“Villages" or "aging in place communities" are grassroots, member-driven nonprofit organizations created by older adults to support one other as they age in their own homes. Villages aim to provide older adults with the resources and assistance they need to remain independent and engaged in their daily lives.

The concept of villages originated in Boston in 2002 with the founding of Beacon Hill Village. Since then, the village model has spread to many communities across the United States and internationally. Members typically pay an annual fee to join the village, and in return, gain access to a range of services and activities designed to support aging in place. However, some villages have no fees or very low fees and offer services and programs to anyone in their geographic area. Most villages provide both simple assistive services and social, educational, or recreational programs. Some may emphasize services or programs, reflecting their communities’ priorities. There is increasing interest in multigenerational villages to promote rich interactions amongst all age groups.  

Services offered by villages vary depending on the needs and interests of the members but may include:

• Transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social events
• Simple home maintenance and repair services
• Social activities, such as exercise classes, book clubs, interest groups, and cultural outings
• Technology assistance
• At home visits, respite care for primary caregivers, and absent-owner services
• Access to vetted service providers, such as home health aides and handymen
• Information and referrals to community resources and support services
• Volunteer opportunities for members to contribute their skills and expertise

Villages operate on the principle of neighbors getting to know and help neighbors, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Villages play a crucial role in several ways:

1. Supporting Aging in Place: Most older adults prefer to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, rather than moving to senior-serving residences and facilities. Villages provide the support and resources necessary for older adults to maintain their independence and continue living in familiar surroundings.

2. Promoting Social Connections: Social isolation and loneliness are significant issues among older adults, which can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Villages offer opportunities for members to socialize, participate in group activities, and build meaningful relationships.

3. Access to Services and Resources: Older adults may face challenges in accessing essential services such as transportation, home maintenance, and healthcare. Villages bridge this gap by providing access to a network of vetted service providers, volunteers, and resources tailored to the needs of older adults, ensuring they receive support to age comfortably and safely at home.

4. Empowering Older Adults: Villages allow older adults to take an active role in shaping their own aging experience. By participating in village activities, decision-making processes, and volunteer opportunities, older adults can maintain a sense of purpose, agency, and autonomy as they navigate the aging process.

5. Building Community Resilience: Villages contribute to the overall resilience and well-being of communities by fostering intergenerational connections, promoting volunteerism, and strengthening social networks. By supporting individuals aging in place, villages help maintain the fabric of neighborhoods and communities, ensuring that residents of all ages feel valued, supported, and included.

There are 284 known villages in the United States, with 38 currently known to be under development. Most are concentrated on the East and West coasts. There are 81 known villages in Maryland Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC–the region encompassed by the Washington Area Villages Exchange, or WAVE.  To see where villages can currently be found, check out the Village to Village Network’s national map here, and the WAVE website here.

To learn more about villages, you can explore the following resources:

1. Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE): WAVE encompasses villages in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the. District of Columbia.  It provides educational programs and networking opportunities to help villages learn from each other as well as from experts in the field. The WAVE website (wavevillages.org) includes archives of previous programs, resources for villages, and contact information for regional villages. 

2. Village to Village Network (VtV): The Village to Village Network is a national organization that provides support, resources, and networking opportunities for village organizers. Its website offers information on village development, best practices, and tools for starting and sustaining a village. For more information, visit: VtVNetwork.org.

3. Local Village Websites: Many villages have their own websites where you can find information about their services, events, membership requirements, and volunteer opportunities. You can search online for villages in your local area or use directories provided by organizations like WAVE or the Village to Village Network.

4. Community Centers and Senior Organizations: Community centers, senior centers, and organizations that serve older adults may have information about villages in your area. These organizations often host workshops on topics related to aging in place and may be able to connect you with local village organizers.

5. Local Government and Aging Services Agencies: Local government agencies and aging services organizations may have information about villages in your area.

To find a village in the mid-Atlantic region, check out the WAVE website here or the Village to Village Network Village Map here.   Some cities and counties official websites include a list of villages in their area.

Interested in starting a village? We’re here to help! We can get you in touch with the resources and people you need to get started. WAVE offers free mentoring to exploratory or start-up villages. You can request help here. 

Starting a village involves several stages. Here’s a brief overview of the usual process:

1. The first stage revolves around community exploration. Start speaking with other community members to get others on board. You will need to find a group of dedicated individuals who can become your cofounders. Once this is done, go through a community needs assessment to understand the areas of improvement within your community and what gaps your village can fill for older residents. If there are issues in the community that a village can feasibly solve and there is enough interest, you are good to get started!

2. The second stage is the nuts and bolts of setting up your organization. This includes incorporating your organization with the state, choosing your board of directors, drafting your business plan, applying for nonprofit status, and determining your operating logistics. You will need to draft key documents including your Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Make sure you are familiar with your local area’s regulatory requirements as you move forward.

3. The final stage involves getting the village up and running! This includes forging partnerships with important community and government groups, developing and executing your marketing and outreach strategies, and fundraising to help you meet your goals. Then it’s just tracking your engagement metrics and finding ways to improve.

For a more detailed guide on how to start a village, we encourage you to look at Washington D.C. Government’s guide on village creation here. You can also visit the Village to Village Network website for information on village development and best practices.

The Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE) brings together villages in greater Washington DC region to learn and grow by sharing experiences and ideas. Through diverse educational programming and networking opportunities, WAVE strengthens and promotes developing and established villages and helps build momentum for the nationwide village movement. Encompassing villages in Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia, WAVE is the largest regional village organization in the nation.

The primary goal of WAVE is to support the development and sustainability of villages in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and DC-area by providing networking opportunities, educational programs, and advocacy efforts. By facilitating communication and collaboration among villages, WAVE helps strengthen the village movement and support individual village efforts.

WAVE hosts regular meetings, workshops, and events where village organizers and members can exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from one another's experiences. The organization also provides resources and support to help villages address common challenges, navigate issues related to governance and operations, and build partnerships with local stakeholders and service providers.

WAVE offers a variety of programs for leaders of new or established villages and others interested in helping individuals thrive in their homes and communities. These Include:

• Mentoring and support programs.
• Awards for outstanding village programs or services and innovative programs on specific issues such as end-of-life. 
• Plenary programs and topic-specific zoom sessions that offer speakers on critical topics for villages.

WAVE also maintains a list of resources for village leaders and others who focus on aging in place. These include:

• Research reports on the effectiveness of villages and aging in place.
• Government resources and documents relevant to the village movement.
• Annual Village surveys documenting performance and engagement.

WAVE (Washington Area Villages Exchange) partners with other local organizations in a variety of ways:

1. Collaborative Events and Workshops: WAVE may collaborate with other local organizations to organize educational workshops and events on topics relevant to aging in place, senior services, and community health and wellness.

2. Resource Sharing and Referrals: WAVE may establish partnerships with transportation providers, home care agencies, legal and financial services providers, and other service organizations helpful to older adults.

3. Advocacy and Policy Initiatives: WAVE may partner with advocacy groups, community organizations, and government agencies to advocate for policies and initiatives that support aging in place, improve access to healthcare and social services, and address the needs of older adults in the community.

4. Community Engagement and Outreach: WAVE may collaborate with local community centers, senior centers, libraries, and other community organizations to raise awareness about the village movement, promote the benefits of aging in place, and engage with older adults and caregivers in the community.

5. Research and Evaluation: WAVE may partner with academic institutions, research organizations, and foundations to conduct research and evaluation studies on the impact of villages, best practices in aging in place, and innovative approaches.

6. WAVE partners with the Maryland Department of Aging to promote and strengthen villages and encourage the development of innovative approaches to help people remain in their homes and thrive in their communities.