What is Penn’s Village?
Penn’s Village is a community based non-profit corporation which provides residents of Center City Philadelphia both the practical means and the confidence to live their lives to the fullest in their own homes as they grow older.

Volunteers will provide many of Penn’s Village services; we will also contract with carefully screened “preferred vendors”.

Does this work?
Yes, based on the success to date of Boston’s Beacon Hill Village, which began in 2001 and Capitol Hill Village, which began in 2007. Learn more about these organizations at www.beaconhillvillage.org and www.capitolhillvillage.org.

Why should I become a member?
Our menu of services will be based on what our members want and will change as our membership grows and as we mutually discover what is needed and possible. A sample of reasons to join:

• One phone number for access to a wide variety of services and activities
• You want to remain in your home
• You never know when you will need help
• Deepening relationships with friends and making new ones is easy when you are involved in activities together
• Having volunteers who want to help you is better than asking neighbors for favors
• Your ability to find others who share your interests. Penn’s Village volunteers can do much to save one another time and money.
• The combination of village services and programs supplied by volunteers offers you a whole “network” of support
• More and More area vendors and area businesses are providing discounts and expedited services to Penn’s Village members
• Having Penn’s Village as your advocate when your expectations are not met will have more impact than addressing a vendor yourself
• With Penn’s Village behind you, you greatly reduce the risk of exploitation
• If you do need personal assistance, Penn’s Village can and will help to keep you from feeling isolated in your own home
• The membership dues are a bargain for the resulting peace of mind and benefits
• Vetting of vendors such as plumbers, electricians, handymen, homecare workers, with follow-up phone calls to determine satisfaction with service providers
• Weekly shopping trips to local grocery store
• Companionship in the home or on walks
• Visiting members by phone or in person on a regular schedule
• Assistance with minor housekeeping/home maintenance chores
• Assistance with meal prep or providing meals
• Providing services for brief absences: water plants, pet care, mail pick up
• Sweeping or shoveling sidewalks
• Assistance with technical problems (Computer, TV, DVD)
• Seminars and lectures of interest for our members
• Programs and social events for our members
• Medical advocacy (accompany member to medical appointment)
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Allowing loved ones in distant cities or even close by, to rely on the Penn’s Village office to set up “check-ins” or “look-ins” on a regular basis.

Why should I join if I am in good health?
If you do not feel that you need our services now, join to help your older friends and neighbors so that they may live safely and happily in their homes. Support Penn's Village, a non-profit community organization so it will be there when you need it.

Are there age limits for Penn’s Village Membership?
No.

Are there geographic limits?
Yes, while we would love to serve the needs of the entire city, we focus our efforts on Center City Philadelphia communities.

What is the tax status of Penn’s Village?
Penn’s Village is a 501 C 3 non-profit corporation. All contributions made to Penn's Village are tax deductible. Membership fees are not deductible, since they are a payment for services.

What does a membership with Penn’s Village cost?
The annual membership fee covers liaison and advocate services as well as services provided by volunteers. Services provided by preferred vendors will be available at specially negotiated rates.

Initially, we offer two types of membership:

• Charter Memberships: $2000 for a household or $1300 for an individual.
  Includes membership fees for the first two years. We hope the tax-deductible portion of the charter membership will be $500 for a household and $300 for an individual.
  
• Regular Memberships: $750 for a household or $500 for an individual.

Please contact Tania Rorke at 215.925.7333 if you need financial assistance with your membership.

What if I need something that is not on the list of services?
Call Penn's Village for anything and everything. We will work with you to find a solution, from a ride, to new computer, to purchasing a home for your parents, to in-home personal care services. Call us. We are here to meet your every need.

Can I buy my parents a membership?
Yes, giving your parents the means to continue living in their own home is a wonderful gift. You will be happy knowing that your parents are safe and taken care of; and they will enjoy living independently in their own home…in the neighborhood they love.

Can I pay my membership fees in installments?
Yes. Individual members can pay $125 quarterly, and household members $187.50 quarterly.

Do I have to be a member to volunteer?
No.

When did Penn’s Village start offering services?
June 1, 2008.