The Village movement—a network of more than 300 neighborhood-based membership organizations—observes its 20th Anniversary this year, and the second Village in the country—Capitol Hill Village—will celebrate its 15th anniversary.
“Members, staff, and volunteers have made CHV a leading Village in the metro area, helping 12 other villages get established in DC, with many more throughout the country seeking our advice,” said Geoff Lewis, a founding member and Board member emeritus.
Advocacy
CHV is proud of its history, but also of focusing on today’s priorities for older Capitol Hill residents.
“In addition to providing individual services and support, CHV is advocating for things that all older adults need, especially if they want to remain in their current homes as they age,” explained CHV Executive Director Judy Berman. “We continue to push for a strong senior strategy addressing the needs of DCs growing population of older adults.”
“The CHV Advocacy Team is also working to encourage the city to develop Hill East as a model multi-generational mixed-income neighborhood that is senior-friendly,” she continued. “We’re part of a collaborative effort to get the city to address the shortage of home health aides to serve older adults and individuals with disabilities in their homes. And, in partnership with ANC 6B and Felice Development, we helped secure $225,000 to help plan, design, and fundraise for an Adult Day Health Center with Memory Care to serve Ward 6 and surrounding neighborhoods.”
Affinity Groups
The Advocacy Team is made up of volunteers, as are the leaders the nearly 30 “affinity groups,” who will be honored at this year’s on-line Auction and Virtual Gathering (a substitute for the annual in-person Gala). CHV is home to bikers, hikers, and walkers; book readers and memoir writers; songsters; petanque and mahjong players; art aficionados; and movie fans. There are practitioners of Qi Gong, Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation. If there’s an interest area, there’s a CHV affinity group for it.
Many Village activities are open to the entire community, such as the monthly Village Voices programs featuring Capitol Hill residents, and District Dialogues: Conversations on Race and Justice in our City. Information on CHV affinity groups and activities is at capitolhillvillage.org. Volunteers are always needed and welcome.
The on-line auction runs from April 14-24, and on April 21, members, volunteers, and friends will gather virtually, individually and at house parties, to celebrate the past year and the year ahead.
