Depending on where you are in life, you might imagine the future as exciting, or worrisome, or a combination of both. If you tend toward the latter, you might take some reassurance in learning that plans are in the works for a “Village” in West Seattle. Even better, it’s so early in the planning stage that you can jump in and help make it something that you’ll look forward to being part of when the time comes. From the group working on it so far:
What is a Village?
A village is not a place – it is a plan for aging successfully in your own home. It is a membership-based organization with paid staff who act as a personal, central resource to coordinate access to services for you. These services can help you stay in your home as you age and could be provided by trained neighborhood volunteers, or you might be referred to a screened vendor/service provider for more complex needs and services. It could also include social and activity groups.
Services might include yard work, rides to the doctor or a friend’s house, housecleaning, companionship, pet care, painters, plumbers, grocery shopping, and educational and social events at nearby locations.
How did Villages get started?
Originally started in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston in 2002, the Village concept arose out of community members’ desire to reside in their own homes while being able to access services that addressed their changing lifestyles as they aged. They wanted to take responsibility for their aging by creating a safety net of services to support them in staying safely in their own homes. At its core, the Village Movement is customer- and community-driven. Now there are more than 200 in the US including three Villages in Seattle: PNA Village (Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood), NEST (NE Seattle), and Wider Horizons (serving Central Seattle). Here is a short video featuring a member from the PNA Village in Seattle.
Is there a typical Village?
Not really. “If you’ve seen one Village; you’ve seen one Village.” Each one is planned specifically to meet the needs of the local community. By design, all Villages focus on engagement to remain healthy, not on frailty and disability. Interdependence is the goal, not isolated independence. And for those who are already members of the West Seattle Timebank, you can see that a Village is a great partner for Timebanking in a close-knit community like West Seattle.
What are the costs?
Each Village determines its own annual fees. Typically a membership starts at $200 annually. Volunteer services are free to members; screened professionals and agencies charge fees but may give discounts to Village members.
Who is involved in West Seattle so far?
It’s at the embryonic stage, so….YOU could help plan it! Folks like Lyle Evans and Holly McNeill at the Senior Center of West Seattle, Tamsen Spengler with the West Seattle Timebank, Arlene Carter with Providence Mount St. Vincent are part of the planning group. Many others are getting involved and there is a place for you on the organizing team!
Do you think West Seattle could benefit by forming a Village?
Please consider getting involved by helping with the planning, volunteering once it has launched, and/or becoming a member so you can enjoy all the benefits. To get on our e-mail list and to get more information, please contact Dori Gillam at Senior Services, dorig@seniorservices.org, 206-268-6737.
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