THE VILLAGE CONCEPT: HOW FAR HAVE WE COME? HOW FAR CAN WE GET? Pazit Aviv, MSW Village Coordinator Aging and Disability Services Montgomery County, MD Pazit Aviv, MSW Montgomery County, MD

VILLAGES – THE BASICS  A village is a grassroots organization that supports aging in place by harnessing local volunteer power (neighbor helping neighbor)  Each community develops a unique village that meets its interests and needs  Villages offer social engagement and/or hands on help (primary service – transportation)  The first village- Beacon Hill in  Now close to 200 in the nation.

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS Villages tap into two opposing values: Self determination Community connectedness “I can stay at my home” “I can keep my friends” “I will choose how I age” “My community will help” The fusion - Interconnectedness

VILLAGES ARE GROWING  Estimated Annual 30% growth in the number of villages in the nation (VTV Network)  Average size – 250 members  Three main clusters (CA, MI, and DC Metro)  Primary growth in urban/suburban setting mostly in affluent communities  Enhanced services over time In spite of growth, most do not serve a diverse population

OLDER ADULTS AND DIVERSITY  2013 data -21.2% of persons age 65+ were members of racial or ethnic minority populations nationally (AoA)  45% are considered poor when accounting for “available financial resources” (Keiser FF)  4% estimated to identify as LGBT (SAGE) Trends are on the rise These demographics are not represented in most villages

THE CHALLENGES OFF DIVERSITY OUTREACH  Perceptions (“This is not for me”, “It is too expensive”)  Culture (“We do things differently”)  Language barriers  Awareness  Intentionality  Appropriate understanding of target audience  Effective outreach efforts require resources

SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES (1): VILLAGE OF TAKOMA PARK (EST. 2014)  13% of 65+ live in poverty within a small wealthy community. 20% non-Caucasian.  110 active “members” (annual fee $10).  40 volunteers, focus on transportation  Diverse leadership (10%) and membership (50%)

SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES (2) OLNEY HOME FOR LIFE (EST. 2011)  Free volunteer transportation, friendly visits and phone check- ins, tech clinics  Covers a large suburban area with one neighborhoods with a significant population of low income older adults  Over 1,000 rides annually  Relies on grants and partnership with local hospital

SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES (3) MUSLIM COMMUNITY CENTER (EST. 2014)  Large and highly diverse membership (most are not Caucasians, many moderate to low income)  Focus on social engagement, wellness and some volunteer support  Partnerships with nonprofit providers to offer services  Partnership with on-site community clinic for health and wellness  Challenge with transportation help due to wide catchment area

PROMISING PRACTICE: EAST COUNTY VILLAGE SENIORS  Incorporated late 2015  Highly diverse board, serving a highly diverse community  40 “interested” people, but only 5 active planners  Strong partnerships (Rec. center, nonprofits, county government, faith communities)  Still developing its core mission (currently offering workshops and classes, collecting preferred providers list and building relationship with local youth)

LESSONS LEARNED  Villages are key to combatting isolation and connecting people to community resources  Community organizing is a useful tool  There is no substitute to investment in relationships (trust and deep appreciation of culture)  People choose their affinity groups  Faith communities are a strong partner  Membership costs can serve as deterrent

IS THIS AFFORDABLE?  “We cannot afford the alternative!”  Most villages’ budget is minimal (one part time staff who serves a community of 250) and work is done primarily by volunteers.  Partnerships can increase affordability.  Villages fundraise specifically to offset cost of reduced/free memberships.  Some hospitals buy village membership for discharged patients.

VILLAGE CONCEPT - CHALLENGES  Not a solution for people who require support around ADL.  Built environment (inside the home and out in public spaces) not conducive to aging in place  Sustainability of volunteer energy and financial viability

THANK YOU! Pazit Aviv, MSW, Village Coordinator Aging and Disability Services, Montgomery County HHS, Rockville, MD