About
Easthampton Neighbors is an “aging in place” community located in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts.
We are a fee-free non-profit, 501(c)(3) that matches local volunteers with senior members to provide services that are not available through other support organizations.
Our Vision
We envision a society where all stages of life offer meaningful opportunities for growth, connection and joy; where people of all backgrounds and economic means can age with dignity, purpose and self-determination.
Our Mission
Easthampton Neighbors is a member driven, non-profit organization that provides volunteer services and programs to seniors who strive to live independent, engaged lives at home.
The Village Movement began in 2002 with the formation of the Beacon Hill Village in Boston. The Beacon Hill model has inspired the development of over 300 Villages across the country, including several in western Massachusetts. The Easthampton Neighbors Village was launched in 2020 to provide some of the services that enable Easthampton seniors to stay in their homes as they age.
A small group of interested residents of Easthampton began discussions about starting a Village in Easthampton in the fall of 2018. The steering committee for Easthampton Neighbors was formed in the spring of 2019, and we joined the Village-to-Village Network. In the summer of 2019, Easthampton Neighbors formed a founding Board of Directors, developed a mission statement and bylaws, and received official non-profit status. Unlike many other Villages in the network, Easthampton Neighbors decided upon a “no fee” policy. Instead, we rely on donations from our members, and support from local businesses.
In the fall of 2019 we added new Board members, established relationships with several strategic partners, and wrote several grant proposals. In early 2020 we initiated a major fundraising campaign and a recruitment effort for members and volunteers. When COVID emerged as a community health threat, we modified our services in accordance with CDC regulations. We have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, providing essential services to vulnerable seniors at a particularly difficult time.
We look forward to further easing of COVID restrictions in the future so that we can increase our membership, expand our services, and provide additional opportunities for social connections among our members.