Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is a Village?

A Village is a grass-roots, non-profit membership organization that provides meaningful social connections and practical (non-medical) assistance to older adults and others who wish to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Each Village is unique to the needs of its community.  There are currently more than 300 Villages across the United States and Canada.  Check out the Village to Village Network to learn more about this movement that is now 25 years old. 

 

Why did the Village movement get started?

The Village movement started in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston in 2002 and has spread to all areas of the United States. It began when a group of neighbors realized that everyday services they needed to age in place were expensive or hard to find. In addition, local government agencies, churches, neighbors, friends and family increasingly were not able to provide all the help that was needed. Those neighbors banded together to create a new kind of senior service organization, based on volunteers. A Village means neighbors helping neighbors in an intentional, organized way.  It also means neighbors connecting with one another to combat loneliness, enhance local relationships, and build a safety network.  

 

What kinds of programs and services does a Village offer?

The intention of a Village is to augment, not compete with or replace any existing services in the community. Typically programs for Villages are designed for social, wellness, educational and cultural purposes. Services that are provided may include local transportation, light household chores, help with technology, and other non-medical tasks. 

 

How do I join Lower Merion Village?

First fill out a Membership Application ( apply-here). Once you have completed the application and submitted it, we will guide you through the next steps.

What does it cost to join?

Annual fees are as follows:

$125 Individual membership, renewable annually

$200 Household membership, renewable annually. This covers 2 or 3 people residing in one residence.

If your present circumstances may require a subsidized membership rate, we offer discounted membership to Lower Merion Village. Kindly indicate this on your membership application.

 

What does my membership fee go towards? 

Membership fees cover the cost of program software, events, liability insurance and paid staff support.  

 

What are the benefits of membership?  

Simply put, what you get with your Village membership is an opportunity to live well, make new friends and get involved as little or as much as you wish. 

Lower Merion Village is currently offering: Social Events, Educational Activities, Wellness Programs, and Community Service opportunities. 

We also host a Website with a full calendar of events, registration for programs and events, volunteer opportunities, members-only resources

Coming Soon to Augment your Membership:

• Newsletter:  Upcoming village programs and events plus other helpful info 

• Discussion Forum:  members share information such as referrals, buy-sell-trade, meetup & events, etc.

• Meaningful Volunteer Activities: driving a member, hosting an event, presenting a program, or serving on a committee

 

What kind of volunteer services does the Village provide? 

 Currently Lower Merion Village is not offering services to Members, but will be recruiting Volunteers during 2026 to provide assistance with rides, in-home tasks, friendly visits and other needs as identified by our Members.  If you wish to participate as a Volunteer to assist other Village Members, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.  ( Volunteer form )