Village to Village Network Awards $55, 950 to Villages to Create Sustainable Models to Support Aging in Community

Village to Village Network and MetLife Foundation Help Village Movement Focus on Sustainability

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 9, 2013) – 12 grassroots “Villages” across the U.S. were awarded $55,950 by the Village to Village Network to support the creation of a sustainable business and organizational infrastructure for their Village organizations. Villages were created through a grassroots movement so that older Americans can age in their community with maximum independence and dignity.  In May 2012, MetLife awarded $250,000 to NCB Capital Impact to continue the expansion of the Village to Village Network (VtV Network) including a second round of Business/Operation Sustainability Grants.

“Capital City Village is thrilled to be among the 2013 recipients of the Village to Village Network grant”, said Beth Jasper, Executive Director for Capital City Village in Austin, Texas, “This funding allows us to reach out to more and more Austin seniors, and to create additional positive impact in the community.”

Villages are self-governing,  membership driven, non-profit organizations run by small staffs and volunteers working together to build welcoming communities, provide social supports, and coordinate affordable services, including transportation, in-home medical care, home repairs and other day-to-day needs for people wishing to remain in their home and communities. In 2010, NCB Capital Impact and Beacon Hill Village launched the VtV Network to provide a national peer-to-peer network to help communities establish and sustain their own Villages.

"We congratulate these Villages on their efforts to develop innovative and sound approaches to aging in place" said Dennis White, President and CEO, MetLife Foundation.   “These sustainability and business strategies will help older Americans maintain a sense of independence and dignity as they remain in their home and communities."    

                           

The 12 Villages will use their grant funds to develop sound business solutions and innovative approaches to sustainability, membership retention and strategic partnership strategies. Additionally, the grantees will share lessons learned and successful models with the VtV Network. The 12 Villages awarded grants include:

Canopy of Neighbors, Buffalo, New York

Lincoln Park Village: Chicago, Illinois

Dupont Circle Village: District of Columbia

East Rock Village: New Haven, Connecticut

Capital City Village: Austin, Texas

Tierrasanta Village of San Diego: San Diego, California

Elderhelp of San Diego: San Diego, California

Glover Park Village: District of Columbia

Neighborhood Falmouth: Falmouth, Massachusetts

North Oakland Village: Oakland, California

Plumas Rural Services: Quincy, California

Westchester Playa Village: Los Angeles, California

Today, there are approximately 94 operating Villages in the U.S., and over 120 communities that are in some stage of developing a Village. Currently, 210 organizations are members of the VtV Network.

About Canopy of Neighbors, Inc.

Canopy of Neighbors was incorporated in 2011 by City of Buffalo residents who wished to remain in their own homes as they aged; and realized that they and their neighbors could actually do just that if they had a little extra help. Canopy of Neighbors recruits and trains volunteers to provide that extra assistance to city residents aged 62+ in the 14209 and 14222 zip codes. A membership in Canopy of Neighbors connects seniors via a phone call to a community-wide network of vetted vendors and volunteers, who provide support in the form of daily living/home services, health assistance services, information, light home and yard services physical activities and social event, and transportation. These approved businesses and individuals are committed to helping community residents over the age of 62 stay independent in their own homes. For more information, visit www.canopyofneighbors.com

About the Village to Village Network

The Village to Village (VtV) Network is being created by Villages for Villages.  The VtV Network helps communities establish and manage their own “Villages.” The Network is sponsored through a joint partnership between Beacon Hill Village and NCB Capital Impact and was developed in response to requests from Villages nationwide. For more information, visit www.vtvnetwork.org.

About MetLife Foundation

Metlife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation’s commitment to building a secure future for individuals and communities worldwide is reflected in its dedication to empowering older adults, preparing young people and building livable communities. Since it was established, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $530 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments to nonprofit organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. For more information visit www.metlife.org