Village Incubator

Villages are more than a way to age in place; they are intentional communities of care and belonging. By connecting older adults with neighbors, volunteers, and resources, villages deliver the social care that sustains health, purpose, and dignity for older adults aging in their homes and communities.

Village Movement California, a leader in the national Village Movement, supports over 50 villages statewide and has worked with almost two dozen communities nationwide in recent years to navigate village development, building a network that spans diverse geographies — from rural communities to urban neighborhoods.

We are proud that the American Public Health Association recently honored us with the prestigious Archstone Award for Excellence in Program Innovation, recognizing our Village Incubator as a best practice model in aging and public health, and validating our work to launch villages not just across California, but throughout the nation.

 

WHAT’S A VILLAGE?

A village is a grassroots membership organization where neighbors help neighbors age in place. Think of it as a community coming together to ensure no older adult faces aging alone. Villages connect members to:

• Friendly volunteers who help with rides, tech support & everyday tasks
• Social activities & events that fight isolation
• Referals to service providers and needed resources

WHY START ONE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

California’s older adult population will reach 10.8 million in the next decade. Your community needs solutions that work. Villages offer:

• A proven model—50 villages already thriving across California, 375 villages across the nation & more are launching
• Cost-effective support that keeps people out of institutions or falling through the cracks
• Real community impact—helping neighbors stay independent and engaged

WHAT MAKES VILLAGES WORK?

Villages are peer-led with programs and services designed by older adults themselves. They’re unique to each community, shaped by local needs & culture. The best part? You’re building something that strengthens your community; creating connections, reducing isolation, and ensuring everyone can age with dignity & purpose.

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ABOUT THE INCUBATOR

Many factors are essential to the successful formation and launch of a village. The Incubator will guide communities through a six-phase interactive curriculum that takes the user from the initial stages of community assessment and identifying potential partners, to engaging future village members and volunteers and determining the operational and governance structure, to officially launching the new village.  

Experienced Village Movement California staff and village leaders will provide guidance and resources along the way. Learning Community meetings offer the opportunity for sharing best practices and working through successes and challenges. Topical workshops provide training essential to the formation of a village. Mentors assist with additional support and advice. 

Incubator Advisory Team

• Pazit Aviv, Montgomery County Area Agency on Aging  
• Charlotte Dickson, Village Movement California  
• Dinah Frishling, Conejo Valley Village  
• Carol Haig, Village Movement California  
• Sue Kajawa, Pasadena Village  
• Carol Kitabayashi, Westside Pacific Villages, Village Movement California Board  
• Erick Larson, Village of Sonoma Valle, Village Movement California Board  
• Cy O’Neil, Village Common Rhode Island  
• Carolyn Ross, Village Movement California  
• JoAnn Schuch, Redwood Coast Village  
• Tricia Smith, Sausalito Village