What is a "Virtual Village"?
A Virtual Village is a member-driven, grassroots, non-profit community organization that brings neighbors together to help one another thrive, remain independent and make new friends as they progress through their retirement years. A Village is not a geographical place, but a plan rooted in changing how our culture thinks about aging, what our older generations can do with their lives, and how they access help if they need it.
Life's "Third Act" begins at retirement and can last for decades; we believe these years should be a time of learning, growth, and friendship, even if physical health may not be the best. Village membership is ideal for "Solo Agers" or couples who wish to expand their social network.
ENN offers an array of benefits including:
- Member-inspired social, cultural, and informational programs and member-inspired interest groups to build friendships and foster life-long learning.
- Member-to-member volunteer opportunities
What services are offered to members?
Currently, members volunteer to help each other. Members may use our Membership Directory to contact other members for rides to appointments, assistance tasks like organizing, wellness check-ins, social calls, and other neighborly help. We do not provide any "hands-on" physical help or medical assistance, only the type of help a friendly neighbor might provide.
How does membership work?
Members pay a single annual fee to access member-organized and hosted social opportunities, outings, and the Membership Directory. Social programs and other activities are announced to members by email and on the web site, both on the home page and the full calendar page. We maintain a dedicated phone line (425-502-5525) where you may leave a message for a volunteer or Board member to respond.
Who can be a member?
Villages are generally developed by and for residents at retirement age or older. We invite anyone over age 50 to become a member, and you can volunteer at any age - many villages have volunteers in their 80's and 90's as well as high school students! If you live independently, want to build a community of new friends, and/or be part of a volunteer support system, then ENN is for you!
Why do members pay a fee?
Member fees support the infrastructure that enables us to run the organization efficiently and communicate with our members, volunteers, and the general public. Although we are an all-volunteer organization, our fixed costs include insurance, volunteer background checks, marketing materials, and a dynamic website for communication and volunteer matching. We supplement fees with donations and sponsorships to pay for a share of our costs so we can keep our membership fees low.
Can I buy a membership for my parents, or make a membership donation?
Absolutely! Gift memberships are a great idea, whether it's for a family member or a neighbor. We also work with community members who can't quite afford the yearly fee, and all donations are greatly appreciated. Send email to Village@MyENN.org to discuss a gift membership.
Eastside Neighbors Network LLC
(425) 502-5525 - Village@MyENN.org
Eastside Neighbors Network is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3), all-volunteer charitable nonprofit (EIN #81-3081454)
providing friendly social support for older adults in and around Bellevue, WA. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
