Who is a Village Member?

It can be difficult to not think of the Village as a physical place and to understand everything that it can do.
Here are some examples of how the Village can enhance the lives of our neighbors as they age in place.

"Mary" is an 80 year old widow on a fixed income with restricted mobility. She calls the Village Member Service Coordinator to request help with lawn care. She is referred to other village member volunteers and to vetted lawn care professionals who offer villages members a discount on their services.

"Frank," a retired business executive and world traveler loves languages and cultural exchanges. He finds it difficult to find outlets for his interests in central PA. He is willing to develop a Spanish conversation group, but wants some assistance. The Village Member Services Coordinator offers to connect him with other village members who share his interests and to help publicize the group, organize meetings, and find meeting locations.

"Jennifer" is a woman in crisis. She has difficulty paying for basic necessities, health concerns, and has very few social connections. The Village Member Services Coordinator recommends "Jennifer" to the village member scholarship program, a benefits check at the Agency on Aging, and encourages her to sign up for daily wellness checks.

"George," a well-to-do widower loves good food but hates to cook. He drives, but limits his driving to daylight, good weather, and short distances. He calls requesting help with accessing high quality meals. The Village Member Services Coordinator offers several options: 1. The services of a younger village member who will pick up and deliver meals from his favorite restaurants. 2. Connecting "George" to a vetted chef who will come to his home to cook meals for the whole week. 3. Meet with other village members to discuss cooperative efforts like a soup exchange or cooking parties.

"Janet" is in good health, but her husband is experiencing memory loss and some confusion. All of the household tasks are falling on her and she does not like to leave him alone for very long. She needs a break, but doesn't want to spend money on a "babysitter." The Village Member Services Coordinator connects "Janet" with the local Agency on Aging and Senior Center, and with other village members who have either volunteered to be an occassional companion, or who can help with errands and chores.

The Faces and Sights of a Village