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The Village Common of Rhode Island
2024 Impact Report


A MESSAGE FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


 

Welcome to our 2024 Impact Report! The Village Common of Rhode Island (TVCRI) has a powerful mission that creates meaningful and impactful moments for older adults every day. Across Rhode Island, our volunteers share their time, talent, and enthusiasm assisting members, be it by shoveling snow, changing ceiling light bulbs, or simply sharing one-on-one conversations.

Throughout the Impact Report, you’ll see how our volunteers lead committees, plan events, write grants, analyze data, and even create this Impact Report! We’ve had a successful 2024. We’ve added a new village that spans 3 towns on Aquidneck Island, and other villages are in development across our beautiful state in support of our goal to reduce isolation and loneliness among Rhode Island’s older residents.

We hope you enjoy this Impact Report!
~ Caroline Dillon


OUR VISION & MISSION



We envision a time in Rhode Island when all older adults can thrive and live independently and safely in our communities.


The Village Common of Rhode Island (TVCRI) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven membership organization that supports older adults as they age in their homes and communities, through “villages” across Rhode Island.

As we approach our 10-year anniversary, we reflect back on our initial days as one village and the journey we have been on to achieve our mission and attain our vision. Out of the imagination, commitment, and perseverance of a small group of volunteers in Providence, we have grown into a network of operating villages that spans the state from Newport to Westerly to Burrillville, with other villages in development that will fill in the geographies in between.

Integral to our growth is our nimble hub-and-spoke model of operation. Administrative tasks are executed centrally, while services and supports are provided locally. What’s more, through collaboration, local villages can learn from one another and implement best practices, with the flexibility to tailor their operations to meet the unique needs of their communities.

We believe that a better experience of aging is possible when we support and rely on one another. Every day, our members and volunteers come together to provide mutual support and create purposeful and powerful opportunities for what’s next as we grow older. Aging Better Together!


2024
AN IMPRESSIVE YEAR OF GROWTH, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT


14,148
Touchpoints with our members and volunteers


HOW IS OUR SUCCESS POSSIBLE?



What Propels Our Success?
Our success is made possible through collaboration, dedication, and a shared commitment to the common goal: supporting older adults who wish to age in their homes. The heart of our success is driven by our volunteers, members, donors, and resources, all of which work to make our nonprofit thrive and grow. Together, we thrive.

Volunteers
Our mission is led by the many volunteers who offer their time, skills, and compassion to support our members. Our volunteers make it possible for members to remain in their homes.

Each act of service, big or small, contributes to the relationships formed in each of TVCRI’s villages, strengthening the bonds of mutual support. Volunteering with TVCRI offers flexibility. Our volunteers have the freedom to choose how they wish to contribute, making their involvement deeply personal and meaningful. It is through these acts of kindness that we see the overall effect of helping others, creating a culture where members and volunteers alike thrive together.

Member Engagement and Commitment
TVCRI’s members engage in a variety of ways including attending social events, taking part in educational activities, participating actively in leadership roles, and helping plan activities. It is through this engagement that our members shape the direction and growth of their local villages, ensuring that the services meet their needs. This culture of “members-helping-members” embraces and enhances community support. Members’ enthusiasm, positivity, and gratitude create an environment where everyone feels welcome, appreciated, and valued. Members share their experiences with others, helping to build the reputation of TVCRI through word-of-mouth, inspiring new members to join and engage with us.

Resources: Donations, Dues, and Grants
The resources that sustain TVCRI - donations, membership dues, and grants - are essential to our continued growth and success. Every contribution plays a vital role in ensuring we can provide services, programs, and events that improve the lives of our members. From the social and educational events hosted (both in-person and via Zoom) to the everyday support our volunteers provide, TVCRI’s ability to stay responsive to the needs of our members relies on these resources. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our members and volunteers who keep this important work moving forward.

Growth
Our growth is a reflection of the relevance of TVCRI’s mission. As we continue to expand across Rhode Island, currently serving communities including Aquidneck Island, Barrington, Burrillville, Edgewood, Glocester, Providence, and Westerly, our ability to serve more individuals and offer even more opportunities for engagement is valuable. Aside from the numbers, growth is about the deeper connections and shared experiences that strengthen our villages. The positive outcomes of services, the expanding reach of the villages, and the growing network of volunteers and members all demonstrate that we are meeting an essential need and providing a better way of aging at home. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to providing a better experience for aging, where mutual support and the strength of commitment are the driving force behind what we do.

Our members and volunteers enjoy interacting in many ways...

Volunteers are Neighbors Helping Neighbors:

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Social Activities Address Social Isolation:

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MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEER GROWTH IN 2024



TVCRI member and volunteer counts grew at 16% and 33%, respectively, with contributions from both established villages and our newest village, Aquidneck Island. Did you know that by the end of 2024, one quarter of Rhode Island’s 65+ population lives in a community with a TVCRI Village? Our growth across our state is increasing access to a village! And access to a village among our more vulnerable seniors – those living below the poverty line or those with challenges living independently – is even higher.

16%
Membership Growth

33%
Volunteer Growth

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Why I'm a member...


"There are times when I need assistance from a neighbor. The Caregiver Support Group sessions are excellent."

"I am now more active than I have been in a long time. The village offers a great place to meet friends, attend social events, and be part of the community."

"I wanted to make sure TVCRI can grow and thrive and supporting it financially as a member is my small contribution."

"Several years ago I had numerous hospital visits, surgeries, & health problems. It made me realize I needed someone to be there for me."

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Why I volunteer...


"I’m truly inspired by the work TVCRI does to help older adults age in place. It's not just about providing services—it’s about creating a network of care, compassion, and respect so that people can live with purpose, dignity, and connection as they grow older. I’m honored to contribute to an organization that is so deeply committed to improving the lives of our older neighbors."

"I must say that volunteering for this group has been very rewarding and I'm always struck by how much the people I drive appreciate the service."

"I feel it's a two-way street: When volunteering, I give of my time, but probably receive more than I give. I gain friends, while learning to appreciate how others are challenged, yet so appreciative of our support."

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14,148
OUR TOUCHPOINTS IN 2024

Our 14,148 touchpoints resulted from 4,828 services provided to members and 9,320 participants at 993 gatherings and events offered in 2024.

Services Provided:


Errands: 220

Friends: 744 

Home Help: 164

New Member Intake: 197

Rides: 3422
  
Tech Support: 81

Gatherings:


Well-being: 
2192 participants

Cultural & Crafts: 514 participants
(book club, film club, author talks, craft & fiber group)

Outings: 110 participants
(museums, trips)

Circles: 1170 participants
(Oak Hill, Downcity, Governor Apartments, Spanish-speaking, LGBTQ+)

Social Gatherings: 2431 participants
(restaurant, open house, volunteer events, drag bingo, parties and more)

Education: 1057 participants
(vision loss, health topic speakers, etc.)

Leadership: 1846 participants

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Why I give...


"I want to ensure that the organization is sustainable."

"I support The Village Common of Rhode Island because they are helping our senior friends and neighbors access services and resources while building a community of people caring for one another."

"I feel strongly it's important to support organizations I believe in with donations, and I believe in the mission of The Village Common. It's amazing what this organization is able to do with its modest budget; I know my dollars are being used effectively."

"I choose to donate to The Village Common because it's an organization of people who care about other people and make an effort to help them lead happy lives."

"I donate because I feel passionately about the needs of older adults and their desire to remain independent. Someday I will probably need help, so I want TVCRI to remain strong and capable of supporting local villages."

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OUR SOURCES OF FUNDING IN 2024



Our revenue stems from three main sources: grants, donations, and dues. We also hosted our first major fundraiser in 2024, giving us a new source of funds. 2024 was an extraordinary year for grants.

Grants: 60%
Donations: 18%
Dues: 16%
Event: 6%


OUR PARTNERS



In addition, we are so grateful to our 2024 sponsors and partners.

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OUR FUTURE



Our future is bright! As our existing villages deepen and expand relationships with members and new volunteers join their ranks, our impact grows only more robust. Meanwhile, bringing on new villages affords us the opportunity to reach new communities and individuals in need of services. Whether it’s reducing loneliness, creating new friendships, or providing the services members need to remain safe and independent in their homes, TVCRI is making a difference every day.

Through partnering with municipalities and nonprofit organizations, engaging with local news and state-wide media outlets, and connections gained through the multiple events and activities we offer, we have been able to expand our reach to people in need of services, as well those who provide them.

Going forward, we will continue to build upon the momentum we have achieved by supporting our current family of villages, seeking to bring new communities into our village family and working with partners where and when such partnerships are supportive of our mission and our members. We will strive to achieve a time in Rhode Island when all older adults can thrive and live independently and safely in our communities.


THANK YOU!



It would be impossible to express the magnitude of our gratitude to everyone who helps to make TVCRI a success.

Our volunteers are our lifeblood. Without you, TVCRI would not exist. As you selflessly give your time and talent to support our mission and ensure that the needs of our members are met, you are the face of who we are and of what we do.

Thank you also to our sponsors and our donors. Your continued financial support is key to our success and enables us to support our members and provide opportunities for our villages to grow and thrive.

Finally, thank you to our members for putting your trust in our volunteers and our staff, as we strive to provide supports and services to help you live independently in your homes and your communities.


HOW TO GET INVOLVED



We are always thrilled to onboard new members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors! Reach out to our office by email at office@villagecommonri.org or by phone 401-228-8683 and join in on our efforts to create and sustain communities of mutual support for all older adults across Rhode Island. Our website www.villagecommonri.org contains wonderful information and resources for you to learn more about who we are and what we do!


2024 STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS



TVCRI STAFF:
Executive Director: Caroline Dillon
Office Manager: Joseph Correia
Bilingual Outreach Coordinator: Ana Lia Alcolea-Tassia
New Village Development Coordinator: Susan DeRita
Volunteer Coordinator: Gabriella Laurenzo

TVCRI BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President: Wendy Oliver
Vice-President: Maureen Maigret
Secretary: Susan Ogle
Treasurer: Suzanne Francis
Betty Bernal
Sarah Cote
Steve Horowitz
Susan McCalmont
Marcus Mitchell
Michael Moore
Elizabeth O’Dea
Michelle Rivera
Bonnie Ryvicker
Thomas Tatro

Thank you to our 2024 Impact Report Team:
Sarah Cote
Caroline Dillon
Gabriella Laurenzo
Susan McCalmont
Alan Neville
DeDe Paul

Data as of December 31, 2024
Design: Joseph Correia, Josh Kemp
Photos: Tom Backman, Karen Johnson-Nieuwendijk, Cliff Karten, Phil West, and many members and volunteers!