Redwood Coast Village Raises Over $90,000 and Expands Into Eel River Valley

This is a press release from Redwood Coast Village:

Eureka – Redwood Coast Village (RCV), the member-run, volunteer-based organization that helps Humboldt County’s over-50s stay active and independent, has concluded its first fund-raising campaign as an independent nonprofit. The goal was to raise $80,000 to underwrite operating expenses for two years and expand services into the Eel River Valley; thanks to the generosity of the community, RCV raised a total of $92.120, exceeding the target by over 15%.

“We are so appreciative of the support we have seen and continue to see for the Village here on the North Coast,” says board member and Outreach Committee chair JoAnn Schuch. “As a result, we’ve been able to hire a second part-time staff member, which will in turn enable us to better serve our members and begin our planned expansion into the Eel River Valley.”

The total amount raised between October 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 comprised $37,560 in annual membership fees, $24,715 in grants from The North Coast Grantmaking Partnership, the Silicon Valley Nelson Fund and the Andrew & Bertha Pon Memorial Fund, and the Senior Citizens Foundation Fund, $15,000 in Cornerstone (lifetime) memberships, and $14,845 in individual donations.

Redwood Coast Village staff and volunteers will be at the North Country Fair in Arcata on September 15th and 16th, close to the corner of H and 8th Streets (facing Arcata Exchange). Information, candies, and cool drinking water will be on hand all weekend!

With over 235 members and volunteers from Big Lagoon to Eureka, RCV provides specific types of volunteer services, information, and referrals to members with the goal of assisting their ability to live independently in their own homes and remain engaged in their communities as they age. The approach is that of “neighbors helping neighbors”, with services falling into half-a-dozen categories:

  • Going your Way – Transportation to appointments, shopping, social activities and more
  • “Helping Hands” for light fix-it jobs, occasional pet care, and help with home technology
  • Member-recommended businesses: lists of plumbers, caregivers, gardeners, etc.
  • Social connections, events and activities for members and volunteers
  • “One phone call” help with RCV services and referrals to other agencies
  • Check-in phone calls

Fast Facts about RCV:

  • Membership is open to Humboldt County residents age 50 and older living in an area where services are available.
  • Members and volunteers are background checked to ensure security and peace of mind for all participants.
  • Members are encouraged to also volunteer if they are able.
  • Partial scholarships for low-income members are available.
  • There is no charge to become a volunteer.

Redwood Coast Village is part of the nationwide Village movement which began in Boston in 2002; the movement now encompasses over 200 active and 150 developing Villages across the country. For Humboldt County, aging in place with a little help is an approach that makes economic sense. As of 2018, 20% of the county’s population is over the age of 60, a number that is expected to grow to 25% within the next decade. Currently, assisted living facilities in Humboldt County cost from $1,300 to $6,000 per month, while skilled nursing facilities are in the $9,000 a month range. Compared with the $35 a month ($52.50 a month for two-person households), membership in Redwood Coast Village is cost-effective solution for communities and individuals alike, especially when considering how rapidly and seriously an older person’s life can change as a result of a single avoidable accident like falling off a ladder.

More information about membership, volunteering, and other ways of supporting Redwood Coast Village can be found on the RCV website at www.redwoodcoastvillage.org

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I like stars
5 years ago

This sounds like a great program.

Charlotte Dickson
Guest
5 years ago

What fantastic news! We would love to learn more and share your success with other CA villages.