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Raphael Village FAQs
What is Raphael Village?
Raphael Academy began in spring of 2012 as an after school program for middle school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and other intellectual differences. Over time our program offerings have expanded to include a Transition Program for students in grades 9-12, and an adult day program. The Guild was established in 2013 to provide post-secondary education and vocational training opportunities to young adults. In 2016, Raphael Village was created to reflect our vision of providing an all-encompassing community for differently-abled people throughout all stages of life.
What makes Raphael Village unique compared to other programs for differently-abled people in New Orleans?
Raphael Village offers New Orleans’ only Curative, Waldorf-inspired high school: Raphael Academy. We are also the only Affiliate Member of the Camphill Association of North America in the Southeast region of the United States.The Camphill Movement, founded by Karl König in 1940, is a worldwide fellowship of people and places whose work includes establishing and maintaining healing and socially supportive environments based on Anthroposophy. Raphael Village provides differently-abled people of all ages with the educational, vocational, and personal support they need to lead joyful, engaged lives in the New Orleans community and beyond.
What is Camphill?
As a community-oriented educational and social movement, Camphill communities have devoted over 80 years to nurturing the personal, spiritual, and professional abilities of people of all ages with and without intellectual disabilities. With over 100 Camphill initiatives worldwide, Raphael Village is proud to be the first and only Affiliate Member of the Camphill Association of North America in the Southeast region of the United States.
What are the three programs of Raphael Village?
The Guild (our adult day program for young adults), The Hive (our Supported Employment program)and The Hearth (our future life-sharing community) are the three main programs that make up Raphael Village.
Why is Raphael Village divided into three programs?
The division allows each program’s faculty and staff members to focus on the specific learning and social needs of differently-abled people throughout different stages of their lives. All three programs work together to make Raphael Village a comprehensive, caring, and vibrant community for our students and members.
Does Raphael Village have a residential program?
The Hearth is Raphael Village’s future life-sharing community and is in the preliminary planning phase of its development. To date, we have secured three vacant lots where we plan to build family-style homes for differently-abled people to live semi-independently with caregivers.
Do you accept volunteers?
Yes, we accept volunteers for The Hive, The Guild, and our various fundraising events. To learn more, visit our Volunteer page.
The Hive FAQs
What is The Hive?
Our newest initiative, The Hive at Raphael Village, aims to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive employment throughout the Greater New Orleans area. This program is designed to be a pathway for professional growth and integrate participants into the local workforce, enhancing their opportunities for meaningful and fulfilling careers.
What is Supported Employment?
Supported Employment is a service that helps individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain meaningful jobs in the community. This approach includes tailored job placement, on-the-job training, and continuous support to ensure long-term success and independence in the workplace.
What is The Hive?
The Hive is the supported employment program of Raphael Village, dedicated to connecting individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment. We focus on finding the right job that matches participants’ skills and interests while offering ongoing coaching and support for the length of the employment. We choose to make sure that the job is something individuals will take pride in and enjoy. Additionally, we support businesses by helping them understand each employee’s strengths and needs, fostering a great relationship that benefits both the employer and the employee.
How does The Hive help individuals with disabilities?
The Hive provides a structured path to employment, including skill assessment, job matching, personalized coaching, financial guidance, and continuous support. This ensures participants gain confidence, independence, and the necessary skills to thrive in their careers.
Who is eligible for Supported Employment through The Hive?
Supported Employment at The Hive is available to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are ready and motivated to work. Eligibility is often determined in partnership with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and/or Medicaid Waivers.
How do I enroll in Supported Employment at The Hive?
You can enroll in Supported Employment at The Hive through two options:
- Request The Hive as your vendor through Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS): Start by applying for Supported Employment with LRS, which will assess eligibility and request The Hive for supported employment services.
- Choose Private Pay through Raphael Village: If you prefer to enroll directly, Raphael Village offers a private pay option.
What types of jobs are available through The Hive?
The Hive works with a variety of local employers in fields such as retail, hospitality, tech, healthcare, and more. We aim to match participants with positions that align with their skills and interests to ensure a fulfilling work experience.
How can businesses benefit from hiring through The Hive?
Businesses that partner with The Hive gain dedicated, loyal employees and access to incentives like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and wage reimbursements. Supported employees have a 48% lower turnover rate and contribute to 30% higher profit margins for companies with inclusive hiring practices. Additionally, nearly 90% of consumers prefer businesses that support individuals with disabilities, enhancing both brand reputation and corporate social responsibility.
What ongoing support does The Hive provide to participants?
We offer continuous support to both the employee and employer, including on-the-job coaching, skill development, and regular check-ins. If there are any changes—like additional job duties, a shift in supervision, or new staff—our team is there to assist the employee during the transition. This consistent support helps participants adapt smoothly, ensuring a successful, long-term employment experience.
Can family members or guardians play a role in supported employment?
Family members and guardians play a vital role in supporting participants in The Hive’s Supported Employment Program. They can encourage participation, introduce The Hive to local businesses for job opportunities, help with transportation, and advocate for inclusive hiring practices. Additionally, families can reinforce money-management skills at home, coordinate with The Hive team on job-related changes, and provide general support during transitions, such as new job duties or shifts in supervision. This involvement enhances the participant’s success, ensuring they have a solid support system for long-term growth and independence.
How can businesses partner with The Hive?
Businesses interested in partnering with The Hive can reach out to us directly. We work with employers to identify roles that would benefit from supported employment and help create a successful onboarding process for new hires.
Who can I contact for more information about Supported Employment at The Hive?
For more information, please contact us at (504) 766-6138 or [email protected]. If you’re reaching out for the first time, please fill out this form, and we’ll get in touch with you. Our team is here to answer questions about enrollment, partnerships, and how The Hive can support you.
The Guild FAQs
What is The Guild at Raphael Village?
Established in 2013, The Guild offers post-secondary education, as well as vocational and artist guild training for young adults (18 years of age or older) who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, or other intellectual differences. Our day program also focuses on the continued development of life skills for greater independence both at home and in the community.
What is The Guild’s Member Profile?
Guild members are individuals who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, or other intellectual disabilities. Potential members should be comfortable with participating in both team-based and individual tasks and activities. Potential members and families should also be comfortable with members participating in activities and tasks outside of The Guild’s main facilities. Please click here for a more detailed description of our Guild Member Profile.
What post-secondary education does The Guild offer?
The Guild offers continued academics that focus on skills needed for greater independence and personal enrichment, such as money and time management, resume writing, book clubs, and creative writing. The post-secondary education program is tailored to the individual ability level and interests of each Guild member.
What life skills programming does The Guild offer?
Embedded in our program is the ongoing strengthening of daily life skills, including housekeeping, wellness and self-care, social and human relationship skills, healthy cooking and baking, and goal-setting.
What vocational training does The Guild offer?
Our unpaid vocational training internships prepare our members for the workforce through continued discovery and development of individualized interests and skill sets. Members that participate in these internships gain real-world work experience that will help develop their individual portfolio of skills needed to secure future employment within the community.
What does artist guild training look like?
The Guild’s artist training gives our members an outlet for creative expression and the ability to develop skills required to pursue work in various creative fields. Members have the choice to participate in the Fiber Studio (a weavery), weekly multi-media arts instruction, and a ceramics program in partnership with YAYA.
What are the costs and fees for The Guild?
Click here to review the Program Fee Schedule for The Guild. Please note that we accept both private pay and Medicaid payment options.
Does The Guild accept Medicaid Waiver recipients?
The Guild is a licensed Medicaid provider that accepts the NOW, ROW and Supports Waivers. Oftentimes we have a waitlist for waiver recipients. Individuals interested in placing their name on our waitlist should contact the Enrollment Director at [email protected] or by calling 504-482-0058.
When can we apply for The Guild?
We receive applications for The Guild on a rolling basis. We encourage you to visit our admissions overview page to learn more about our application process.
The Hearth FAQs
What is “life-sharing”?
In the Camphill Movement, life-sharing describes the practice of individuals with and without disabilities living daily life together in shared residential and community spaces. Typically, residential homes in life-sharing communities include experienced household managers, volunteer care providers, and residents with disabilities living and working together. All members of a life-sharing community cultivate caring, mutually beneficial residential and social environments through shared daily work in both the home and the community.
How will The Hearth incorporate the Camphill movement’s concept of life-sharing?
The Hearth will be an integrated residential living community for differently-abled people and their peers to live alongside one another, gain greater independence, and receive daily, loving support from live-in caregivers and the greater Raphael Village community. As an Affiliate Member of the Camphill Association of North America , life-sharing is at the core of Raphael Village’s vision and mission; The Hearth is how we plan to bring that vision to life. Please click here to learn more about The Hearth.
When will The Hearth be active?
We plan for The Hearth to be an active residential program by 2026.
Where will The Hearth be located?
The Hearth will be located in the Irish Channel and other surrounding neighborhoods in Uptown, New Orleans.