It takes a village. Nowadays, villages are spread apart or not so easy to see or access. The Olympia Area Village has been evolving over the past four years, bringing people together – especially those getting older – for support to live independently for as long as possible. It is an intentional community, yet not necessarily location-based. Recently, the group obtained its 501(c)3 nonprofit status and is actively growing its membership and services. People help each other, learn skills, stay in touch, and have fun with social, civic and cultural activities.
The Village Concept was Born in Boston
The Village Movement started in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood around 2002. Older adults who wanted to age in place organized to find support for transportation, home help, social activities and vetted providers. The member-driven group has spread across the country. Now there are over 300 villages. The Beacon Hill Village still operates.
Olympia Area Village Acts like a Family
Lou Ellyn Jones is the vice president of Olympia Area Village and has been active since its early days. “It’s like an extended family,” she notes. Lou Ellyn has neither children nor a partner, so she was especially interested in joining with others who want meaningful connections. Initially, people gathered to create organizational teams and map out a future for an Olympia village. It was bumpy and challenging, but the pioneers maintained their sense of humor, independence and desire to create a village. Volunteers stepped up to be organizers and leaders and others helped in ways they could.
The Olympia Area Village serves urban and rural Thurston County. Though members are mostly in their 60s, 70s and 80s, the group is open to anyone who wants to participate in this village concept. Members live as couples, singles, friends or as part of a larger family.
Olympia Members Enjoy Many Benefits
“I love Olympia and have lived here since the 1980s,” says Lou Ellyn. “It is fantastic with so much community. Yet in the back of my mind, I have concerns about being alone and getting older.” Olympia Area Village is an answer to many such concerns.
People joining now will enjoy the fruits of the labors of many. They have access to the membership list to meet with others of similar interests. The Olympia Area Village is working on its list of preferred providers for all the services someone may need including maintenance, plumbing and electrical issues.
“We have events like potlucks, picnics, dinner out, and all kinds of things,” adds Lou Ellyn. Members can put post an event or seek an interest group. People may connect for a ride to a doctor. Several members formed a men’s group to meet monthly for topics from spirituality to college experiences to the evolution of the universe.
The Olympia Area Village has a durable medical equipment bank for people to share equipment. More service plans are still in progress. Nevertheless, people are still reaping the benefits of making new friends and having fun together.
Lou Ellyn says that the Swedish Death Cleaning group has been providing amazing times with others. They gather once a month for tea and support. The process is a mindful practice that goes beyond the decluttering your spaces. You let go of items no longer necessary or important now and keep those that are current. The focus is on what really matters, resulting in a lighter, more peaceful home. It can be done alone yet doing it with others can be quite profound. The principles of generosity, reflection, and peace & order can transfer to other areas of your life. You need not wait to try this when you are ‘older.’
Every Olympia Area Village group reflects the interests and spirit of its members. Current interest groups include the following:
- Biking
- Birding
- Crafts
- Gardening
- Travel
- Walking and hiking
And of course, they are always open to new interest groups! Steve Kelso is a member who became involved a couple of years ago. He is on the communications team and puts out the newsletter. “I’ve learned a lot about organizational development and making friends,” he shares. He admits that his participation has forged deeper relationships with a variety of people, and he appreciates the numerous challenges the organization has tackled along the way.
Membership in the Olympia Area Village
It’s easy to join with the online application. Yearly dues are $200. There are options for those with limited financial ability. People can also donate to keep the Village up and running. Visit the Olympia Area Village website for more information.
“We are building connections for a stronger and resilient community. The times call us to do that,” adds Lou Ellyn. OAV is open to collaborating with other community organizations.
