The Village Movement
The Village Movement started in Boston more than 15 years ago and today there are hundreds of Villages within 45 states that are part of the Village to Village Network. The Village to Village Network is a national organization that was formed to maximize the growth, impact and sustainability of the individual Villages. Each individual Village is unique and reflects the needs of the members and the community where it is located. According to AARP, Village members experience reduced isolation, increased independence, and enhanced purpose of life. Villages are instrumental in helping people remain in their homes and independent in their communities.
Within the Capital District, in addition to Bethlehem Neighbors, there are established and developing Villages in Glens Falls, Shenendehowa, Northern Columbia County, and Niskayuna. Both Community Caregivers and Albany Guardian Society are involved in educating people about the Village movement and establishing volunteer networks in Guilderland and Albany.
If you want to learn more about the Village movement, you can attend one of the meetings of the Capital Region Village Collaborative, a bimonthly gathering of local Village members led by the Albany Guardian Society at
albanyguardiansociety.org or call 518-434-2140 for more information.