FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is a Village?
A nonprofit “Village” is not a building or residential facility for seniors. These Villages are groups of people who share the goal of helping older people to age at home as long as possible if they choose, rather than in an institutional setting. We need to care for each other during all stages of life, and the positivity and support of an active Village helps many older people feel more connected and valued.
Who is eligible to join?
A person aged 55 or older who lives within a Village area can apply to join. Each prospective Member or Volunteer is interviewed to clarify what Village services are (and aren’t), and whether each person is a good fit for Village participation. For example, requests for practical help such as rides, small home tasks or computer/device assistance are readily fulfilled, as are many other diverse examples. However, Volunteers are not permitted to provide medical or personal care, such as hygiene or transfer lifting.
Who is not eligible to join?
Issues such as advanced dementia, immobility or addiction are best served by health care professionals, rather than by Volunteers who lack the qualifications to offer help safely. Cville Village responds to such situations with compassion and will offer suggestions for alternative resources. We prioritize everyone’s peace and safety, and respect our Volunteers.
Is there any cost to join Cville Village?
Membership dues are $150 per individual per year, or $250 per household of 2. The first 20 applicants accepted for membership are offered a discounted rate of $75 for their first year, after which regular dues will apply. If you are experiencing economic hardship, please email info@cvillevillage.org so we can discuss a discount on your annual dues. Two additional membership levels will help us grow and also provide dues discounts to those who need them: Sustaining Members at $500 per year for a household of two, and Village Pillars, lifetime memberships for $5000 per individual.
Is there a limit on service requests?
A maximum of three Village services per week per individual Member is recommended as the amount most Villages can administer successfully, particularly in early years. Over time, policies may be adjusted as needed. In addition, it is possible that despite our best efforts we may not be able to fulfill every request. We will alert you to this situation as early as possible so you can make other arrangements.
May I request a service that hasn’t been mentioned?
Yes! Situations are individual, and often a particular task is top of mind. Examples: Decluttering help. Or, how about changing an overhead light bulb? Walking a dog while you recuperate? Thinning the irises? Your needs are unique to you, and if a Volunteer has skills matching your need, we’ll be ready to fulfill your request. (Hint: more Volunteers = more needs met.)
Are flu shots and COVID vaccines required to join?
Yes. For Members’ and Volunteers’ health and safety, we require proof of vaccinations. If COVID infections are rising, we request that Members and Volunteers mask with N95s, and use social distancing, fans and ventilation.
Do Volunteers need background checks to participate?
Yes. All Cville Village Volunteers must pass a background check that takes a few minutes to submit online and costs $45. Results are confidential.
Are there social events, exercise groups, etc?
In most Villages, members and volunteers organize outings, classes or activities of interest to bring the Village community together. Cville Village administration hosts information sessions, fundraisers, community celebrations, and other outreach events. Example: We recently presented a three-session course, Aging in Place and the Village Movement, through UVa’s OLLI Institute.
Is there a physical address or office?
Cville Village has been offered meeting space through Virginia Organizing and plans are to rent administrative office space in Charlottesville in 2024. Pre-launch, planning meetings have been held at local churches, community centers, in homes and online. Our email address, info@cvillevillage.org is monitored daily. Our mailing address is
131 Almere Avenue, Charlottesville VA 22902.
How can I help?
Thanks for asking! You can volunteer, donate, or both. To volunteer (we’d be nothing without you), please click here or email your interest to info@cvillevillage.org We also need ongoing funds to realize the vision of Cville Village. To donate, simply click here, and thank you!
Who directs Cville Village?
President Maryann Long, PhD, is a national leader in midwifery and has built professional programs in both the U.S. and Australia. She was inspired by volunteering for a Village in Austin, TX, and on moving to Charlottesville, decided to give back by revitalizing the Village effort here.
Vice President Maitland Sharpe worked on federal environmental and natural resource policy for many years, recently retiring to Charlottesville. He and his wife discovered the impact of social isolation during the pandemic and a search for meaningful alternatives led him to Cville Village.
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Justin Mutter, Assistant Professor, Head of Geriatric Medicine, UVA School of Medicine
Dr. Ishan Williams, Associate Professor, UVA School of Nursing; Past President, Southern Gerontological Society
Mr. Leonard Lohman, CFO, JABA (ret.)
Ms. Marta Keane, CEO, JABA
Ms. Shannon Campanelli, RN, FNP, retired geriatric case manager
For more about our dynamic and dedicated leadership team, visit https://cvillevillage.org/board-of-directors/.
How do I contact Cville Village?
Here are ways to send us questions, make a donation or ask to join our emailed newsletter list. We look forward to hearing from you!
EMAIL - info@cvillevillage.org
MAIL - Cville Village, 131 Almere Ave., Charlottesville VA 22902
FACEBOOK - Cville Village
PHONE - 434 218 3727