The Strawberry Fields
   Alternative High School

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The Special Peace Corps

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IN THE NEWS

Mother Teresa visits The Peace Abbey’s Life Experience School
Dover Sherborn Press
June 4th, 1988

Will Millis have a "Wishing Bridge"
The Milford Daily News
November 18, 2003

Activists Protest Agency Name
The Boston Globe
February 15, 2000

Special Peace Corps Serves Others Well
Milford Daily News

In America: On a Mission
Metrowest Daily News
June 21, 2003

Wiley: Make that Graduation Special
Miriam Wiley / Dover Sherborn Press
June 04, 2005

Special Peace Corps says thanks
Dover Sherborn Press
10 27, 2005

© The Peace Abbey

The Special Peace Corps
In the Spirit of JFK's call to Service
64 Exchange Street, Millis, MA 01770 Tel: 508-376-4321 Fax: 508-376-6246

This program is designed to provide a supportive, individualized service program that draws upon each individuals strengths and interests.  The goal of the program is to instill in member a greater sense of self-respect and confidence while helping them identify and serve those in need in the community.  At the Special Peace Corps, members explore their talents and abilities to serve others within a stable, accepting, yet challenging atmosphere. 

A Sense of Community
The Special Peace Corps is fortunate to have an entire small New England community within which to do sevice work.  Centrally located in a turn-of-the-century, historic train station and farmhouse, members are within walking distance to the commercial village, Public Library, Town Offices, and just a short drive to the pond and the Charles River. Throughout the year members participate in service projects as well as receive vocational training at local businesses. They also visit the many restaurants for lunch.  Millis has become more than the address of the Special Peace Corps -- it is truly our home.

Our Program offers:

	A nurturing and supportive environment in which students may discover hidden strengths and talents.
	Individualized educational plans with input from family and caregivers.
	Support for students making the transition from inpatient or day programs back into their communities.
	Opportunities to develop compassion and empowerment through service to others.
	A staff experienced in enhancing the adolescent's creativity, confidence and self-esteem.

As an extended-family day program for young adults with disabilities, we at the Special Peace Corps believe that members mature more fully and reach their potential when assuming responsibilities as members of a caring, socially conscious community.  We also embrace the belief that life problems are personalized growth opportunities that nurture inner development and have significant purposes in the unfoldment of our lives. Service to others put these challenges in perspective and provide each member with a sense of mission throughout the day.

Our vision is to instill in each member self-respect and confidence, a sense of importance and purpose, belonging and well-being.  Special Peace Corps members are encouraged to reach beyond their particular life challenge to those in need, and to strive to make a difference in the world. 

The basic tenet of our philosophy holds that all human beings learn best and find personal fulfillment through meaningful and positive personal relationships.  And that the most realistic way of evaluating an individual's learning and progress is to observe how he/she deals with decision-making and problem-solving in life.

At the Special Peace Corps, each members grows and learns in an atmosphere of dignity, trust and respect.  Our challenge as educators is to enable each member to recognize, accept and express their individual value as members of the human family, while equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead positive and fulfilling lives in the community.  We believe that Special Peace Corps members achieve maximum growth by looking beyond themselves to improve the lives of others.  And by doing so, they provide a model for the rest of us.

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