About Village Neighbors

A program of Island Community House a 501(c3) non-profit organization founded in 2019

The Mission

Village Neighbors is a volunteer driven, membership program that assists seniors of Chincoteague live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible while having meaningful connections with others. We accomplish this mission by organizing a pool of vetted volunteers who provide practical help and socialization. Village Neighbors is a program of Island Community House a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2019.

History

An island-wide survey went out in November 2021 to assess the needs of residents over 60 years old and determine if there were enough potential volunteers to support Village Neighbors. Responses were overwhelmingly positive.

The Village movement springs from the recognition that local government, families, neighbors, churches, and friends increasingly cannot meet all the needs of the rapidly growing senior population. One solution has been for communities to organize themselves to provide help in innovative ways.

“Each Village is unique,” explains Village Neighbors Founder, Lisa Cannon. “Although it is a national movement, each community decides what services are most needed and what their volunteers can provide.” She notes, “Villages are meant to add to and enhance what is available locally for seniors, not compete with or replace existing services.” 

Katie O'Shea, Executive Director of Island Community House, welcomes new programming opportunities and collaborations to expand the Village Neighbors program. "We are looking forward to creating inclusive, creative, and helpful programs and services to better assist members of our community." 

Island Community House, located at 6246 Mumford Street Chincoteague, opened in 2019, with the help of David Landsberger. The facility, which has a commercial kitchen, can be rented for private events, such as, parties, receptions, cooking classes - to learn more or inquire about availability please contact FacilityRental@IslandCommunityHouse.org

A list of programs and events hosted at the Island Community House can be found here.

Please visit the Island Community House website for more information or follow Island Community House and Village-Neighbors on Facebook.