Frequently Asked Questions
Seaglass Village
Q: What’s the goal of Seaglass Village?
A: Our goal is to provide services to older adults (age 50 and older) 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: Seaglass Village opened December 1, 2021, after a full year of intense planning.
Q: What type of an organization is Seaglass Village?
A: Seaglass Village is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We are managed by a board of directors—all serving as volunteers—and a paid Executive Director. Membership dues pay for 60% of operating expenses, the rest is paid via sponsorships and fundraising.
Services
Q: What communities do you serve?
A: Greater Swampscott, Nahant, and Marblehead. We may eventually expand into neighboring communities.
Q: Who provides these services?
A: We have many community volunteers who want to help enable older adults to age in place in their own homes. Our members can also be volunteers.
Q: Does Seaglass Village provide housing?
A: No. The Village movement’s focus is to help members stay in the home of their own choosing.
Q: Are there restrictions on the kinds of services you provide?
A: We do not offer medical advice or treatment or hourly home care. Whereas we can provide companionship calls and Zoom events even if you are housebound, we are not qualified or able to offer full-time home care, expertise in transporting you due to mobility issues, or professional care management.
Q: Does Seaglass Village duplicate services that are already available elsewhere?
A: We are focused on collaboration, not competition, with other non-profit municipal, educational, and cultural organizations. Our plan is not to duplicate existing services, but rather to complement and serve as a “super connector.”
Q: Does Seaglass Village recommend vendors or other providers, such as tradesmen, professionals, health care providers, etc.?
A: We have a list of providers that our members have recommended, but we do not make a practice of evaluating or vetting these providers. The list is available to members upon request.
Q: Right now, I don’t “need” any Village services, so what would be the reason for getting involved?
A: The Village concept is about more than providing needed services—it’s about providing our members with 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 Seaglass Village and make connections in case you need services in the future.
Q: How are services provided to members?
A: Our members can request services 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 type of service. Once a volunteer chooses to answer that request, he or she will contact the member to make specific arrangements.
Q: What if a volunteer is not available to answer a particular request?
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 a paid provider.
Q: What are the most popular services the volunteers provide?
A: The most requested service is transportation. Also popular are help with shopping and errands, friendly visits, household chores, gardening, light home repair and maintenance, and support with in-home technology.
Q: Are the volunteers trained?
A: Yes, we have a volunteer manual of procedures and obtain a CORI check on all our volunteers. For drivers, we also check for a safe driving record.
Membership
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 or subsidized memberships available?
A: Thanks to the generosity of several benefactors, Seaglass Village can offer subsidized memberships for $5/month ($60/year). Call the office at 781-718-0401 for more information.
Q: Are there any restrictions on membership?
A: Our services are designed for older adults, age 50 and older. We can help you determine if Seaglass Village is a good fit for the type of services you need.
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 Seaglass Village.
Q: Can I volunteer without being a member?
A: Yes, but many of our volunteers are also members! They find combining membership and volunteering enriches their experience with Seaglass Village and helps us build a strong, sustainable organization.
Donations
Q: Can I make a donation? Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes! Absolutely! Seaglass Village is a 501(c)(3) organization and gladly accepts donations. (Membership dues pay for 60% of operating expenses, the rest is paid via sponsorships and fundraising.) Make checks payable to Seaglass Village and mail to Seaglass Village, c/o First Church Congregational, 40 Monument Ave., Swampscott, MA 01907, or donate online. For tax deductibility questions, please consult your tax professional for specific guidance.
Staying in Touch
Q: What is the best way to stay in touch?
A: Email us at [email protected] (or send us a message through our website) or call 781-718-0401. Check out our newsletters and also follow our Facebook page.