Greater Lewes Community Village to open membership process June 1
The Greater Lewes Community Village (Village) will begin accepting information forms Saturday, June 1, for membership in the Village for services beginning Nov. 1, 2013, from senior citizens living in the Village’s service area and from households within the service area with at least one eligible individual.
A refundable $50 fee will be required when the information form is submitted. The Village serves the greater Lewes area bounded on the west by Route 1, the north by the University of Delaware campus (including communities along New Road), the south by Cape Henlopen State Park, and the east by the Delaware Bay. Information forms may be obtained: at www.GreaterLewesCommunityVillage.org; by coming to the Village’s offices located in the “Blue House” near the corner of Franklin and Schley avenues in Lewes between 9 and 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, starting Monday, June 3; by calling the office at 302-703-2568; or by sending an email to lewesvillage@gmail.com.
The Village is part of a nationwide movement: there are more than 80 active village organizations throughout the country with over 100 more in the planning stages. It is a volunteer-driven, grass roots, and nonprofit organization. The Village will provide a community of support, services, referrals and programs that help Village members to live independently while remaining engaged in a variety of educational, social and cultural activities. As a recent survey about the Village clearly shows, Lewes area residents’ interest in what the Village will offer is very high.
The basic premise of the Village is that neighbors can help neighbors age in place and that Village members will pay a reasonable fee for access to a variety of services and opportunities. Vetted volunteers will be available to assist with support services, including transportation, household assistance, friendly visiting, and such things as pet walking and simple yard work.
In addition, Village members will have access to vetted vendors, such as electricians, plumbers and yard services, as well as personal and technical services, including computer support. This “one-stop shopping” opportunity will provide confidence and security for Village members as they continue to live at home. Village-sponsored programs, such as social and cultural activities, also will be available to members.
The Village offers two types of memberships for eligible individuals and households. Annual full membership is available for $500 for individuals and $750 for households. The benefits of full membership are access to all vetted volunteer services offered by the Village, referrals to vetted and member-recommended vendors of services, and invitations to Village educational, social, and cultural events and programs.
Annual associate membership, available for $250 to both individuals and households, gives these members access to referrals to vetted and member-recommended vendors of services and invitations to Village social events and programs, but not access to Village volunteer services.
For further information about the Village and membership, call 302-703-2568 or lewesvillage@gmail.com.
