WHAT IS A VILLAGE? 

This Village is not an actual village. It is not a real estate development or a retirement community. It is a group of like-minded people in a geographic area, who come together and develop the resources they will need to age comfortably in their own homes. VillagesOKC is virtual neighbors enabling mature adults to come together to learn, plan and serve with spirit and dignity. Villages bring services to people rather than moving people to services – neighbors helping neighbors, create networks of support and friendships.

A Village is trusted connections. Each member/volunteer is background checked and each member/volunteer is covered with additional liability insurance.  Privileged access list of trusted professional services is also available for members.

WHAT IS THE VILLAGE MOVEMENT?

Across the nation, the village movement is an innovative grassroots organization, which has emerged in the last decade providing support services for community-dwelling older adults (Prof. A. Scharlach, UC Berkeley). The village movement, began in Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts in 1999, is one of the most viable options to let our society cope with the upcoming “Revolution Aging.” The revolution is due to the unprecedented number of seniors in America over 55. This number is growing by 10,000 per day. This number is many times greater than the number of available retirement communities or assisted living communities available or even planned. Thus has developed another option – aging in place in one's own home.

WHAT IS VILLAGESOKC?

VillagesOKC is an Oklahoma not for profit corporation, established September 2017 by a group of volunteer villagers. We believe by members and volunteers working together, we can accomplish more but share what is common thus minimizing costs.

VillagesOKC offers members services in the home, as well as opportunities to attend all social and educational events, and computer access to the trusted business list.  VillagesOKC needs many volunteers. Members are also volunteers who are background checked and trained to provide important support. Village members are volunteers – because having a meaningful purpose adds value to life. When you have something to give, you are never poor.

VillagesOKC Members Can Expect:

• One Number – Connecting trusted friends and vendors
• Like–Minded Friends – We love learning, staying active and focusing on the future. Our friends help us expand our existing friendships and family support.
• Answers for Tough Decisions – A safe place to discuss complex issues and hard questions with those who have been there.
• Learning – Engaging coffee groups, fun classes on Applied Brain Health and pickleball games help us reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
• Opportunities – We embrace giving living. Every member has gifts and skills, which are just what another needs. These reciprocal relationships give value, dignity, and worth for each member.
• VillagesOKC members know the secret to aging well is helping someone else. Every member can have someone to call in times of difficulty or someone to call for a favor or even visit without an invitation.
• Speakers – We know a thing or two, because we’ve seen a thing or two. Our speakers and DVD presentations are eager to share on topics such as: My Love Affair with the Brain, Navigating Medicare, 5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly, 7 Steps To Holding A Family Meeting, The Power of a Smidgeon: Applied Brain Science, Don’t Worry-Retire Happy, Grab Bars and More to Age in Place, Downsizing, Begin with the End in Mind, The Lonesome Valley of Caregiving, Aging Joyfully and others.
• Services – Transportation, deliveries/errands, buddy checks, simple indoor/outdoor tasks, Trusted Business List, newsletter, and fun social events for laughter and preventing isolation.

READY TO JOIN?

Steps to becoming a member are simple: apply, complete the background check and pay the annual fee. A detailed explanation of the membership categories and fees is located on the Members Tab as well as an online application.