By Kathy Carchidi and Sherry Reams, San Clemente Village
What is the San Clemente Village (SCV)? It’s an exciting national movement that’s about friendship, freedom and community.
- Friendships formed with members and volunteers
- Freedom to remain independent and confident in your home
- Connection to our community
The purpose of the Village is twofold:
- To provide social and educational events and programs for people 55 and over to connect and engage with other members in our community.
- As we age, some tasks may become more challenging. To support this, SCV will utilize pre-screened volunteers and local vendors so that older adults may comfortably and safely stay in their homes as long as possible.
San Clemente Village is a membership organization, supporting the belief that we all have a choice when it comes to growing older. SCV aims to enable its members to be able to choose how and where to grow old.
How does the Village do this?
By getting to know our members’ desires and needs, SCV will develop and provide programs to enhance the wellbeing of its participants. Trained volunteers will be available to assist in basic tasks such as trips to the doctor or grocery store or simple assistance around the house (minor yard work, simple repairs, technology help, dog walking, etc.).
Social engagement at any age is important. From a member recently retired to one becoming newly single or a couple looking for a new group to join, connecting with other like-minded people for new interests and adventures is a positive, feel-good experience for all. We are never too old to learn and grow.
What makes the SCV different?
SCV is the one-stop shop that will see members through retirement and into their third chapter of life. This is done with support, connections and having fun along the way. Outings and interest groups will be created based on input from the members. The ideology is about meeting each individual’s circumstances to attain the best possible and positive quality of life result. SCV is community-based—hence the “Village” concept. We not only keep our members connected; we keep them connected locally.
Research has shown that good health and wellbeing largely come from staying socially connected and engaged with others. Our programs meet the challenge whether you are looking to stay more actively engaged, learn a new skill, meet new friends or whether you need assistance with rides, everyday tasks or more to stay in your home. From active seniors who seek to stay that way as long as possible to those whose needs require more support at home, everyone wants to feel valued and needed, and SCV provides that with our members and volunteers.
We are in the final stages of becoming a nonprofit, having dotted all our I’s and crossed all our T’s with a group of hard working, dedicated volunteers including our executive board members.
SCV is ready to celebrate its launch. The celebration will be held at the Outlets of San Clemente in the VIP Lounge from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 21. Prospective members and/or volunteers are invited to join us and enjoy refreshments, entertainment from local Mike Chamberlin and learn about the enrichments that come from participating in SCV.
Explore San Clemente Village online at www.scvillage.org. Call us at 949.441.1348 or email at susanb@scvillage.org. Join by Sept. 30 to take advantage of charter membership at discount prices. Become one of our champions and help us change the experience of aging in San Clemente.
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