Seaglass Village—Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Introducing Seaglass Village
We are a community of neighbors in the greater Marblehead, Swampscott, and Nahant area helping each other maintain our dignity, independence, freedom, and safety as we age in our homes. Seaglass Village provides a coordinated network of volunteers and referred vendors as well as friends who enjoy recreational, social, cultural, and educational events.
(In photo: Seaglass Village Board of Directors. Left to right: Judy Gates, Joan McCormack, Izzy Abrams, Catherine Doherty, Anne Waymouth, Doreen Hodgkin, Heidi Whear, Betsy Morris, Alyce Deveau, pictured at our Grand Opening, October 15, 2021)
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What is the Village Movement?
The Village Movement is an innovative grassroots movement built on the idea that together we are stronger. It began in 1999 when a group of older friends on Beacon Hill gathered to explore ways they could continue to live in their own homes and help each other stay healthy and socially active in their own community instead of relying on existing solutions, such as nursing homes, retirement communities, and hired helpers. They wanted to stay connected with their friends.
Twenty years later, there are more than 300 Villages across the nation, and more are in development. The popularity of Villages has proven that seniors want to age independently in their communities with the Village model. The Village Movement allows seniors to be part of an active community and find a purposeful way to age.
How does it work?
Seaglass Village is a growing group of members and volunteers, some who are both members as well as volunteers. For example, a member may need a ride to an appointment and is also able to volunteer by walking another member’s dog.
Members benefit from access to an expanding list of volunteer services, programs and referred vendors as well as opportunities to reciprocate as we are able. As the list of services develops, Seaglass Village anticipates exciting opportunities to collaborate with our three towns’ existing organizations, e.g., the Councils on Aging, libraries, and houses of worship.
Most services we offer are staffed by member volunteers. We strongly encourage our members to “pay it forward” and be a part of our volunteer team in whatever capacity possible. Seaglass Village will not provide medical services or extensive home maintenance. We can refer members to professionals who do. Seaglass Village will offer a list of providers suggested by our members. Please call the office at 781-718-0401 for a list of referred vendors. Members can access a list of referred vendors when logged onto this site as members.
We are supported by donations and grants as well as modest membership dues that cover the assistance and services needed.
How do I get involved?
Seaglass Village has a variety of ways you can get involved. We are currently developing lists of:
Potential members
Board/committee members
Volunteers to provide services
Preferred vendors to vet
Funders – donations are always welcome*
To learn more and to join our mailing list, please send us a message through our contact page, email us at info@seaglassvillage.org, or call 781-718-0401.
Members can access the list of referred vendors when logged in as members.
*Seaglass Village is a 501(c)(3) organization and graciously accepts donations. Kindly make checks out to Seaglass Village and mail to Seaglass Village, c/o First Church Congregational, 40 Monument Ave., Swampscott, MA 01907.
SEAGLASS VILLAGE
c/o First Church Congregational
40 Monument Ave.
Swampscott, MA 01907
781-718-0401
