15 years ago. I live an hour away from Tillers Michigan facility & learned of them thru woodworking (they teach how to care for, use, and make muscle powered tools). Among their support activities are a number of classes on all sorts of old school topics.
I think of their facility as a boot camp for people heading into the Peace Corps. They focus on "Rural Technology" - from how to drive oxen, make rural roads, build barns, etc. The staff & volunteers I have met there are genuine & dedicated to an ideal. Much of their effort is focused on the poorer parts of Africa.
Dick Roosenberg is the top man, & he is top shelf. He's serious about wanting to make a difference & he's found a lot of good people to help.
At one point I talked to Dick about helping create cooperation between craftspeople to make & market products that none can make/ market by themselves. They are serious about finding a way for people to pull themselves forward.
Tillers has my full trust that they're getting the highest value from my donation.
Review from Guidestar