Villagers,
This week I would like to update everyone on the tremendous effort and work that our board members, volunteers and staff are doing on behalf of the Social Engagement Grant. As you know, our Village was awarded a grant by the DC Office on Aging (DCOA) to identify seniors who are potentially less socially engaged than they might be and develop ways to help.
By designing, pilot testing and implementing surveys, guides and other tools, the grant aims to assess what may be needed. Next, we will develop new programs, services and other strategies to best serve those with social engagement needs.
This is truly a Village collaborative effort. Our plan is to have 60 seniors from the DC Villages participating in the pilot test. After the pilot test, a Tool Kit will be compiled and distributed to all DC Villages for use with their members. In addition, training and technical assistance will be provided to those Villages to use these specific tools to address social engagement in their neighborhoods across all Wards.
I am happy to report that we are making great strides toward accomplishing our goals and objectives for the project. FBWE Village has assembled a project team and conducted outreach with other DC Villages and Iona to gain participation from seniors citywide. To date, 25 volunteers are conducting interviews with members of their respective Villages, and we are receiving positive feedback on the interview tools we’ve developed. Also, it's important to note that the Village has put together a terrific advisory committee of medical practitioners experienced in working with senior patients, and they are providing input and feedback.
On September 26th, FBWE Village will host a "Town Hall" meeting to present our work to all of you, to Villages across the District, and to other groups and individuals interested in this important community topic. Until then, watch for another update from me as we complete our summer grant milestones.
Have a good week.
Leigh