DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTS Mary Ferrara Victoria Harcovitz Beacon

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTS Mary Ferrara Victoria Harcovitz

Beacon Hill Village Boston; Nonprofit Concierge Service Created by 12 residents who want to stay in their own homes as they age Preserve independence 320 members (age 50+) Grassroots creators writing “how-to” manual so others can replicate village

• Virtually any services at discounted fees Some services: Personal trainers Caterers House cleaners Plumbers Grocery shopping Day trips Weekly lunches at restaurants Computer advisors ☼ $15/hr for odd jobs Take place in churches, schools, community center: Health clinics Monthly lectures Exercise classes

“We wanted everything you’d find in a retirement community or assisted living-but we wanted these services in our own homes” (Susan Mc. Whinney-Morse, 72 President of Beacon Hill Village)

Village founder and member “Even places they call active retirement communities tend to be depressing. They’re so artificial. Everybody there is old. ” “I see college students, couples, young families, old people. There is a great mix here, and I think that adds to the quality of life. ”

Membership Annually: $550 person $750 per couple $100 for low-income residents ☼ Also get a $250 credit toward services

Benefits Much cheaper than assisted living In own home Employees provide information and referrals, call members to check that each job was completed satisfactorily Members are engaged, have reasons to go out and be part of the community

Village Area Population 13, 000 member in area � 14% age 60+ Older residents most reluctant �Don’t want to admit they need any kind of help

How to Replicate Huddle: Core group Count chickens: Research community Know customers: Surveys! Find out what people need. Line up players: Contact local businesses and health providers Do the math: Business plan Pass the hat: Raise money (most of Beacon Hill’s start-up money came from contributions by neighborhood residents who believed in the idea) Get a chief: Hire a director who will be the face and voice of enterprise as you continue to recruit members and service providers

“Too many people deal with aging by cutting back on where they go and when, what they do, who they see. Their lives become more and more constricted. When they join the village, suddenly life opens up again. ” -Village board member