Community ‘Village’ to Assist Dennis, Yarmouth Seniors

HYANNIS – A new “village” has formed on the Mid Cape to help seniors in Dennis and Yarmouth age in place.

The non-profit membership organization Bay to Sound Neighbors was developed to help keep the elderly in the two towns stay in their homes and out of nursing homes and assisted living facilities for as long as possible through the support of community volunteers.

There are about 350 villages in place across the United States with several more in development. Bay to Sound Neighbors is part of the Village to Village Network.

Bay to Sound President Cheryl Herwig says the village will offer several services for its members.

“It is people that are willing to go to their neighbors and help them with whatever they need – basically rides to doctors appointments, or if someone wants to help make someone a meal or bring them food or take them to a grocery store,” Herwig said.

The organization also has volunteers helps seniors with minor household repairs or just make friendly visits.

Herwig got involved with the Bay to Sound as it was being developed after hearing about a similar program, Nauset Neighbors.

“I liked the idea of them and when I heard this was coming about I wanted to be a part of it,” Herwig said.

Individuals interested in becoming a member or a volunteer can sign up at baytosoundneighbors.org.

“Folks can go on there and see a list of services and sign up to be a member and sign up to be a volunteer,” said Ellen Dugan, the organization’s vice president. “Once we have launched, members are going to be able to go in and indicate what services they may need and volunteers will be able to go in and sign up to provide those services.”

The “village” will launch September 17 and the organization is planning an event to coincide with its startup.

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