Communication…personal rapport… a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior

Many of our staff reside on the farm with their families. A diverse population peacefully co-existing in close proximity necessitates good communication. Direct, continuous exposure to good communication allows the students several daily opportunities to learn by osmosis.

Disagreements and conflict are inevitable when people live together. Penrith Farms encourages students and staff to manage conflicts by meeting individually with involved person(s) in the spirit of cooperation to try and resolve any issues. If need be, the additional support of mediation is available.

Teamwork is integral to our community success. Daily household chores provide constant opportunities for staff to role model appropriate ways to communicate needs and assign and accept responsibilities. Young adults in the community are not only encouraged, but expected to do the same. Therefore, they are able to test positive communication skills, discover they work, and assimilate them. After all, it soon becomes quite clear that without appropriate communication meals won’t be cooked; dishes won’t get washed; every one will attempt to shower at once.