Arlington Neighborhood Village

I have seen ANV operate on the inside and the outside, so I can attest it is a well-run, totally committed, and superlatively dedicated organization to both its members and its volunteers. I truly appreciate ANV's sense of community among its members and volunteers, and the organization fulfills its mission of service every day. I've also witnessed a heartwarming amount of gratitude and appreciation between the ANV members and volunteers. ANV truly is a neighborhood family.

We have been involved in supporting ANV for a few years now and have had the pleasure of seeing all they do for Arlington seniors. Seeing all they do to support seniors by enabling them to remain in their own homes is inspiring. And to see how well the ANV staff interacts with everyone just warms my heart. I only hope that, as we age, our area has a similar organization to offer us as great support as ANV provides. They are one special group!

I’ve been an ANV donor for a few years and have actually had the opportunity to sit with the members and volunteers. It was heart warming to see the joy and sincere sense of caring between the two. What a wonderful organization with such great commitment to the community. Bravo!!!! and I’m grateful to all of ANV for the opportunity to be part of this amazing organization.

I've been working with ANV for eight years. It has been an absolute delight to work with an organization that is run so well, is so committed to their mission, and who produces real results. ANV makes a tangible difference in the lives of older adults in Arlington--not just with hands-on assistance with thing that older adults aging in place need help with. ANV is also a caring group--a village made up of members, volunteers, staff, board, and supporters who look out for each other. I've seen so many beautiful friendships develop and have heard firsthand how ANV has improved peoples' experience of aging. I'm so proud to be a part of this village!

I volunteer for ANV giving rides to medical appointments, running errands, picking up prescriptions for older adults living on their own in Arlington Va. I am retired and was looking to give back to my community. It is remarkably rewarding to be able to help people and to hear their life stories. ANV makes a difference for so many in our community and I am proud tobe a small part of it.

As Director of Senior Health at VHC Health, I have worked with Arlington Neighborhood Village since its inception 10 years ago and have been a board member for the past 4 years. The support ANV provides our senior community is invaluable - from transportation to errands to social connection. ANV plays a critical role in enhancing the lives of their members and allowing them to age in place. Their support of low income residents has increased tremendously in the past few years which gives me great pride as a board member.

I am a professional, working with older adults, in Arlington. I interact with Arlington Neighborhood Village on a regular basis. Many of the residents that I work with, utilize Arlington Neighborhood Village as a resource in their every day lives. The residents not only use the service for themselves, but refer each other to this resource. The mission of Arlington Neighborhood Village directly reflects the needs of the community. They always do their best to meet every need, but also do a wonderful job of assisting with finding alternate resources when their services are not enough. The team at Arlington Neighborhood Village are a pleasure to work with, and I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for volunteer hours, or any older adult looking for some extra support.

I first became aware of Arlington Neighborhood Village in 2020. I had recently retired and wanted to learn about local nonprofits, so that I could provide available dollars as a donor. ANV represents the best of both services offered and careful stewardship of funds. The staff and volunteers are stellar in their work.

I have lived in Arlington for more than four decades. I had known nothing about the neighborhood village concept before my nonprofit research, and have realized that ANV represents the perfect involvement by community members for the great benefit of us all.

I am a 9-year volunteer with ANV and see daily the impact the organization has on the seniors in our community. The relationships formed between volunteers and seniors is priceless for both parties. I personally learn so much from interacting with our members who have so much wisdom and knowledge to share. It has been a great experience, and I wish my own mother's community had something similar.

In 2020, when My wife and I moved to Arlington, we were searching for a volunteer work in the community. In 2022, I received a random email from Arlington Neighborhood Villages (ANV). We both contacted the Volunteer Service Coordinator and offered our services. After the vetting process we were accepted . Gradually, we learned a lot about the organization and decided to get involved more than just attending get together functions, picnic and christmas celebrations. It is gratifying to see that "stay-In-Place" for the geriatric population is a dream come true. Members are provided transportation service to doctor's office, physical therapist, dentist, grocery shopping, hair appointments etc. Additionally, all home chores, tech support, library services, walking buddy, home visiting are most welcome services. It is truly a neighborhood service making you feel a part of the congenial village, a family and a peace of mind. We feel blessed that the ANV considers us not just a cog in the machine but an essential part of the organization. ANN

I am a volunteer with ANV and help one particular person get his/her medications and other household goods about twice a month. We began this relationship during covid and it has grown into a solid friendship. The ANV client feels comfortable calling me when they are upset or when they have problem which I can help solve. Because of ANV this person has a new friend who she can rely on for help.

I joined ANV as an associate member when I retired. I have made many friends through the ANV through the Monday night bocce games, the Thursday Games in Ballston Mall, and other events. It's a great, great organization!

Arlington Neighborhood Village has many wonderful volunteers that give their time & expertise to helping senior citizens members, whether it be providing rides to needed appointments or lending a hand around the house or guided them through technology challenges. The members are grateful for the assistance.

My neighbors are volunteers and recipients of volunteer services of ANV and through them I have heard about what a wonderful support system it provides to neighbors. Seniors want to stay in the homes that are full of memories, surrounded by longtime neighbors. I love that ANV is all about helping neighbors get in touch with each to support each other and to celebrate together. I attended the Thanksgiving community dinner and it was so nice to see such a supportive and vibrant group.

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) provides many creative ways for seniors to engage in their community. For example, I recently joined the Pen Pal Program which matches ANV members with students at Campbell Elementary School. I have been enjoying my correspondence with a 4th grade student there. We exchange letters each month. I also participate in the SAIL exercise program twice a week -- Stay Active and Engaged for Life. It helps keep me fit.

I became a member 13 months ago when I gave up my driver’s license. Since then I have used ANV’s transportation service multiple times for medical appointments & have found this service an invaluable help in navigating this new phase of my life. My drivers arrive early, get me there on time and wait patiently to take me home. And, a very real bonus, they are invariably interesting people, so that I’ve had an enjoyable conversation going back and forth. A bonus indeed. I feel very fortunate be geographically eligible for membership and hope to explore other opportunities through ANV. What a great organization made up of very generous with their time volunteers.

Anne McC Wright

I've had a hand in creating community-building activities with Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) from its origin in 2014. With the encouragement of my wife and fellow-volunteer, Arlene Christian, I've shared activities that bring me joy and might help participants resist the isolation that often besets seniors seeking to thrive while continuing to live in their own homes.

These include:
--founding ANV's Bocce program, which has evolved and blossomed since ANV's beginning.
--co-founding and co-leading ANV's year-round weekly Tai Chi practices for 8 years and counting.
--founding and facilitating ANV's Spanish Conversation Group for five years.
--leading quarterly walks around nearby Theodore Roosevelt Island, for ANV members, volunteers, friends, and neighbors to share the changing of the seasons each year.

These activities bring me personal satisfaction and, I believe, strengthen ANV by creating shared experiences, wellness practices, friendships, publicity, and good will for ANV, They complement the other direct-service volunteer work that I have done in the early days, mainly driving ANV members to and from medical appointments, supermarkets, banks, beauty parlors and the like.

Participating as a volunteer when this vibrant non-profit was being created and molded counts as one of the most exciting and meaningful things I've done in my 84 years. I've made new friendships. I've seen examples of inspired leadership at the helm of ANV and among other volunteers. I've met members who model aging with courage and dignity. And in recent years, my wife and I have gone from being volunteers, to being both members and volunteers. ANV does good things for the community and enriches our lives. (Posted on 3 March 2023)

I have been an ANV member for a year (since giving up driving) and have been a been a beneficiary of their transportation services during that time. Their drivers are invariably on time, patient with traffic & with appointments that extend longer than projected. And they are all interesting people so that the going and returning trips are always interesting. I feel extremely fortunate to have this wonderful service available to me.

Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) is one of the best managed, friendly, and dedicated senior service organizations I have ever encountered. Chemotherapy medication disabled my ability to safely drive to and from the clinic. The Arlington Neighborhood Village leadership arranged for volunteers to transport me whenever I needed it. Furthermore, this agency provides a variety of household services, including changing light bulbs and smoke alarms, as well as sorting out and removing clutter. I am truly impressed by ANV, not only for their on-paper services, but for the care and attention of their volunteers. Their demonstrated integrity is comparable with that of any professional community service organization.

Arlington Neighborhood Village is fantastic. It’s a friendly and caring organization that offers unique opportunities to both members and volunteers to help each other and to socialize with peers. In fact, many folks like me are both members and volunteers, and I’ve met some of my best friends through ANV.

Fun helping a senior with their computer and being a pen pal to a 4th (now 5th) grade student. Lots of fun.

I've been volunteer since ANV started serving members. I've worked in the office matching volunteer availability to member needs. We're able to do that more than 95% of the time.
I've also given hundreds rides to appointments of all kinds. One one trip in January 2021, the member and I had to talk our way through National Guard roadblocks (in anticipation of presidential inauguration) to set to her appointment. Members have also asked me to hang pictures, change smoke detector batteries and change furnace filters - the small things that are hard to do for some of our older members.
At are periodic gatherings - e.g., Thanksgiving and Christmas - it's wonderful to share the fellowship with kind and generous members of our community and our fellow senior citizens.

I've been a volunteer with ANV since 2019 and am proud to support such a worthy organization. Their programs for individuals to stay in their homes and enjoy the vibrant community of Arlington truly make a difference in so many lives.

I have been a volunteer driver and board member of Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) for several years. Having worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years and headed up two organizations, I can say with confidence that I consider ANV one of the best I have ever seen. Its mission – helping Arlington seniors stay in their homes with independence and quality of life – is a vital activity in a community where more and more people make their lifelong residence. At all levels (leadership, volunteers, program), ANV is outstanding. Run by a skeleton staff and dependent on almost 400 volunteers to serve members with services and social activities, ANV is a model for any organization seeking examples of how to “do it right.” ANV is expanding services and moving to the next level of organizational activity, and increased resources will be put to good use.

I've been an ANV volunteer for ~6-months and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting a wide range of members. I have driven many members to appointments and errands, and I've loved hearing their stories. I have a weekly walking buddy, and I visit a home-bound member to provide companionship and practice my conversational Spanish. I believe firmly that anything we residents can do to help our senior neighbors age-in-place can only enhance the entire Arlington community.

I have been an ANV volunteer for 10 months and am finding it the most rewarding volunteer work I have ever done. I drive seniors to doctors, help with organizing and moves, and am a friendly-visitor to someone with cancer. These seniors are so delightful and grateful. I have learned so much about their lives and the history of Arlington. I am grateful to work with them.

Twice daily emails list current needs and it is easy to sign up. I love the flexibility to pick whatever tasks fit my schedule. Staff and volunteers at the office are very knowledgeable and friendly and eager to help. I decided to get more involved and joined the board and I keep recruiting my friends!

I have been a volunteer for 4 years and have recently become a board member of this wonderful organization that provides support services to help older adults age in place. ANV was especially helpful during the pandemic, providing transportation for older adults to vaccination sites, telephone check-in calls, and delivering groceries and other items to their homes. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the diverse membership in our organization and have been so touched by the heartfelt thanks of those we serve. The social, educational, and practical offerings of ANV help keep our older adults engaged, having fun, learning new skills, and feeling valued members of the community. I'm so glad I joined as a volunteer and now look forward to being more actively involved as a board member.

I have been a grateful member of ANV for many years. Shortly after I joined, I fell and broke my ankle and could not drive. ANV provided rides to physical therapy several days a week for about a month. I was soon able to join in their social events as dining in different ethnic restaurants, physical and mental health events as Tai Chi in a nearby park every Wednesday morning, and cultural events as concerts at the Kennedy Center with fellow members.

They again came to my rescue during the pandemic when I developed problems involving my heart, lungs, and liver. I was provided with rides to medical appointments, sometimes two and three times each week. At a time when I felt alone and stressed, it was truly comforting to have the company of an ANV friend (volunteer) who conversed with me and eased my nervousness on the trip. The office was unbelievably efficient in setting up all these rides for me and the volunteers felt like angels in my life! They even did my grocery shopping!

And now they have matched me as a Pen Pal with a 4th grader in the community, so I am also a volunteer of sorts. I truly look forward to each correspondence with the young girl who brings such a feeling of joy.

I have been a volunteer with ANV for almost five years, chiefly as an office worker but also as a driver and home chores helper. The time I spend volunteering with ANV brings many benefits to the organization, the members, and me since it serves to support the elderly who wish to live independently, a non-profit that touches the lives of so many individuals in a positive way, and to provide meaning to my retirement years especially during this time of isolation. ANV makes it possible to connect with others in a positive, life affirming way even when we must of necessity minimize time spent in social situations. When volunteering we have opportunities to meet and serve a diverse membership, many of whom have led lives of service to the nation and their communities. Their stories are a treasury of human endeavor and achievement. It is an honor to meet and assist them at this time of their lives.

My husband and I have been members of Arlington Neighborhood Village since 2019. Our membership has provided peace of mind not only for us but for our children who live at a distance. As a low-vision senior I greatly appreciate knowing that volunteer help with rides and other services is available if needed. I also appreciate the email announcements of activities and the social media updates. It was as a result of an ANV social media update that I was alerted to sign up for an appointment for a Covid vaccination within the early weeks of vaccine administration in Arlington. I was grateful for volunteer calls early in the pandemic to check in and provide a social connection at an upsetting time. One of the reasons we joined was to keep better informed on local senior living options and services, and yesterday I attended an ANV Zoom session on the process of considering whether to move to a continuing care community. Aging in place involves having access to needed services and being aware of options, and Arlington Neighborhood Village supports members in both. Five stars!

As a volunteer with ANV for the past 3 years, I have a sense of satisfaction and pride in the work and mission of the organization. I work with a wonderful group of volunteers on the Events Committee, and I am amazed by the commitment of this group to keep our seniors socially engaged and active. The pandemic brought unique challenges, but through a mix of creativity, community engagement, technical assistance and tutoring, ANV was able to reach out to several of our members , many of whom are now actively participating in zoom sessions and webinars. I believe that ANV fulfills a real community need by helping seniors live in their homes safely and with access to several support services for a very reasonable annual fee.

I am a volunteer with ANV. I am so impressed with their outstanding communication with both members and volunteers. They are very easy to work with and immediately responsive to inquiries

Having read about the Boston Village, I was delighted to know Arlington was in the process of creating ANV and became one of the first members. I have had help from the patient, expert volunteers to answer my technical questions (iPhone, computer, TV, etc), appreciated rides, and help making minor household repairs. ANV immediately started zooming when Covid-19 made physical gatherings impossible. The weekly course on how to Zoom made it easier to Zoom family and friends. The Zoomed Weekly Coffee and Conversation and programs shared by other Regional Villages have made learning and socializing easy but do look forward to seeing members after-COVID. We are lucky to be living in a community with volunteers with so much initiative, talent, and all with smiles and kindness making our golden years truly golden.

I rely on Arlington Neighbor Village volunteers to help me almost every week or so. I'm mostly home bound, without a car. They take me grocery shopping and deliver my prescription medicine to me. And yesterday they took me to get my COVID vaccine. In other words, they are a life saving organization, accommodating my needs. Last spring during strict COVID orders, they had me give my grocery list to a volunteer. That volunteer would do my grocery shopping for me, finding every specific item I needed. What a wonderful help to me! I'm so thankful for Arlington Neighbor Village and their dedicated volunteers.

I have been a Board Member with ANV since 2015. As a former affordable housing professional I was very aware of the fact that most seniors would prefer to age in place in their own homes, so I was delighted when the Neighborhood Village movement came to Arlington. I thought we were doing a good job of providing needed services and offering opportunities to reduce social isolation for our older residents, but when the pandemic hit, we were able to adapt and carry things to a new level. Our dedicated staff and volunteers stepped up to provide services to anyone in need, making sure that vulnerable seniors were able to get groceries and instituting a "phone buddy" program to call and check in on members. Many of our members are learning to use technology and can now participate in Zoom events! The community responded to our call for support for our Financial Aid Fund by donating nearly $30,000 so that ANV can continue to provide discounted membership to at-risk and in-need seniors in 2021. Now we are continuing to meet the challenges of our times by providing educational outreach to seniors about Covid vaccinations, and by giving rides to vaccination centers.
I am proud to be part of this organization, and grateful to our community for demonstrating the caring values that really make a difference in people's lives.

I have been a volunteer at Arlington Neighborhood Village almost since the organization was founded, and I find my volunteer work incredibly rewarding. I am wholeheartedly committed to ANV’s missions of enabling members to stay in their own homes and flourish there for as long as possible. Certainly, Covid has demonstrated the wisdom of keeping people out of nursing homes and assisted living facilities for as long as possible. As a volunteer I drive members to their doctors’ appointments, to the hairdresser, to their physical therapy appointments. I do grocery shopping for members who cannot get out of the house. Sometimes, something just as simple as a telephone call to ensure that everything is all right.

And while ANV is committed to enabling its members to live at home for as long as possible, it also is committed to getting its members out of the house once in a while. There are monthly luncheons (or there were and will be again) at various ethnic restaurants. There are holiday parties, summer picnics, seasonal hikes. These are open to members and volunteers, and thus a community committed to ANV’s mission is formed.

What a wonderful organization!

Provides a greatly needed service to the elderly population of Arlington.

All my interactions with the Staff have been professional, efficient and effective, it appears to be very well run.

All the Clients that I've had a chance to meet, speak highly of ANV and the services they provide.

My Mother is/has received social companionship support and transportation assistance to medical appointments. This has occurred a couple of times even on short notice. Your organization & volunteers give me a sense of peace knowing that Mom can be independent.

I've been involved with ANV for 4 years as a board member and now a committee volunteer. I've always been impressed with how ANV provides friendly and helpful services to our community's older residents, like helping with transportation, home tasks, health programming and fun social activities. However, during the pandemic, ANV has really shown what an essential role it plays in the lives of so many members - keeping them up-to-date on the latest public health information and the vaccine roll-outs, helping them stay connected with caring phone calls and socially-distanced activities, as well as moving its key programming online. ANV staff and volunteers are always welcoming and warm, too. There are so many opportunities for members and volunteers to get involved in activities that are both fulfilling and fun, and I can't recommend it highly enough for either!

As I go into my seventy-first year, it hasn't been easy. Worsened during Covid-19, suddenly I was stuck at home and truly anxious about going out. (Pre-existing conditions.) Called a social worker in the area, she put me in touch with ANV. I called, briefly described my situation and they weren't nosy or asking more questions but asked how they could help me.

Since I've been with ANV, I have groceries, I have more information, and have found new friends. More importantly, they answer the phone and work with me when I need help.

ANV offers many kinds of small helps and important services for maintaining myself at home. Volunteers are friendly; they call to arrange times to meet and they're efficient in their service provision with groceries, banking, etc.
Thanks to all at ANV!

In 2014, when I was transitioning to working at home, I was thrilled to find out that a village was being formed in Arlington. I had heard about villages through colleagues who volunteered in Boston and thought a village would be a perfect addition to Arlington. I soon became involved with organizing our first social activity which was a weekly coffee series, Coffee and Conversation. Six years later, we are still hosting those weekly coffees and they are stronger than ever. Each week we get together for a little socializing and to hear from a speaker on a variety of topics. Our lively group loves to learn new things and what's happening in our community. It's one way we all stay engaged and up-to-date on the latest news and trends. And, now during our recent health crisis, we are bringing our coffees to our members, volunteers and the public through Zoom conferencing. What a way to stay connected and avoid social isolation. ANV has does so much for seniors living in Arlington and I am proud to be a part of the organization.

I have been volunteering with ANV for more than 5 years, mainly as a driver, and everyone I've driven has had nothing but compliments for this organization. The leadership and other volunteers are all amazing people, and I've become close to some of the people I often drive. I know I've received more than I've given by volunteering. Recently, I'm especially impressed that during the Covid Quarantine, when many older volunteers, myself included, have limited our time away from home, ANV has not only maintained, but increased its assistance, now helping non-member seniors who need help.

I am so grateful to have found Arlington Neighborhood Villages. I am a 60 year old single mom with a teen who has a serious medical condition. We are both high risk when it comes to getting Covid-19. So we really have to isolate and not go into the stores. I looked to my counties social services for help picking up groceries and needed medications, but they had nothing to offer. Arlington Neighborhood's Village's volunteers have been nothing short of awesome! They are quick to respond, and are so helpful! Also, I can't say enough good things about Wendy at the ANV office who walked me through their process and had made everything so easy for me. I am impressed by the range of services they offer from helping people get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, computer assistance and more. I also like how they have vetted their volunteers which gives me a piece of mind. I highly recommend this group!

Arlington Neighborhood Village is one of the happiest organizations I've ever seen. I'm 77, and I've been volunteering for few years. I've driven folks shopping and to medical appointments, interviewed membership applicants, led an exercise class, and served on various committees. I'm constantly amazed at the joy I see around me. ANV clients (aka members), volunteers, and staff all seem to radiate cheer. I've worked with seniors from various ethnic backgrounds and educational and professional levels, and I always come home pumped and grateful for the organization and the experiences it offers.

I have been volunteering for Arlingtion Neighborhood Village (ANV) for the past 5 years and and cannot think of a better organization to work for in my retirement years. The hours and types of volunteering are very flexible and will fit almost everyone's schedule and capabilities. Because I volunteer in the office (I also provide direct services to the members) and in light of my business background, I find ANV to be a very well run organization. I have met many new friends and am so pleased that my wife and I decided to become associate members (without direct services from the volunteers). The paid staff are limited and there is a volunteer board so this is truly an organization run by volunteers.

I first joined ANV after a good friend and travel buddy passed away. I found myself not talking with anyone for days at a time. I decided to join ANV, not only for the social events, but also I might need a second pair of hands to help me around the house. I wanted more, so 6 months after becoming a member, I started volunteering to help other members. Now I have new friends and lots of activities to fill the time. It is so rewarding to hear other members stories and enjoy the events where I can connect with others. ANV has helped me to stay in my house and I am so grateful. This organization is a God-send for so many of us.

I have been a member and volunteer with ANV since it first began. As a volunteer, I have seen firsthand what a huge difference we are making in so many lives. The value of giving people the ability to get out of their houses and back into the world is huge! So is being able to call for help and know that the person you are letting into your home is someone you can trust. As a member, I haven’t needed too many services yet, but I get a lot out of the social events. They get me out to places and doing things that I might otherwise never have done. As both a member and volunteer, I have met so many wonderful new friends through ANV. I really feel so much more connected to my community, and it’s great to know that this amazing organization is here for me whenever I need it.

ANV has helped me in many ways since I suffered a moderate stroke in June,2018. Caring volunteers brought me clothes,mail,treats and helped take me home and provided much needed and appreciated as I was living alone. Since June,2018, ANV volunteers have helped me around the house and outside work. Last week, a gentleman fixed a clogged water dispenser in my refrigerator and helped clean out my garage. He even took haz mat paternal to the drop off location. I have also received rides to Dr. appointments . The volunteers provide needed help and also provide good company during stressful times. I have never in my 79 years been more impressed with how capable and caring ANV provides. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate ANV a perfect 10. They deserve the highest praise for their terrific work.

I have been a volunteer with Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) since its inception in 2014. ANV provides many services to senior citizens who are aging in place. I have served as a driver and a friendly visitor and always enjoyed my time with the neighbors I helped. Many were lonely and appreciated the human connection. Most recently, I took a workshop on decluttering and am eager to help members who request this service. I became a member of ANV last year so that I can attend member only programs, such as weekly speakers and health and wellness programs. And if I need a little help, ANV is just a phone call away.