News

February 21, 2025

VSN Support National Caregiver's Day - February 21, 2025

Honoring Those Who Care for Others

Montgomery County, MD – Every year, on the third Friday in February, we celebrate National Caregiver's Day—a special day dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the tireless and selfless efforts of caregivers nationwide. In 2025, this day falls on February 21st.

The Importance of Caregivers

Caregivers play a crucial role in our society. They provide essential care and support to those who are unable to care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Whether they are family members or professional caregivers, their contributions are invaluable and often go unrecognized.

The Role of a Caregiver

Caregivers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

Assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating
Managing medications and medical appointments
Providing emotional support and companionship
Helping with household chores and transportation
Advocating for the care recipient's needs and well-being

The Challenges They Face

Despite the rewarding nature of caregiving, it comes with its own set of challenges. Caregivers often experience physical, emotional, and financial stress. They may struggle to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their personal lives, and the demands of caregiving can lead to burnout and health issues.

How to Show Appreciation

On National Caregiver's Day, it is important to take the time to thank and honor caregivers for their dedication and hard work.

Here are some ways to show your appreciation:

Send a heartfelt thank-you note or card
Offer to take over caregiving duties for a day to give them a break
Provide a gift or treat, such as a meal, flowers, or a spa day
Publicly acknowledge their efforts on social media or within your community
Simply say "thank you" and express your gratitude in person

Take Action Today

Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our communities. Their unwavering commitment to caring for others deserves recognition and appreciation, not just on National Caregiver's Day, but every day. VSN supports these caregivers and suggest that if you know a caregiver, take a moment on February 21, 2025, to thank them for all they do. Their hard work and compassion truly make a difference in the lives of those they care for.

Media Contact

Anne Herbster

President

Media@villagesupportnetwork.org

November 19, 2024

LOCAL VILLAGE DONATES OVER 100 COATS TO KIDS

It is the season of giving!

Montgomery County, MD – Volunteers from Rockville Town Center Village collected over 100 new coats for children who attend Meadow Hall Elementary School in Rockville. The donation drive will culminate on Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Police Department (2 W. Montgomery Avenue) when the coats will be handed over to Rockville’s community services for distribution at the local school.

“We wanted to do something that brings the community together for a common purpose and who better the beneficiaries than our own young neighbors,” says Joan Clowes who coordinated the effort for the Village.

Villages are local grassroots, volunteer-led neighbor support networks. There are over 300 Villages nationally, many with the goal of helping seniors thrive in their community.

Rockville Town Center Village has been organizing since 2020 and has more than 200 residents involved in some capacity. They hold many community-based social events and gatherings to bring neighbors together and offer a sense of connectedness.

The donation drive has been supported by the Rockville City Police Department, Giuseppi’s Pizza Plus, and Giant Food.

Rockville Town Center Village is one of six developing and established Villages in the city. To learn more: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2008/Rockville-Villages.

Members of the media are encouraged to come to the Police Department on Thursday, November 21 at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Trish Evans at tevans@rockvillemd.gov / 240-907-9133.

Trish Evans

Villages Facilitator, Senior Services

City of Rockville

c) 240 907-9133

o) 240 314-8807

October 15, 2024

Village Support Network (VSN) Expands Efforts to Strengthen Community-Based Support for Older Adults in Montgomery County and Surrounding Areas

As the aging population grows, VSN steps up to empower local Villages, ensuring older adults can stay connected and supported within their communities.

Montgomery County, MD – With the increasing demand for community-based support for older adults, the newly rebranded Village Support Network (VSN), formerly known as the Rockville Area Village Exchange (RAVE), is providing critical resources to help local Villages thrive. As more communities adopt the Village model, VSN is helping these groups sustain growth and foster resilient, connected neighborhoods.

Villages are volunteer-driven community-based organizations that provide essential services to older adults, such as transportation, socialization and home assistance, helping them remain independent and connected within their communities.

VSN’s mission is simple but powerful: to empower developing and vulnerable Villages by offering tailored operational support to ensure sustainable growth and success.

“The Village Support Network has been invaluable in helping us get started,” says J.S., Wootton’s Mill Village. “We have been heavily supported by VSN in the past year…. While we strive to be an independent organization, we still must rely upon their continued guidance and support. We remain truly grateful.” says K.K., Rockville Town Center Village.

Key accomplishments this year include:

• New Websites: VSN has launched several new and customized Village websites, boosting visibility and increasing community engagement.

• Grant Writing Workshop: Equipping Village leaders with the tools and information needed to secure essential funding

• Creative Marketing: Developed customized marketing materials to raise awareness and effectively promote Village initiatives, driving increased community involvement.

• Tech Support: Secured the OWL system, a state-of-the-art audiovisual tool to enhance connection through hybrid meetings and keep communities engaged.

• Leadership Support: Offered training and guidance to help Village leaders strengthen organizational foundations and navigate operational challenges.

Why It Matters

The Village movement is growing rapidly as older adults look for ways to stay engaged and supported within their communities. Villages provide essential services and foster community connections, and VSN is making it possible for these groups to succeed. As Villages grow, sustainability becomes key to their long-term success, and VSN helps ensure that Villages not only thrive today but are also equipped to support their communities for years to come.

With the U.S. population of adults aged 65 and older expected to double by 2060, the need for community-driven support models for older adults is more pressing than ever. VSN is at the forefront of helping these communities meet the growing demand. With more Americans seeking alternatives to traditional senior housing, VSN’s work has never been more essential.

Get Involved

VSN invites local businesses, community leaders, and residents to join us in growing and sustaining the Village movement. Your support, whether through partnerships, donations, or volunteering, will help expand our impact and create stronger, more connected communities.

For more information on how you can contribute, visit www.villagesupportnetwork.org or email info@villagesupportnetwork.org.