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HomePress Release 1.6.20

Older Richmond Residents Get Good News

For Release January 6, 2020

Contact: Andy Gaines 510-204-9200, andy@ashbyvillage.org 

  Older adults in Richmond who are exploring ways to age in their own homes or apartments got some good news for the new year when an East Bay organization agreed to embrace the area for service.

         Ashby Village, one of over two hundred village programs already operating across the country, declared a yearlong pilot successful and expanded its formal service area and invited Richmond residents to join. A network of trained volunteers drive seniors to appointments, help them with chores and light repairs, keep them from being isolated and build a sense of community. Ashby Village, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, also serves Berkeley, Emeryville, El Cerrito, Kensington, Albany and parts of Oakland. It has almost 400 members and 330 volunteers, as well as a small professional staff.

         “During the past year, as a pilot effort in Richmond, we recruited both members and volunteers in Richmond and saw that there is interest in and enthusiastic support for our way of aging in community,” says Andy Gaines, Executive Director of the non-profit organization.       

         “Today, people want to stay in their homes or apartments and age in their community.  Often they can do it with just a little help,“ says Julie Freestone, a Richmond resident who worked with a committee of neighbors to bring Ashby Village  to Richmond. “Besides getting practical help, the village provides incredible social opportunities and support for older adults.” She says that research shows social integration and close relationships are the two most critical factors to living longer.

         Gaines says he hopes more Richmond residents will learn about the village concept and sign up to be either members or volunteers.  “There’s a wonderful community waiting for you,” he says.  To learn more about Ashby Village please visit www.ashbyvillage.org or call 510-204-9200. ###




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