N2N - Who We Are
Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) was launched in 1997. Vermont Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and DAIL (Vt. Dept. of Disabilities, Aging, & Independent Living) are the major sponsors for this national service program. Member's ages range from 20 to 65 years and they bring an equally broad range of skills, experience and talents. The term of service begins September 20 and runs for 48 weeks (11 months). Members complete their service in August. During this time, full time members report 1700 hrs. (40 hrs. per week).
Annually, teams of 4-5 members serve at each AAA under the direction of the N2N regional coordinator. Members receive training and direction from AAA case managers and attend agency staff meetings as well as N2N team meetings.
Members build partnerships with community organizations - senior centers, meal sites, senior housing faciliites, schools, libraries, and churches - to strengthen connections with seniors and adults with disabilities. By planning interesting and engaging activities at these sites, members build capacity, add vitality, and promote healthy aging. An essential component of this community development is public outreach and working with the media.
Volunteer recruitment and management are also key activities. To find volunteers, members do community outreach, speaking at local service clubs, churches, and organizations. Flyers and social network websites are also useful tools in the search for individuals who will make a commitment to assisting an older neighbor. Once volunteers are enrolled and background checks are completed, N2N do introductions to seniors who are eager for friendly visits, assistance with grocery shopping, or other activities. Members keep in touch with volunteers and occasionally recognize them for their valued community service.
Members do direct service with elders and adults with disabilities, carrying through on service requests that are generated by AAA case managers and other caregivers. Members must be able to drive to elders' homes to assist with a variety of household tasks that the seniors can no longer handle on their own.
Members circulate to senior centers and meal sites, getting to know the staff and the community members who gather there for activities and meals. Each member organizes healthy aging programs (HAPs) that bring seniors together. Popular HAPs include computer classes, gardening, musical events, armchair travel, nutrition, Soduko and problem solving. After getting training themselves, members lead exercise programs that continue for 6 to 10 weeks. Popular offerings are RSVP Bone Builders, Matter of Balance, Laughter Yoga, chair exercises, walking groups.
Neighbor to Neighbor AmeriCorps is a community service learning program. Members build skills every time they do a service at an elder's home or make a presentation. N2N members learn to communicate, collaborate, and do group facilitation in an inclusive manner. They acquire leadership skills. They attend monthly N2N trainings and meet with case management staff at their Agencies on Aging host site. The Vt. Commission for National & Community Service presents a conference and several events that are valuable experiences for all national service participants in Vermont.
