your talents, grab it! You will be very glad you did. Your ideas and time are invaluable contributions.
Simple Gifts, Large Effects
Each year one or more parent/guardian volunteers develop a “Holiday Wish List” for each house as a way to say “Thank You” to the houseparents and coworkers at the end of the year. It is wonderful to be able to give thanks in these very concrete ways. It might be a milk-can, a waffle maker, a rug…and it means something from you becomes part of the day in day out life in the house, making it even more special.
At Family and Friends Gatherings you will have the opportunity to make a food and/or beverage contribution to the communal meals. These communal contributions help to make these occasions the warm events that they are.
Being a parent/guardian member of the Triform Community is an opportunity unlike any other. As you watch your child grow and thrive as part of the community, you may be surprised to find you do too! You and your contributions are an essential part of what makes Triform Triform.
Welcome! We are so glad you are here!