About the PNA Village
The PNA Village is part of a burgeoning, world-wide Village movement that champions an alternative approach for adults as they grow older.
The very first Village began as a grassroots effort in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in 2002. Community members in Beacon Hill wanted to stay in their homes while also getting access to support and resources as their abilities and needs changed with age, and custom-built the first Village to fill their needs.
Now there are more than 180 Villages operating across the United States, Australia and the Netherlands. Over 200 additional Villages are currently in development.
PNA Village Purpose
Creating a strong and active intergenerational community that reimagines aging by offering elders opportunities combined with support to fully engage in this next phase of life.
Core Beliefs
- All members matter regardless of age or ability. They have the right to choose what’s right for them as they grow older.
- Aging is a vital and challenging phase of life best shared with a supportive community.
- We are a thriving, inclusive community full of creativity, energy, enthusiasm, experience and laughter.
- Community is organic, evolving from grassroots, based on the wishes of members.
- Elders contribute to the social capital that holds communities together.
- We are leading the revolution to change aging.
The Village Movement
The Village Movement is a burgeoning, world-wide movement that champions an alternative approach for adults as they grow older. Villages are unique in that they are created by and for older adults, empowering their members to make wise, safe, and vibrant choices about how they wish to live.
The very first village began as a grassroots effort in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in 2002. Community members in Beacon Hill wanted to stay in their homes while also getting access to support and resources as their abilities and needs changed with age, and custom-built the first Village to fill their needs.
Now there are more than 300 villages operating or in development across the United States, Australia and Canada.
To learn more about the national village movement and see an interactive map of villages in all stages of development, visit the Village to Village Network website.
No two villages are alike; each village develops its own community. However, most villages are non-profit membership organizations providing three core benefits: a network of volunteers, information and referrals to vetted businesses, and social activities.
PNA Village Services
Volunteer Services
Handy Helpers
These volunteers assist with a wide range of small tasks and projects, in and around your home. Some examples of things handy helpers have done are:
- Dog walking
- Minor plumbing or electrical repairs
- Installing grab bars
- Organizing a closet
- Weeding and pruning
- Basic computer assistance
Transportation
With one week’s notice, PNA Village members can arrange rides to anywhere they need or want to go. Rides can be to places like:
- Medical appointments
- The grocery store or other errands
- Classes or community events
- A coffee shop or restaurant
Friendly Visitors
Members can request to be matched with volunteers for regular or one time social visits. Some examples of friendly visits are:
- Going for a walk together
- Working a puzzle together
- Chatting about current events
- Enjoying a cup of tea or coffee together
- Sharing a weekly phone call
What to expect when a volunteer is requested
When members could use volunteer help, they can call or email the Village office to talk with staff about their specific needs. Staff will then post their requests to a password-protected website, where 200+ volunteers can sign up for the requests that match their skills and schedules. Once a volunteer signs up for a request, the member will be notified by members, followed by a phone call from the volunteer to work out the details.
Referrals to Trusted Businesses
Full & Builder Members
Referrals to Trusted Businesses
The Village Office maintains a list of favored local businesses that we refer our members to. We conduct reference checks, background checks, and research into each vendor on our vetted list.
Social Engagement
Full & Builder Members
Events and Activities
Our events, activities, and discussion groups are fun, low-key, and open to all members and volunteers. We have a mix of in-person, virtual, and call-in events.
PNA Village Service Area
Because full PNA Village members have access to volunteers, and the Village is a program of neighbors helping neighbors, full members must live within NW Seattle. Builder Members may live anywhere.
The PNA Village covers the following neighborhoods:
– Ballard
– Bitter Lake
– Broadview
– Fremont
– Green Lake
– Greenwood
– Haller Lake
– Licton Springs
– Phinney Ridge
– Wallingford
How to Join the Village
A PNA Membership is an enhanced membership to the Phinney Neighborhood Association. Depending on your need, you may choose from 2 levels of PNA Village membership.
Village Full Membership
This level is for people who want the full scope of Village services including support services from volunteers, referrals to vetted professionals, and social engagement activities. You can join as an individual or a household. Full members must live in NW Seattle.
- Full Household $630/annually ($80 is tax-deductible)
- Full Individual $380/annually ($50 is tax-deductible)
Village Builder Membership
This level is for people who do not require full Village services yet, but wish to build the future of the program plus receive added benefits including referrals to vetted professionals and community building activities. All but $50 of this membership is tax-deductible. You can join as an individual or a household.
- Builder Household: $330/annually ($280 is tax-deductible)
- Builder Individual: $200/annually ($150 is tax-deductible)
PNA Membership Included
The PNA Village is a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA). PNA membership fees are included in the price of Village membership, a $50 value for individuals and $80 for households. PNA benefits include discounts to PNA events and classes, membership to the Greenwood Senior Center, and access to the tool lending library.
Reduced Fee Membership
We do not want income to be a barrier for anyone in joining the PNA Village.
We offer assistance to those who cannot afford standard membership fees. To be eligible, yearly income must be $70,000 or less for an individual, or $80,000 or less for a household of two or more persons. To determine your eligibility, please contact Rebecca Fogarty, PNA Village Program Manager, for a confidential discussion at 206.789.1217 or gro.r1730656835etnec1730656835yenni1730656835hp@fa1730656835ccebe1730656835r1730656835.
As par of our commitment to being a low-barrier program, all reduced-fee Village members wishing to attend any Village-sponsered event involving an admission fee or ticket price may do so for free. For those able to contribute a little extra, we welcome donations to our “Pay It Forward” fund to help all Village members have access to Village social events. (Please note, this does not apply to GSC or PNA events.)
Featured Village Events and Ongoing Groups
Below are some examples of activities, events, and ongoing groups that PNA Village members and volunteers are invited to participate in.
PNA Village Membership Information Session: Tea, Treats, and Q&A
Wednesday, October 16, 1 – 2 PM
Greenwood Senior Center
525 N 85th St, Seattle 98103
Join current PNA Village members for tea and treats while you learn all about the PNA Village program. The Village provides a network of support including volunteer services, trusted business referrals, and social engagement. This framework empowers people to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they love, while staying active and engaged as they age. Your RSVP is appreciated at gro.r1730656835etnec1730656835yenni1730656835hp@eg1730656835alliv1730656835 or 206-789-1217.
Each group below reflects the inspiration of a Village member or volunteer eager to create more community.
Jewelry Making Group
4th Monday of each month, 1–3 pm
Greenwood Senior Center
525 N 85th St
Come dabble in baubles! No prior experience needed and no supplies to bring, though if you have your own tools, please bring them. Any fees will depend on group interest and projects. There’s no need to attend every month, we’ll catch you up! Limit 8-10 participants, based on available tools and supplies. RSVP required; contact Holly Stein, moc.l1730656835iamg@1730656835niets1730656835byllo1730656835h1730656835 or 206.790.0266.
Village Happy Hour
Wednesdays, 4 pm
The Barking Dog Alehouse
705 NW 70th St
Join other Village members and volunteers for happy hour! Along with great food and drink options, the Barking Dog offers great outdoor seating with heater lamps and protection from the wind and rain. Happy Hour is facilitated by members Terry Cook and Bruce Baker. Please contact Bruce if you have questions, moc.n1730656835sm@re1730656835kabpb1730656835.
Monthly Book Group
2nd Wednesday of each month, 11 am–12 pm
Couth Buzzard Books
8310 Greenwood Ave N
Have you read a good book lately? Looking for new recommendations? This is not your average book club where everyone reads the same book. Join in to talk about what you’re reading and to hear what others are reading. Not currently reading anything? No problem! It’s a fun group with great conversation! Contact the Village office for more information, gro.1730656835retne1730656835cyenn1730656835ihp@e1730656835galli1730656835v1730656835or 206-789-1217.
Reader’s Theatre
Formerly Play Reading Group
3rd Thursday of each month, NEW TIME 1:30–3 pm
Greenwood Senior Center
525 N 85th St
Spearheaded by member and volunteer Diana Aubin DeParadis, this group’s main focus is on one-act plays. Participants may choose to read or simply enjoy being an audience member. Players start with a brief, low-pressure time to familiarize themselves with the script, after which their audience enjoys a rough but eventful reading! Tea and water provided; potluck snacks welcome but not necessary. If you’d like to be a reader, please contact Diana at moc.l1730656835iamg@1730656835ydald1730656835rib301730656835021730656835. If you’d like to join the audience, feel free to just show up!
PNA Village Walking Group
2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, 1 pm
Newcomers are always welcome! This small group begins their walks promptly at 1:05 PM. The group changes walking location each time, so be sure to check in and see where they’ll be next! Questions? Please contact group member Liz at moc.l1730656835iamg@1730656835eizzi1730656835lsnat1730656835s1730656835.
Stewart’s Friday Walkers
1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, 10 am
Join us for regular walks and stops around Ballard! Visit some small parks, explore Sunset Hill, stop along the way for refreshments, or visit the Ballard Locks and botanical gardens, followed by fish and chips for lunch. Village member Stewart Hendrickson originally led the pack before moving away from Seattle. Many thanks and our very best wishes to you, Stewart! In his honor, we now call ourselves “Stewart’s Friday Walkers.” We meet on scheduled Fridays at the corner of 17th Ave. NW and NW 59th St. to continue exploring greater Ballard and stopping for conversation and refreshment. Contact Liz at moc.l1730656835iamg@1730656835eizzi1730656835lsnat1730656835s1730656835 to find out where we’ll be walking next!
High, Neighbor! Village Pot Group
Ongoing dates/times TBA
The last few years have been so tense—it’s high time to have fun again! To attend this joint effort by Villagers Eileen Casper and Bernice Maslan, contact Eileen at 206.789.6342 or moc.k1730656835ooltu1730656835o@rep1730656835sacmn1730656835eelie1730656835 for info on upcoming meetings.
Performing Arts Interest Email Group
Are you a patron of the arts? Would you like to connect with other Village members who are interested in attending theatre, music, or dance performances? Join our Performing Arts Interest Group, an email list for Village members and volunteers which allows you to email with other interested members about upcoming arts events. To join, simply email gro.r1730656835etnec1730656835yenni1730656835hp@eg1730656835alliv1730656835 and we will add you to the list.
Village Coffee Hour
Mondays, 10–11 am
Zoom
Join Online: Click Here
Join by Phone: 253.215.8782; Meeting ID: 850 4070 4929; Password: 921226
Pour yourself some coffee or tea and join facilitators Lynda Emel and Christie Cave for engaging weekly conversation topics. New participants are warmly welcomed!
Conversation and News of the Day
Tuesdays, 10 am, Zoom
Thursdays, 10 am, Couth Buzzard Books
8310 Greenwood Ave N
Read all about it! Talk all about it! Come join a moderated group discussion on a topic or news article that interests you. Group 1 meets via Zoom every Tuesday and Group 2 meets at Couth Buzzard Books every Thursday. Contact Steve for more info or Zoom link, ten.t1730656835sacmo1730656835c@art1730656835skeoh1730656835ls1730656835.
Supper Club
Once a month
Would you like to go out to dinner with other Village members and volunteers? Sign up to join our newest Supper Club group! Supper Clubs meet monthly, with responsibility of choosing a restaurant and date rotating among each group’s members. If you’re interested, just contact the Village office! gro.1730656835retne1730656835cyenn1730656835ihp@e1730656835galli1730656835v1730656835or 206-789-1217
Volunteer for the Village
Volunteering for the PNA Village is a great way to support your elder neighbors who are choosing to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they love as they age. Volunteering is flexible and easy – you simply sign up for shifts that work with your skills and availability!
We have many different kinds of volunteer opportunities
- Rides to appointments, coffee shops, grocery stores, or to meet up with friends
- Dog walking and other pet care tasks
- Minor home repairs and maintenance
- Yard and garden work
- Light housekeeping chores
- Basic computer assistance
- Keeping in touch with members through regular check in calls or in person social visits
- Helping with social events and activities
- Office support such as answering phones, data entry, or website help
- Committee and program support
Interested in becoming a Village volunteer?
- Complete our online application.
- Email gro.r1730656835etnec1730656835yenni1730656835hp@eg1730656835alliv1730656835 to sign up for a volunteer training. Trainings are held once a month via zoom and last about an hour.
- Village staff will supply you with additional paperwork to complete, including a confidentiality form and a background check release form.
- Once your paperwork has been processed, you can start signing up for shifts!
Quarterly Connections Newsletter
The Connections Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter that is created by and for Village community members through our Newsletter Committee. From ideations, to editing, to layout, and even mailing, it is all done by the sheer enthusiasm and will of the Village Newsletter Committee! Check out what PNA Village community members are talking about in our most recent issue!
More Senior Programs
Greenwood Senior Center
Memory Loss Program
Social Connection Project
Support Groups
Support the Village
Era Living is a proud sponsor of the PNA Village.
Contact Information
525 N 85th St
Seattle, WA 98103
206-789-1217
gro.r1730656835etnec1730656835yenni1730656835hp@eg1730656835alliv1730656835