We’ve reached a significant milestone in many ways. As we enter July, the midpoint of the year, I’m amazed at what our organization and our villages have already accomplished. It truly feels like the wind is at our backs. In this issue: Greetings from Patrick Shandrick, VMC Comms Manager Across the Golden State: CA Demographics Read More
VMC is seeking a Co-Executive Director for Advocacy and Development to partner with our Co-Executive Director for Programs and Member Engagement to promote the Village model of volunteerism and services, build on the strengths of California’s diverse communities, and expand the ways we can all age well. For all the details, please visit our job Read More
Village Encinitas was formed in the spring of 2023 when Encinitas Senior Citizen Commissioner Jesse Hanwit and senior health professionals Amy Stuck and Chris Crowley decided to launch a program that helps seniors where they live. The idea is based on the “Village Movement,” a nationwide effort to help seniors continue to live and age Read More
Village Network of Petaluma celebrated its 10-year anniversary, with a “jubilant group” for about 100 members packing the community hall at Petaluma United Methodist Church, where the nonprofit organization has its headquarters. The group, which officially launched in 2014, began with 20 charter members and 15 volunteers. Today, the local group has 175 members and Read More
Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times recently explored the “BOGO” (Benefits of Getting Older), highlighting the connection and community that our villages promote and provide. The article recognizes the growing village movement as a solution to isolation among older adults: “Isolation has been called a public health epidemic among older adults among older Read More
Villages are designed to help people age in their communities with greater social connection and better mental and physical health. Yet research on how villages promote healthy aging is in its early stages. How can we evaluate the impact of villages? What kind of data and partnerships do we need? How can research help recognize Read More
JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently highlighted the complex issues surrounding elder care in the US. While acknowledging the challenges, the article also spotlights promising solutions, including the village model. Among the innovative approaches mentioned: “A growing network of senior villages uses teams of volunteers to assist their aging neighbors by providing Read More
Villages are exploring and embracing healthy aging and inclusion in steps towards integrating villages into the healthcare system and our state’s diverse communities. We share news from our villages as well as upcoming events that help ensure we can all age better! In this issue: Letters from Charlotte Dickson & Kate Hoepke Tales from the Read More
We are committed to the inclusion of our state’s diverse communities into our villages. This commitment led to a collaboration between Kate Hoepke, Executive Director of San Francisco Village, Felisia Thibodeaux, Executive Director of Southwest Community Corporation, and Carlene Davis, founder of Sistahs Aging with Grace and Elegance (SAGE). With funding from SCAN Health Plan, Read More
It is estimated that 6.7 million adults in California are caregivers, with the majority (58%) being women. Caregivers in California are experiencing financial stress and physical and/or mental health problems related to their caregiving role. As California’s older adult population continues to grow, the need for caregiving support is expected to dramatically increase. Village Movement Read More