Pulse

Fall 2017

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2 0 | PULSE Fa l l 2 0 1 7 C O M M U N I T Y B E N E F I T A n o-quoted African proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." But truly, all ages benefit when community members care about and look out for one another. is concept fuels an idea called the Village Movement, a predominantly volunteer-driven effort designed to help seniors remain in their homes and communities, while preserving their independence and connectedness. More than 200 villages exist across the country and each has its own character and approach, based on the needs and desires of the people it serves. But all have the common goal of helping members age in a place of their choosing and remain closely connected with their communities. e general model involves members receiving a certain number of support services such as transportation, help with minor household tasks and opportunities to socialize, all made possible through the help of volunteers who provide these services. Members pay an annual fee to support administrative expenses, including background checks and bonding of volunteers. e South Bay boasts two villages: Palos Verdes Peninsula Village and Torrance-headquartered South Bay Village. Nearby Westside Pacific Village serves El Segundo and communities to the north. SOUTH BAY VILLAGE: A FOCUS ON SERVICES Executive director Ges Davis and others launched South Bay Village in May 2015. While serving on Torrance's Commission on Aging , Davis heard a speaker discuss the Village concept. "It was like a light bulb going off. I realized we've got to do this," she says. "I've always felt we, as a population, do not do enough for our seniors." South Bay Village focuses on services, including providing transportation to doctors' appointments, errands and other destinations, doing minor SENIORS STAYING HOME: IT TAKES A VILLAGE LOCAL "VILLAGES" HELP SOUTH BAY RESIDENTS SUCCESSFULLY REMAIN IN THEIR HOMES AS THEY AGE. WRITTEN BY NANCY SOKOLER STEINER Palos Verdes Peninsula barbershop quartet performs last Spring Volunteers from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Village

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