“I feel so grateful for the kindness and help I receive from Village volunteers; they’ve made it possible for me to keep living independently and enjoying life with friends.” Marge says with a smile.

UpRiver Village is a lifeline to meaningful relationships and a vibrant, connected lifestyle. Whether it’s sharing a meal, attending a lecture or simply exchanging stories over coffee, the moments of connection enrich daily life and foster a strong sense of belonging.

This spirit of mutual support and human connection is the heart of The Village Movement – showing how a simple act of kindness can transform lives. The impact is felt by both members like Marge and volunteers.

Marge recently invited fellow villagers – with whom she enjoys being with, happy hour, outings and companionship visits – to her home to celebrate her 99th birthday. Her Village friends also help her in a variety of ways. She gets rides for shopping, exercise classes, physical therapy and medical appointments. They have helped occasionally with her yard and minor home repairs.

“If you belong to the Village, there’s always a place to go to see people and stay connected. Meeting new people keeps our lives interesting. It’s also given us the opportunity to help others and keep meaning in our lives,” comment volunteers Anne Marie and Lucien.

How can you support aging in place this holiday season? Donations allow us to discount dues for our low income neighbors and supplement member dues to run our programs and activities. It’s easy to donate online at UpRiver Village. We also accept checks. Make your check out to Villages NW fbo UpRiver Village and mail it to PO Box 1414, Gresham, OR 97030.

Another way to make a difference is to donate a portion of your required minimum distribution from your IRA before the end of the year. With this option, you can reduce the taxable portion of your distribution by having your financial advisor send your contribution directly to Villages NW fbo UpRiver Village, PO Box 1414, Gresham, OR 97030. For information on how to make this type of gift, contact: [email protected] or call 503-489-8813.

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