NORTHAMPTON — Senior citizens living in Northampton looking for a support network for issues pertaining to old age can take solace knowing that an organization exists to serve their needs and desire for community — all for free.
Northampton Neighbors, which first launched in 2017, is part of a nationwide movement known as “Villages,” which aims to improve the livelihoods of senior citizens in their respective communities. But whereas other village networks often charge membership fees to support the organization, Northampton Neighbors has opted to fundraise the money instead — meaning membership is free of charge.
“Some villages have a fee, some have a smaller fee but ask for volunteers,” said Diane Porcella, the director of Northampton Neighbors. “Everyone needs money, but what we are able to do is respond to members, and what’s important to them.”
The Villages movement has origins in Massachusetts, with the first one appearing in Boston in 2002. The idea for Northampton Neighbors first came together in 2015, by a group of women inspired by the book “Being Mortal,” by Atul Gawande. Founders include Leigh Bailey, and Katherine Baker, who both have served terms as president for Northampton Neighbors.
When discussions of how the organization would be funded came up, Jack Hornor, an early member to the organization, quickly realized that a membership fee would not be the best method.
“It doesn’t feel very Northampton to do that,” recalled Hornor. “I said [at the time] that I think a lot of people will respond positively to the idea of not paying a membership fee, so the organization can be open for everybody. And that’s exactly what happened.”
According to Northampton Neighbor’s annual report for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the organization drew in $114,800 in revenue with around $70,600 in expenses, leaving $44,000 in net funds. Members made 69% of the total donations, with the remaining 31% coming from businesses, non-members and public and private foundations, according to the report. The organization currently as 1,350 members.
Services provided by Northampton Neighbors include trained volunteers who perform services such as hosting telephone conversations, provide transportation for short trips, and tech assistance for setting up TV and internet. In addition, several other volunteers lead programs such as hiking trips and organize speaking events. Anyone is eligible to become a member, but only Northampton residents are eligible to receive services.
“We have some more ambitious programs, like the Pioneer Valley Memory Care Initiative, to take people living with memory loss and dementia and give them some contact,” said Gerard Paquin, the treasurer for Northampton Neighbors. “We have a speaker series, where the speakers are via Zoom now because of COVID, we had people from all over the valley who are experts in various issues.”
In addition to member donations, the organization holds events to help raise funds. One such event is the DoozyDo parade, last held in Northampton back in September.
“People just do silly things,” said Paquin of the parade. “And what you do is you get people to march, you get people to dress up, you get people to pledge money, you get corporate sponsors.”
Other community organizations that partner with Northampton Neighbors include All Out Adventures, Forbes Library, Mass Audubon and the YMCA.
Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.
