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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q: What’s the goal of Seaglass Village?

A: Our goal is to provide services to seniors in our communities that enable them to stay in their own homes and to foster connections for socialization among themselves and in the wider community.

 

Q:   When did Seaglass Village open?

A:   SV opened December 1, 2021, after a full year of intense planning.

 

Q:   What is the proposed service area? 

A:   The greater Swampscott, Nahant and Marblehead communities will be the initial focus. Once we are established, we hope to expand into neighboring communities.

 

Q:   Who will provide these services?

A:   We have many community volunteers who want to help seniors stay in their own homes. Sometimes Members will also provide services for each other.  

 

Q:   Will housing be available? 

A:   No. The Village movement’s focus is to help Members stay in the home of their own choosing.  There will, however, be a list of resources for those who may, at some point, want to explore shared housing or assisted living. 

 

Q:   Will SV also recommend vendors or other providers, such as tradesmen, professionals, health care providers, etc.? 

A:   We have a list of providers who have been recommended by SV members.  We also welcome inquiries from potential providers.

 

Q:   Does the Village duplicate services that are already available elsewhere? 

A:  We are focused on collaboration, not competition. Our plan is not to duplicate existing services, but rather to complement and serve as a "super connector". We are actively reaching out to other non-profit, municipal, educational and cultural organizations in the area to explore how we might work together.  As we bring volunteers and members on board, we will help connect and make use of these important community resources.

 

Q:   Right now, I don’t “need” any Village services. 

A:   The Village concept is about more than providing needed services—it’s about providing Members the connections and information to give them the confidence to face changes and get the help when they need it.  Starting as a Volunteer is a great way to learn about the Village and have those connections in place should you need services in the future. Many members of other Villages started as volunteers!

 

Q:   What type of an organization is this? 

A:   Seaglass Village is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Corporation.  We are managed by a Board of Directors – all serving as volunteers.  In addition, we are building active teams of Volunteers working hard to build the foundation of this Village so that we can serve our members and community. 

 

Q:   How much does it cost to be a Member? 

A:   Individual membership: $30/month ($360/year)
     Household membership: $45/month ($540/year)
     Social and supporting membership: $10/month ($120/year)

Membership dues cost less than weekly rides for groceries/medical appointments or having someone come to your house for simple handyman services.
   

Q:   Are scholarships available? 

A:   Thanks to the generosity of several benefactors, SV can offer subsidized memberships for $5/month ($60/year). Call the SV office at 781-718-0401 for more information.

 

Q:   How are services provided to members? 

A:   Our Members can request services in many ways – by phone, by e-mail or through our website.  The request will be reviewed and discussed further with the Member if clarification is needed.  The request will then be forwarded to the list of Volunteers who have expressed an interest in providing that service.  Once connected, the Volunteer will contact the member to make final plans—appointment time and place. 

 

Q:   What if a volunteer is not available? 

A:  If we can’t meet a need with our own Volunteers, we may be able to connect Members with another organization that can help.  If those options don’t work, we can make a referral to one of our recommended paid providers. 

 

Q:   What are the most popular services the Volunteers provide?

A:   The services that Volunteers provide most often include transportation (the most requested service), help with shopping and errands, friendly visits, household chores, gardening, light home repair and maintenance, and support with in-home technology. 

 

Q:   Can I be both a Member and a Volunteer? 

A:   Yes! Volunteering is a great way to get to know more about the services and people in the Village. 

 

Q:   Can I make a donation? Are donations tax-deductible*? 

A:   Yes!  Absolutely!  Seaglass Village is a 501(c)(3) and graciously accepts donations. Kindly make checks out to Seaglass Village and mail to Seaglass Village, c/o First Church Congregational, 40 Monument Ave, Swampscott, MA 01907.

 For tax deductibility questions, please consult your tax professional for specific guidance.

 

Q:   What is the best way to stay in touch? 

A:   You can email us at info@seaglassvillage.org or call 781-718-0401.  You can also send us a message through our Contact Page

 

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