christian-bowen-Cc10IJDoj78-unsplash.jpg

Designing & Implementing

1) Universal design will allow for children and adults of varying physical abilities to access the entire Village and for seniors to maintain their independence and active participation in the community.

2) Homes with several bedrooms will allow for foster parents to take in sibling groups, an underserved population of foster children, so that they remain together, thus preserving family cohesiveness.

3) A gated community will offer safety for seniors and children, especially those with physical and cognitive challenges.

4) A community garden will offer an opportunity for intergenerational work and learning about growing plants and where our food comes from and encouraging environmental awareness with farm-to-table dinners in the Community Center.

5) Trips to parks, museums, plays, fairs and festivals, sporting events and swimming pools will widen the knowledge and experience base of children and enable the Village to engage with the larger community.

6) Senior residents mentoring, tutoring, preparing meals in the Community Center for potlucks, teaching classes and volunteering in the office will be offered a way to engage with youth to share their knowledge and skills and continue to have a sense of purpose and dignity.

7) Children and their foster parents will have the opportunity to interact with seniors during the aging process, enabling them to experience the entire life cycle and to help seniors stay active and engaged.

8). Activities and amenities will encourage intentional and casual neighboring, to promote intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth of foster children. Foster parents will be supported emotionally and spiritually by senior adults and each other. Senior adults will have opportunities to be involved in the life of the community, leading to a sense of purpose, value, and security, thus preventing social isolation.

9). Staff and volunteers who are warm and knowledgeable will establish an atmosphere of kindness, compassion, and acceptance for all residents and visitors.