Following a successful volunteer recruitment drive, the Bristol Warren Village (BWV) is ready to provide members with services.
“We are now formally part of The Village Common of Rhode Island, having reached our initial goals for volunteers and members,” said Terri Hughes, the Administrative Coordinator of the BWV. “The Steering Committee has been working hard the past six months to make this happen. Now it’s time for the residents of Bristol and Warren to learn about the benefits of becoming a member.”

What is the Bristol Warren Village?

The BWV is now part of a growing national trend — one of more than 300 villages across the country. The first Rhode Island Village launched nearly a decade ago in Providence.

Each individual village is an organized network of neighbors who help neighbors with tasks that can be challenging for some seniors, but are critical to remaining independent, living at home, and connected to community.

Volunteers sign up to offer services of their choosing, such as yard work, grocery runs, tech support, or rides to medical appointments. There is no personal care; villages work with partners including Meals on Wheels and local Health Equity Zones if further supports are needed.
It’s not just about help — there are lots of social activities at all the villages, they each sponsor their own, around the state. Each village is unique, reflecting the needs and culture of their community, but members can participate in the activities of any other village.

Members join, and pay a nominal, pay-what-you-can fee. Nobody is ever turned away for inability to pay. Volunteer coordinators then match member requests with volunteers. Volunteers are not obligated to accept a certain number of assignments, they can sign up as their schedules allow.

BWV has over 50 volunteers, ready to help

“The time and effort invested to get things ready for this launch has been amazing,” said Caroline Dillon, the Executive Director of The Village Common of Rhode Island. “With over 50 volunteers they are ready to begin making a difference.”

Membership enrollment has begun, with a team of Membership Ambassadors handling all the inquiries that are starting to come in either by phone (401/206-5939) or by email at bristol-warren@villagecommonri.org. Informational sessions, highlighting the Villages’ services, are being scheduled at a variety of public venues as well as private neighborhood get togethers. Social media sites popular among Bristol and Warren residents are starting to cover BWV news and updates.

“Things are starting to happen,” said Craig Evans, one of the BWV leaders. “Our goal was to launch by summer but with the level of volunteer interest we have, we decided to get a head start. We are all about neighbors helping neighbors. Our volunteers are ready to begin.”
The services being offered to members from the start are rides to appointment and events, assistance with errands, friendly calls and visits, technology assistance and handy help at home. Anyone who knows a Bristol or Warren senior who could benefit from membership should inquire to learn more. Membership Ambassadors are ready to take your call.

Anyone interested in having an informational presentation scheduled for a group/organization, please email Craig Evans at craigharveyevans@gmail.com.