It’s been an unforgettable tenth anniversary year, in more ways than we could have expected. As we look ahead, amidst today’s concerns and uncertainty, we find ourselves truly sheltered in place by the remarkable community we’ve built together.
Ten years ago, Ashby Village Founders Shirley Haberfeld and Pat Sussman were inspired to create a Village to support us to age better, together, in our beloved homes and communities. Today, with around 400 members, 300 volunteers and a pool of devoted donors, we’re a strong, close-knit community that has shown we could meet the unprecedented challenge of a global pandemic with resilience.
You can’t, of course, create community the day before you need it. Fortunately, we’ve had ten years to cultivate connections and partnerships; through our ever-stronger Neighborhood Groups, a range of Healthy Aging activities and interest groups that quickly moved online (like our popular Yoga class which was filled to capacity pre-pandemic, and has re-opened remotely to all interested members and volunteers), our Program Leadership Team (PLT) and dedicated staff.
One service, Phone Friends, was revitalized to reach every Ashby Village member at least once every two weeks, with weekly calls to all over-90 members. It’s given security and support to all of our members and their loved ones. Indeed, eager Phone Friends find that even if they try first thing in the morning, all the Phone Friend requests for that day have been filled! “Thanks to Ashby Village,” adds Operations Director Pat Carvalho, “while we are apart, we’re not alone.”
As the new demands of sheltering-in-place became clear, Ashby Village’s volunteers swiftly rose to the occasion. Of course, a few of our signature 10th anniversary celebrations—from the Over 90’s Tea to our Luncheon Gala— had to be postponed or moved quickly from the Claremont Hotel to our screens.
For members too frail to shop for food even during stores’ “Senior Hours”, others wanting tech support to master new online skills, still others needing vital prescriptions - yet told to avoid pharmacies, and those of us seeking interesting ways to spend long, lonely, rainy afternoons, Ashby Village volunteers have come through with flying colors.
Tech Volunteer Celie Placzek finds, “it’s so satisfying to work through tech problems with members. Coming out the other end and seeing all smiles makes it well worth the effort.”
Usually, Ashby Village member and volunteer Joanne Carder helps plan Arts & Culture events, or set agendas for monthly Elder Action general meetings. These days, she’s an enthusiastic Phone Friend. “Everyone I speak with, even if they don’t need anything right away, finds it so comforting to know Ashby Village is out there to help them and is so grateful we’re making these calls,” she notes.
Carder, a former union organizer who became an HR executive at KQED, made it clear that Phone Friends get as much as they give. “We share concerns with one another,” she said, “And I even got some invaluable beauty tips!”
Meanwhile, member Felix Kramer was so taken with Ashby Village’s private, online tour of Richmond’s Museum of Art and Culture, he said, “So much I didn’t know! I can’t wait til I can go there in person”.
As if all that didn’t merit a ten-year trophy, Ashby Village is already focused and looking to its next ten years with many exciting updates in the pipeline.
First, is that our 10th Anniversary Gala—including a new, short, moving film about Ashby Village—is being virtually celebrated July 29th at 5 p.m. This 30 minute broadcast will have special guests raising their glasses to toast our accomplishments and exciting future. Stay tuned for your invitation.
Second, as Ashby Village’s Anniversary Year draws to a close, our financial picture is something to celebrate. When our Development Team set the ambitious goal of raising $200,000 for FY ‘20-21, some thought it far too bold. But because of the loyalty AV inspires, our culture of giving—of our time, talents and support—kicked in and we’ve already surpassed our goal and enter this uncertain time on solid ground. Of additional recognition was an unexpected gift in early May through the extraordinary generosity of our members Herrick and Elaine Jackson of $50,000 – and appreciation and gratitude from the entire community poured out.
On the horizon? Now that we’ve securely woven Richmond members into our midst, we’re poised to grow again, in order to further develop a sustainable model for Villages eager to save on administrative costs and provide more programs and services. Read about our merging of operations with North Oakland Village here.
With programs and offerings continuing to ramp up – as allowed – keep checking our weekly calendar, zoom into our online offerings and enjoy the gift of Ashby Village as we enter our second decade together. The best news of all? “We are here for you,” says Ashby Village Executive Director Andy Gaines. “And you are here for each other.”
Have any other ideas for some cool, Pandemic Programming? Reach out to info@ashbyvillage.org and let us help you turn your ideas into action.