Why Do We Need a Village?
87% of people age 65 or older want to age in place in their homes. Also, the costs of independent or assisted living facilities are prohibitive for the middle class. They average $4000 a month. Most people in the middle class are priced out of those services. Fortunately in Charlotte there is a Medicaid-type program called PACE that provides similar services at no cost.
Therefore, baby boomers and future generations need services in their homes to cover basic needs, like transportation, help with computers, cell phones and TV remotes, minor home repairs, and other services determined through member surveys.
We are a diverse group of like-minded residents who began forming the Charlotte Village Network in 2014, became incorporated and received IRS 501(c)(3) approval in 2015. We are members of the National VTV Network and are mentored by a National Board Member.
Our Board of Directors come from education, government, home health care, assisted living, and insurance industries. Our volunteers represent several fields and have a high level of passion for what we do.
We are grassroots volunteers and are background checked before we serve any member.
What Exactly is a Village?
Villages are volunteer-driven, grass-roots organizations that, through both volunteers and a small paid staff, coordinate access to affordable services including transportation, health and wellness programs, home repairs, social and educational activities, and other day-to-day needs enabling individuals to remain in their homes, connected to their community throughout the aging process.
Anyone age 55+ within the service area in Charlotte, NC can apply for membership. Anyone of any age can volunteer for a variety of assignments. All volunteers are vetted, including background-checks. We invite local organizations and businesses to pledge volunteer hours. Volunteers may be eligible for “time-banking” to reduce current or future membership fees.
How Will Volunteers Be Involved?
Volunteers represent most of the value provided to members. Volunteers will run parts of the organization including its Board of Directors, serve on committees, and most importantly provide services to members. Volunteering for the Village helps bring meaning to your life and to the life of your neighbors.
What Services Will Be Offered?
Villages generally provide a “Concierge” service to members (“One call does it all”) where a single call to the office is all it takes for members to obtain the benefits of membership.
Village offerings are a three legged stool:
• Services to members provided by either volunteers (who may also be members), paid providers or the members themselves (time-banking).
• Programs for health and wellness activities, social functions, member learning and education, trips and seminars
• Referrals to providers and discounted access to services. We will also collaborate with other senior service organizations where possible.
Services include:
- Driving/ Transportation
- Companionship
- Daily "Stay In Touch" Phone Calls
- Monthly Care Team Visits
- Computer, Cell Phone and TV Remote Help
- MinorHome Repair
- Classes/Activities
- Social Events
- Referrals to Outside Providers