APPLICATION PROCESS

Please read and review our entire Inner Fire website: www.innerfire.us including interviews and videos.

Call or email Beatrice Birch, Director, at 802-221-8051 ex 1000  or beatrice.innerfire@gmail.com  to discuss your interest in the program.

Plan a Three Day Visit

A requirement before general admissions. Purpose: for the applicant to experience our day program and on the final day discuss with Guides whether we are a fit. NIghts are spent off campus typically with a family member. (Visit details listed below)

The following documents are required to be submitted at least  5 days prior to your arrival to beatrice.innerfire@gmail.com 

  • The Three Day Visit Application as a Word document or pdf
  • Applicant’s autobiography (details below)
  • Two additional biographies about the applicant (details below).
  • Communicate with businessmanager.innerfire@gmail.com regarding the financial aspects of the program. 
  • Finalize visit dates with the Beatrice: 802-221-8051 ex 1000

Autobiography

Potential seeker shall write 3-5 pages on the following: Topics to include:

  • Childhood, adolescent, young adult and current life stories
  • Challenges, “breaks” or traumatic experiences you have had
  • Have you had any violent episodes? What were the reasons for such?
  • Are you on medications? Which, how much, and for how long?
  • Your present emotional, spiritual, physical and mental state
  • Reason you are interested in Inner Fire
  • How you think / feel / hope your participation at Inner Fire could support you
  • What you hope to achieve (your aims) in your time at Inner Fire.
  • Additional topics you are invited to include:
  • Hobbies / activities you enjoy
  • Notable accomplishments: Family, Social, Educational, Vocational, Extracurricular
  • Hopes and dreams for your future
  • Anything else you would like to share

Biographies

Two individuals who have known the applicant for much, if not all of his/her life, shall each write a 3-5 page biography. We ask you not to read the applicant’s autobiography or other biographies before writing your own as we appreciate all perspectives, knowing no one has a complete view. Include the following points and anything else you would like to share:

  • Relationship to applicant
  • Describe the applicant’s birth and early years.
  • What were their personal qualities throughout their years?
  • What has changed over time and why?
  • From your perception, what may have led to the challenges the applicant is now facing?
  • What are your hopes / desires / expectations for the applicant’s journey at Inner Fire?
  • Are you aware of any violent episodes and the causes of the episodes?

Three-Day Visit Requirements

  • Applicant submits Three Day Visit application, writes and sends their auto-biography, and two additional biographies are sent by persons who have accompanied and known the applicant for many years.
  • The non-refundable fee of $1700.00 needs to arrive a week before the starting date of the Three-Day Visit, an invoice will be sent via email with a link to make payment. Once payment for the 3 day visit has been received your visit will be confirmed and the Seeker Handbook will be emailed for you to review along with a responsible family member. 
  • Visits are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 6:45am to 8:00 pm. Applicant will fully engage in our Inner Fire program of practical work and therapies.
  • Please review the “What to Bring List’ and come appropriately prepared for the weather and work situations, bringing gloves and indoor shoes etc.
  • Arrange overnight accommodations for you and applicant at a local (Brookline, Newfane, Townshend, Williamsville, Brattleboro) Airbnb, bed and breakfast or motel for the nights before, during and after the Three Day Visit.
  • If the applicant is serious and knows they want to join the program, they are strongly encouraged to fill-out and send in the Admissions Application (see above for PDF and Word downloads) 5 days before their 3 Day Visit so they would be able to join the Community the following Monday.

Day One of Seeker’s Three Day Visit

Seeker arrives at 6:45 am and participates in the days practical work, therapy sessions, meals and evening activity until 8:00 pm

Day Two

Seeker engages in the 6:45 am to 8:00 pm daily program. Accompanying family member(s) and friend(s) meet with the Director for a conversation and tour of Inner Fire. Time will be arranged.

Day Three

Seeker engages in the 6:45 am to 8:00 pm program and meets with Inner Fire guides at 1:30 pm for a conversation and to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings about coming to Inner Fire.

It is important for the Seeker to take time to consider their decision. If their wish is to join the Inner Fire community, the Seeker is still encouraged to ‘sleep on their decision’ knowing it could be possible to start the following Monday. They are encouraged to phone the Executive Director the next day, Saturday.  802-221-8051 x 1000 with a suggested ‘start date’.

 Remember, if the Seeker is quite certain that they want to start straight after their 3 Day Visit, they need to have sent their Admission’s Application in 5 days before their arrival for their 3 Day Visit. 

General Admissions Application

Confirm Decisions

Contact Beatrice at 802-221-8051

If Yes:

  • Seeker requests a desired start date.
  • Seeker needs to review the “What to Bring List” and come with the majority of the necessary items. First and last month’s (i.e., the deposit) tuition are due on a Seeker’s first day.

If Wait / Maybe? – Perhaps you need more time, we understand this is a significant decision and are happy to dialogue about any concerns and best timing.  If No – We would value understanding the reasons for your decision.