NNV FAQ's

NNV's most frequently asked questions:

I’m looking for more support as I age. What type of services does the village offer?

Our supportive services are provided by vetted and trained volunteers, neighbors who are often retired and looking to give back to the community. Volunteers can help with practical tasks like simple tech support, transportation, friendly visits, grocery shopping and errands, simple home repair (ex. changing lightbulbs) and small organizing projects. If the project is beyond the scope of a village volunteer, we will refer you to a professional provider.

The village also works with a social worker who can help during times of crisis or transition.

What exactly is a friendly visit?

Friendly visits are social visits from a volunteer. They usually last about an hour and provide an opportunity for casual chats or walks in the neighborhood. Friendly visits can be made 1-4 times a month. If more companionship is needed or desired, we recommend contacting an organization that offers companion services. There are two in the area that we recommend: Seabury's Life Enrichment program 202-364-0020 and Aging Well Eldercare's Debbie's Angels program, 301-593-5285.

Can a volunteer help me today?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide same-day service. Once a membership inquiry is initiated, a staff member will follow up with you. There are some application materials for you to complete and return. Once we have received your application paperwork, you can submit a request for help. Requests must be made at least three (3) business days in advance. Volunteer services are provided based on volunteer availability.

What if I don’t need volunteer services, can I still become a member?

Absolutely! We have a Supporting Membership level for those who wish to get involved but don’t currently need volunteer services. Supporting Members enjoy all the benefits of membership without the volunteer services. The annual fee for Supporting Membership is fully tax-deductible. Click here to learn more or to apply.

What if I have limited income and find it difficult to pay for membership?

We believe that cost should not be a barrier to receiving support and opportunities for engagement. NNV waives the membership fee for individuals with an annual income of $45,000 or less and households with an annual income of $55,000 or less. Click here to learn more or to apply.

I’d like to find others that enjoy similar activities. Does the Village help make those connections?

Yes! Member-driven programming creates a vibrant community. We encourage members to lead activities and programs that are meaningful to them. Lunches at local restaurants, the Racial Equity Book Club, and The Old Urban Naturalist newsletter column are just a few examples of programs and offerings that our members have initiated.

What if I am wheelchair dependent? Can I get a ride with a volunteer?

For the safety of our members and volunteers, members must be able to ambulate independently. Assistive devices like canes or walkers can be accommodated as long as the member can walk on their own. Members who rely on a wheelchair can take advantage of our volunteer transportation service provided they have a caregiver to assist them during the ride and at their destination.

Metro Access provides paratransit. For more information and to complete the application, click here.

Can volunteers help with housecleaning and/or home health care?

Our volunteers are not medical professionals and therefore cannot help with housekeeping, grooming and other activities of daily living, or medication management. We’re happy to refer a home health care organization or housecleaner to help our members with these needs.

Can volunteers help people who are living with cognitive impairment or dementia?

Our volunteers are not trained to work with people who have cognitive impairment or dementia. Members must possess a certain amount of autonomy and initiative to request and receive services.

We recommend that neighbors with cognitive loss or dementia reach out to the following local organizations for programs, activities, and information:
• Club Memory at Sibley offers social opportunities and support groups for people with early cognitive loss and their care partners.
• Iona Senior Services offers a variety of programs, including Adult Day Health, Information and Referral, and Case Management.
• Friends Club of Bethesda is a social group designed to enhance the lives of men living with dementia.
• The Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Area offers resources, information, and support groups.

What happens if I need more than the Village can offer?

Current Full Members can work with our Village Case Manager for short-term help with emergent needs beyond the scope of our volunteer services.

Additionally, there are many local services that can help. To learn about more, please contact Iona Senior Services at 202-895-9448 or info@iona.org. For citywide programs, contact the Department of Aging and Community Living at 202-724-5626.
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Hiring a care manager can be helpful for people with multiple care needs. Iona Senior Services and Seabury Resources both offer care management. Click here to learn more about care management and to search for care managers near you.

I live outside the village boundaries? May I still join and receive support?

Supporting members may live anywhere, but Full members must live within our service boundaries. You may have a village in your area. Check out the links below to learn more.
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For DC Villages https://dcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=cd1880a5e3d44b128116622f25676df1
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For Montgomery County Villages https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/Villages/villageslist.html
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For DC Area Villages https://www.wavevillages.org/index.php/about-us/our-villages
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For Nationwide Villages https://www.vtvnetwork.org/villagemap

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