reston for a lifetime
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Pilot Testing & Opportunities to try Neighbors helping neighbors |
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Beginning in January 2016, Reston for a Lifetime (R4L) launched Neighbors Helping Neighbors (N2N) aimed at creating opportunities for older adults to communicate and support each other. N2N connects neighbors requiring assistance--i.e., tech needs, changing a light bulb or furnace filter, help in weather emergencies, checking on neighbors--with volunteer helpers. Those receiving help and providing help can be both in some instances. N2N is multigenerational, consistent with Reston's vision as a place for all ages.
Over 50 individuals attended R4L's Neighbors Helping Neighbors forum on January 14 at Reston Association headquarters. RA President Ellen Graves kicked-off the session with a letter from Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, underscoring commitment to the initiative: "I remain committed to ensuring that we can say it is not only desirable, but is the mark of Reston that no one is uprooted that wishes to remain in Reston." |
Pilot-testing is underway by a large townhouse cluster in the Uplands section of Reston. Following its December annual meeting that featured an N2N presentation, the Cluster opted for a community survey to identify service needs and volunteers. Once survey results are tabulated, individuals requiring assistance will have the ability to request help from neighbors willing to fill the gap.
All ages are eligible for N2N. Older adults have much to share, such as musical and art talent or tutoring. Cluster or condo associations as well as other neighborhood groups are invited to explore how older adults can communicate and support each other through N2N. N2N – Signup Your Cluster/Condo or other Neighborhood Group Contact: Sharon.canner8@gmail.com Materials to get started: Background Powerpoint, sample newsletter article, sample survey |
More Ideas to Support Aging-in-Place
While growing N2N, there are existing tools already in place to encourage neighbors to work with one anther to address service needs. For more than 40 years, the Useful Service's Exchange (U.S.E.) has operated in Reston. U.S.E. is a time-trading barter system that facilitates the exchange of services without monetary cost. One recent example includes a young mother (U.S.E. spans all ages) who bartered tax assistance and received baby-sitting credit. Digital recordkeeping now makes U.S.E. even easier to use.
Yet another resource is NextDoor.Com, a digital social network that is connecting more than 60 neighborhoods in Reston. Registered users are provided a list of neighbors who have also registered (real names required). The network is a way to connect and talk with neighbors about concerns such as local events, recommended vendors, items for sale/give-away, crime-watch/alerts. Responding to concerns about public safety and security, the Fairfax County Police Department recently announced its intent to use NextDoor for updates and bulletins.
Rides! Rides! for 55+
Yet another resource is NextDoor.Com, a digital social network that is connecting more than 60 neighborhoods in Reston. Registered users are provided a list of neighbors who have also registered (real names required). The network is a way to connect and talk with neighbors about concerns such as local events, recommended vendors, items for sale/give-away, crime-watch/alerts. Responding to concerns about public safety and security, the Fairfax County Police Department recently announced its intent to use NextDoor for updates and bulletins.
Rides! Rides! for 55+
- Reston - RCC
- Outside Reston
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What is RCC Rides?
In case you haven’t heard, there is a FREE door-to-door transportation service for those ages 55 years and older who are no longer comfortable with driving.
The senior adult population in Northern Virginia is growing at twice the rate of the rest of the population. At the top of the list of emerging needs for older adults is transportation.
RCC rides was developed in association with NV Rides, a network of service providers currently operating volunteer driver transportation programs for non-driving older adults.
What: Volunteer drivers provide door-to-door rides for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments, shopping, personal care, banking and more. Rides are not for non-essential needs such as getting to and from the airport.
Where: The service area covers residents in the Small Tax District 5 boundaries of Reston, Virginia. Currently there is no limitation on driving distance. Please know, though, that some rides may not be able to be accommodated. Volunteers self-select ride requests and may choose not to drive farther distances.
Learn more click here, or call 703-390-6198
Outside Reston
Not a resident of Reston (Small Tax District 5)? Various community-based organizations across the County--Herndon Village Network, Shepard’s Centers (4 locations), Mount Vernon at Home, etc.--offer rides for 55+. Click on the map to display the desired area. A phone number will pop up.
In case you haven’t heard, there is a FREE door-to-door transportation service for those ages 55 years and older who are no longer comfortable with driving.
The senior adult population in Northern Virginia is growing at twice the rate of the rest of the population. At the top of the list of emerging needs for older adults is transportation.
RCC rides was developed in association with NV Rides, a network of service providers currently operating volunteer driver transportation programs for non-driving older adults.
What: Volunteer drivers provide door-to-door rides for essential needs such as medical or dental appointments, shopping, personal care, banking and more. Rides are not for non-essential needs such as getting to and from the airport.
Where: The service area covers residents in the Small Tax District 5 boundaries of Reston, Virginia. Currently there is no limitation on driving distance. Please know, though, that some rides may not be able to be accommodated. Volunteers self-select ride requests and may choose not to drive farther distances.
Learn more click here, or call 703-390-6198
Outside Reston
Not a resident of Reston (Small Tax District 5)? Various community-based organizations across the County--Herndon Village Network, Shepard’s Centers (4 locations), Mount Vernon at Home, etc.--offer rides for 55+. Click on the map to display the desired area. A phone number will pop up.
2014 Best Intergenerational
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attend a meeting
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Reston, VA has been selected to receive the MetLife Foundation/Generations United America's Best Intergenerational Communities Awards. The awards are designed to heighten awareness of the importance intergenerational solidarity plays in building strong, supportive communities. Read more
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Reston for a Lifetime hosts informational meetings and periodic educational forums. We partner with other organizations and try to implement creative ideas to make our community even better place to live, work and play. We welcome your support, ideas and participation. The best place to start is a meeting or contact us.
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