In March 2023, the Montague Reporter published a story about a thriving “village” serving nearby communities. Following this, Montague residents had a meeting at the library to see if there were people in Montague interested in creating a network of volunteers to perform small tasks that would enable elders to stay in their homes. More than fifty people came to that meeting and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Interested people offered their contact information for future meetings.
There were many meetings as we got our bearings. A core group kept coming to share ideas, and from those people leaders emerged who decided that all the villages that comprise the Town of Montague should be represented. The name Montague Villages was adopted, and people began to reach out to Turners Falls, Millers Falls, Lake Pleasant and Montague City in addition to Montague Center. Board members attended events in these towns and talked to friends and neighbors in an effort to recruit Board and committee members who represent the entire town.
A list of needs developed. Committees were formed. We reached out to other local agencies. A representative from Lifepath came to listen and talk about how we could support one another. Roberta Potter, Director of the Gill-Montague Council on Aging (COA) lent her support. Common Good, a local non-profit, agreed to be our fiscal sponsor, making it possible to open a bank account and accept tax-deductible donations.
Members of the Board made financial contributions, we joined the National Village-to-Village organization, and the Montague Council on Aging (COA) provided the funds we needed to purchase the “Run My Village” program from Club Express to help us create our website.
By Fall 2023, Montague Villages had a Board, several committees, and a mission:
Montague Villages helps adults 60 and older who reside in the Town of Montague to age in place with dignity and independence by offering volunteer services, access to information, and community connections.