Frequently Asked Questions - 

FAQs About Villages

1. What is a "Village"?
   
2. How is Shtetl 2.0™ different from the other Villages in Philadelphia?
   
3. What is Shtetl 2.0™'s relationship with Northwest Village Network (NVN)?
   
4. What is the Village to Village Network?

1. What is a "Village"?

"Neighbors Caring for Neighbors!" Villages are community-based, self-governing, nonprofit, grassroots organizations formed through a cadre of caring neighbors who want to change the paradigm of aging. Villages connect members to a wide array of practical support services and social connections that enable older adults to enjoy a rich, independent and healthy quality of life when they choose to age in their homes.

Villages build a sense of community and offer resources, services, programs and activities, such as social and educational programs, health and wellness activities and volunteer assistance with transportation, light home maintenance, and technology coaching.

The Village Movement originated in the Boston area with Beacon Hill Village in 2002, leading the way for a more economically efficient model for aging. There are now more than 250 Villages nation-wide.

[Adapted from https://vtvnetwork.org/content.aspx/page_id=22&club_id=691012&module_id=238482]

For a deeper dive, see the excellent article on AARP's Senior Planet website at https://seniorplanet.org/the-village-model-a-neighborly-way-to-age-in-place/.

2. How is Shtetl 2.0™ different from the other Villages in Philadelphia?

There are several Villages in NWPhilly - Northwest Village Network (NVN), East Falls Village, a newly minted Roxborough Village - and a large, well-established village in Center City, Penn's Village (founded in 2008). We all share the goal of enabling older adults to age in place - with mutual support in community.

Shtetl 2.0™ will be unique in being rooted in Jewish values, concerns and customs. We are mindful that there will be a wide variety of Jewish knowledge and practice among our members, thus, we will strive to be warm and welcoming to all. For more detail, please see our page "What is a Jewish Village?".

3. What is Shtetl 2.0™'s relationship with Northwest Village Network (NVN)?

We view Shtetl 2.0™ as distinct from and not in competition with other area Villages. We look forward to creatively collaborating with other area Villages - especially NVN, with whom we already share major administrative expenses through the Mt Airy Community Services Corp (MACSC).

4. What is the Village to Village Network?

Shtetl 2.0™ is proud to be a member of the national Village to Village Network (VtV). Founded in 2010, VtV is a membership-based organization that provides expert guidance, resources and support to help communities establish and maintain thriving Villages. VtV also champions the Village model at state and national levels as a best practice for healthy, vibrant aging. For more information, visit https://vtvnetwork.org/.