About
Village Friends, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit under the governance of a Board of Directors. Board members are Village Friends, Inc. members and/or volunteers, and are responsible for oversight of the organization.
Personnel and Board of Directors include:
Karen Croyle - Executive Director
Heidi Long- Program Director
Deborah Kacpura - Board President
Len Clark - Board Vice President
Mary Darling - Board Treasurer & Secretary
Eric McCray - Board Member
Dick Patterson - Board Member
Doris Gernovich - Board Member
Joan Hannan - Board Member
Reverend Mary Norton - Board Member
Janet McIntyre - Board Member
Tim Adams - Board Member
Village Friends, Inc. is part of a nationwide “aging in place” movement based on a proven service model developed by Beacon Hill Village in Boston, MA approximately 22 years ago. It has inspired the creation of what is called the “village movement.” Currently, there are approximately 300 similar organizations throughout the country, with more in development.
Most recently, the movement has received national publicity: it has been featured on NBC Nightly News, in Forbes Magazine, and is endorsed by AARP. Village Friends, Inc. is the first in Northwest Pennsylvania. The nearest village is in State College, PA with ten additional villages operating in the Harrisburg-Philadelphia area.
The primary function of a village is to help older adults remain independent in their own homes as they age. Corry has retirement and assisted living facilities that provide services to older residents willing and financially able to move into them. However, research has shown that 90 percent of older adults prefer to remain in their own homes and neighborhoods.
For Corry area residents wishing to stay in their own homes, Village Friends, Inc.’s mission is to bring a full menu of services directly to them
Services
Home Maintenance
Light indoor and outdoor volunteer handyman services.
Re-arrange furniture, change light bulbs, turn a mattress, seasonal tasks, hang shower curtains, hang pictures, light yard work, plant flowers, curb trash, moving screens and window air conditioners, minor repairs, pruning, recycling, de-clutter, etc.
Transportation
Drive to an appointment, shopping or errands with or without an escort.
Medical appointments, hairdresser/barber, once a week grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, etc.
Technical Assistance
Assistance with home electronics and computers.
Program cell phone, remotes, program thermostats, set up email, answering machine, set up electronic gadgets, computer education, etc.
Away from home help
Assistance at home during brief vacations or unexpected absences.
Indoor plant care, home safety check, mail/newspaper pick-up, pet care, etc.
Cultural and Social Activities
Provides opportunities for staying connected with others in the community.
Occasional group lunches, coffee hour, friendly visits, organized day trips to local places of interest, wellness calls. Organized day trips for people who want to have fun, see new places, and learn new things.
Referral Services
Provision of contact information for local service providers including a screened vendor list.
Our vendors all carry insurance or are bonded. They have agreed to respond to your call promptly and many offer a members-only discount.
