What is a Village?
A Village is a volunteer membership organization that provides community, a social network, life-long learning opportunities and services that benefit older adults who want to remain in their homes and live active and independent lives as they age in place.

The Village concept is based on the belief that it is possible for a community of people to pool their resources––by paying membership dues and volunteering their skills––to create an organization that can assist and support each member. The outcome? A whole that is larger than the sum of its parts with a powerful potential for impact on people’s lives. 

The first Village, Beacon Hill Village, was launched by a group of women in Boston in 2001. Although they didn’t realize it, they were starting a movement. Today nearly 500 Villages nationwide have adopted the Village model, with 44 in California alone! Collectively they are transforming the experience of aging into one filled with new assumptions, opportunities, and horizons.

For more information, visit the Village Movement of Caliornia and or the Village to Village Network to learn more and to locate villages nearest you.

What do Villages do?
Each Village provides programs (events), activities, and supportive services tailored to their members’ needs. Together, we are connected, active and involved in our communities.

How do Villages work?
In our village, members pay a modest membership fee (about $1.10 per day) that enables them to receive the services and activities that the Village provides for free. The services, such as rides to medical appointments, are provided by volunteers.

Who is eligible to join?
Individuals age 60+ can join Carquinez Village. With household memberships, only one of the two partners must be age 60+.

What if a member can't afford the membership dues?
No one will be left behind. Those who cannot afford the membership fee can submit a scholarship application with their membership forms. Their membership dues will be waived.

Who joins and why?
People join the Village for different reasons. Some join because they need supportive services. Others pay it forward because they anticipate that they may need services in the future. Some join because they are interested in the programs, activities, social connections, life-long learning and community. Others join to be part of a group that has a new and progressive view of aging.

Who are the Village volunteers?
Volunteers are women and men of all ages and backgrounds. Each one of our amazing volunteer is background checked and trained. They are people who want to make a contribution to the lives of older adults and make a difference in the community.