Living Together

Our mission​

Our mission is to provide a comfortable and affordable home in the country for adults,
where we can make independent life choices, pursue activities of interest, follow our spiritual paths, enjoy the benefits of a rural lifestyle, form close and caring relationships, contribute to others, and enjoy life.   

Because Elderberry is self-created, self-managed and self-directed, the use of facilities and land,
activities, and level of interdependence among residents are determined by the individuals
who live at Elderberry and their passions, interests and abilities.

​​Values that guide what we do.

Whole Hearted Living
We practice living together with kindness, generosity, empathy, compassion, and honesty, using  consensus  as a tool to both make decisions and to grow in our ability to see the gifts in ourselves and each other.

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Caring for Each Other
We relate to our community as home and to each other as family; we care for each other in times of need as a privilege and source of joy rather than an obligation.






Living in a “Beehive” of Activity
We create a rich and engaging environment for as long as we live. We eagerly share our skills and passions, learn new skills, participate in discussions, make music, create events and projects, share meals and try things we’ve never done before.




​Living in Beauty
Our reverence for nature, beauty and the arts, and the gifts of this earthly place keep us amazed and grateful. We emulate nature in our use of the land, creating garden habitats for birds, butterflies, and pollinators, using methods and materials that minimize harm, providing special places of beauty for inspiration and spiritual reflection.

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Physical Beings
We know that physical activity will keep our bodies working and give us joy; we create an environment that calls us to action — gardening, dancing, yoga, tai chi, walking, laughing, and playing.



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​A Handmade Life
We engage in meaningful life work such as growing and preserving food, crafts and woodworking, creating beauty and art in our homes and within nature.






The World Outside Our Boundaries
We seek ways to contribute to and engage with our neighbors and the wider community; we are an open-hearted, welcoming community for each other’s friends and families who come to visit. ​

The possibilities for what members might choose to do together are endless. 

Our Common House, which is shared with our sister Potluck Community Farm, is a regular gathering place for shared meals and get-togethers for members and guests.  Its facilities and equipment allow residents to maximize living space in their homes without the need for large kitchens, laundry facilities, guest bedrooms and special use rooms.  

People can make household and community items — and learn new skills.

We enjoy individual and shared flower and vegetable gardens, as well as food preservation and cooking.

A large fenced dog park provides lots of fun and potential animal pasture some day.

There’s space for crafts, games, hobbies and other creative endeavors, as well as music, movies, discussion groups and a morning coffee spot.

Residents maintain the Common House, gardens, barns, etc. with assistance from paid individuals when required.

We set up transportation and carpooling arrangements as needed.

A beautiful and inviting central area with log farmhouse, paths and gardens connects individual homes to each other and to the Common House.

Hiking trails are shared with Potluck Farm.
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Community theater, and community camping trips.

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