FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Village at the Falls?
Village at the Falls is a new village forming in the Oregon City, Redland and Beavercreek area. We are a group of neighbors helping each other stay connected to our community and in our own homes as we age. A network of community volunteers coordinates and provide program support, services and social activities for Village members and volunteers.
The first Village, Beacon Hill Village in Boston, began almost two decades ago when 12 older adults joined forces to create a way for them to age at home and remain independent as long as possible. There are now hundreds of Villages nationwide. There are several villages in the Portland area. To find a village in your area, visit Villages NW website www.villagesnw.org.
How does membership work?
Village at the Falls is a membership organization, and you must be a member to utilize village services, and attend many of our social events. Our service area includes, Oregon City, Redland, Beavercreek and unincorporated areas in between.
Why should I participate if I’m healthy and active?
Membership in a Village is for individuals who are looking for a little help around the house, fun social activities, and to connect with others in their community. For neighbors who volunteer their time and provide services, it’s a way to give back to the community and provide a meaningful connection with others.
Why should I join if I am in good health and don’t need services?
Members join for many reasons. Many like the social and educational events. Some like spending time with friends and meeting new people. Others like the convenience of having a place to call for all types of services and help. Membership is a kind of insurance policy knowing that we are here for you whenever the need arises. You would be supporting the development and operation of Village at the Falls as a valuable community resource which may be important to you in the future regardless of your current situation.
Why should I become a member?
Here are just a few of the reasons to become a Village at the Falls member:
- You want to age in place in your own home in the community you love.
- Even if family and friends can help with transportation and chores, they may not always be available or you may prefer not to call on them regularly
- You want to enjoy a wide range of educational programs and social events as you interact with and enjoy the company of your neighbors
- You will have help finding qualified paid providers, such as plumbers, handymen, home health services, landscapers, etc. Some vendors may offer discounts to members
- You may suddenly find that you need help getting to medical appointments or even shopping, due to illness, surgery, a hospital stay, or other personal circumstances
- A village can make the difference between your being able to remain safely in your home or having to leave because you need assistance.
Are members required to volunteer?
No, members receiving services are not required to volunteer. However, there are many volunteer opportunities available for members who want to help support our village.
What is the cost of membership?
We offer three different membership types with associated annual fees. Village at the Falls also conducts fundraising activities to offer financial assistance for those in need. Visit the “Membership” section of our webpage for details.
What do my membership fees pay for?
Fees pay for the insurance, printing for training materials, membership in the national Village to Village network, background checks for volunteers, and software costs, among other essential expenses.
What are the benefits and services of membership?
There are two categories of members benefits; social/educational activities and direct services.
Example Social and Educational activities:
Walking Groups, Book clubs, Card Game Groups, Seminars, Luncheons, Webinars, Potlucks, Happy Hour Gatherings, Movie Night, Coffee Klatches, Garden Clubs, Guest Speakers, Local Points of Interest Tours
Example Direct Services:
Tech Support - MAC/Apple/PC: Adding a device (Printer, monitor, keyboard, etc.), Set up new computer, Troubleshoot Internet connection, Install applications or software, Basic user instruction
Tech Support - Other: Cell phone, Laptop,Tablet / Kindle, TV set up, DVD
Digital equipment settings (thermostat, clocks, Alexa, Ring Doorbell, etc.)
Transportation-Volunteer drivers use their own vehicle to help members with: Shopping and errands, Medical appointments, Other local destinations
In home Support- Volunteers provide light duty household maintenance and chores: Minor repairs, Furniture assembly, Organizing & decluttering, Home Safety Inspection, Smoke Detector check, Home hazards, Troubleshoot for needed repairs
Friendly visitor-Volunteers visit with members in their homes. Visits can include: Conversation, Playing games, Reading, Write letters, Other in-home activities
Gardening-Volunteers assist members with their yard and garden: Prepare soil for planting, Raking leaves, Planting & Potting, Fertilizing, Pruning, Fall clean up
Telephone Check-in: Volunteers make regular calls to check on the well being of members
Non-medical support during recovery: Pick up mail, Laundry, Move recycling and garbage bins to the curb, Dog walking
Member Advocate-Volunteers support members with problem solving on: Insurance, Medicare, Social Security, Banking, Billing issues, Collecting documents for tax preparation, Finding reliable home repair contractors, Finding needed resources
What if I need something that is not on the list of services?
Let us know what you need and we will work with you to find a solution to meet your needs. Our service list will be growing based on the needs of our members.
Who are Village at the Falls volunteers?
They are men and women who live in our area and are committed to making life a little easier, a little better, and a little more fun for our members. All volunteers undergo a background check and receive volunteer training.
How do members request service?
Members can request services three ways: log into our website and submit a service request, send an email, or call and leave a message. While we strive to meet members needs, service is based on volunteer availability and is not guaranteed. Because, it may take a few days to match a volunteer to a request, we ask that members provide 4-5 days advance notice when possible.
What if I have an emergency?
In any emergency, call 911. Village at the Falls volunteers are not equipped to deal with emergencies or urgent medical needs.
Do I have to be a member to volunteer?
No. Many village volunteers are not members, they are community members who want to help.
Do village volunteers have medical training?
No, our volunteers are not equipped to handle members' medical needs. Therefore, if you need assistance with taking medication, transferring to or from a wheelchair, or dressing wounds, you will need to contact a qualified medical professional. Our advocacy volunteers may be able to put you in touch with an appropriate service provider.
Are member dues tax deductible?
Village at the Falls is a program of Villages NW which has a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to our organization are tax deductible. Member dues, however, are not.
What's involved in becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers choose the services that they want to provide, and the amount of time that they can afford to give. To get started, potential volunteers can complete a volunteer application on this website, send an inquiry email or call and leave a message. One of our village representatives will contact you to schedule a one-hour villager introduction session. The introduction session is designed to help you decide if being a village volunteer is a good fit for you, answer you questions and get you started on next steps.
What's involved in a volunteer background check?
The background check is conducted online. It takes about 15 minutes to answer the questions and results are provided within a week. The cost of the background check is $33. Village at the Falls will pay the background check fee or volunteers may choose to pay the fee as a donation.
Are volunteers insured?
Yes, Village at the Falls volunteers are covered by a liability policy maintained by Villages NW.
When will member services become available?
We anticipate beginning to offer member services in October 2021. To submit a membership inquiry, visit our "Membership" tab on this website, send an email or call and leave a message. A membership volunteer will follow up with you to schedule a one-hour Villager Introduction session and answer any questions.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, however younger children may participate in some activities with an active adult volunteer.
Can I be a member if I don’t need services?
Yes, we offer a Flex membership that enables you enjoy social activities and a limited number of services at a reduced membership rate. Visit our “Membership” tab on this website for details.
Are activities included in the price of membership?
Most activities are free for members but some activities may have a small additional cost. We will always let you know if there is an extra cost!
Is there a minimum amount I have to donate?
No, we appreciate all donations of any size!
Is there a limit on the number of volunteer services I can have?
Yes, we offer different membership types so that members can choose the level of service that meets their needs.
What is Aging in Place?
Aging in Place is the concept that you can remain in your place of choice as long as you wish. Aging in Place is a choice, it gives you control over your independence, quality of life and dignity. Aging in place does not mean you have to do everything yourself. It means you get to plan how your needs are met.