Village by the Shore
Offers a dynamic support system to adults over 50 to help them live healthy, safe, and independent lifestyles in their own communities
TARGET POPULATION
In 2017, we anticipate the Village serving 125 unduplicated members. Members range in age from 50 to 90+, all utilizing a variety of services to meet their individualized needs. Last year, 4% were between 50-59; 14% were 60-69; 18% were 70-79; 31% were 80-89; and 33% were 90+.
Many Village members live on fixed incomes, or were experiencing poverty. For these members, JFS supplements the costs of Village services, and connects those in need to public benefits or community resources that help them establish a steady income. These members are often isolated from the community and unable to access other social outlets, health care, nutritious food, or transportation. These members benefit from the coordination of health care appointments, home delivery of food and meals, and social activities that JFS’ Village program provides.
OUTCOME DETAILS
64% believe that SCWW has helped them remain independent
SOCIAL ISOLATION OR CONNECTION MEASURES USED
Yes, Village staff and volunteers frequently engage members in their homes; this is an essential strategy considering that many Village members have difficulty accessing services in the community. At the same time, JFS understands that these difficulties also contribute to social isolation. Therefore, staff and volunteers work to create a robust calendar of meaningful activities and events, guided by member feedback. Some of these activities and events include:
• Coffee Klatch, a regular roundtable discussion about politics, technology, world events, the arts, religion, and more. This event has been particularly successful – it started with a handful of attendees in early 2016, and was roughly three dozen as July 2017;
• Memory Café, launched this year in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, which engages Village members with early stage dementia/memory loss and their caregivers in conversation, musical entertainment, art, and educational activities;
• Hands on Creative Arts, in which seniors explore a variety of creative arts including painting, gridding, color theory, and art discussion;
• Water Wellness, ideal for those seniors with risk factors and/or injuries that prevent participation in other high impact classes;
• Brunch and Learn, a series of engaging speakers and entertaining documentary films on topics including Judaism, Israel, and more;
• Memoir Writing Workshops in which Village members learn the craft of memoir writing and share their own personal stories; and
• Lunch Around Town, which is a group that gathers at different local restaurants. Many of these activities are co-organized with the Jewish Community Center (JCC).