FAQs (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Is UpRiver Village a senior living community?
No, UpRiver Village is not a place or location. It is a support network designed to help keep older adults living comfortably in their homes as long as possible.
Is UpRiver Village a non-profit organization?
UpRiver Village will be a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Our parent organization, Villages NW, will be our fiscal sponsor and will hold our tax-exempt status.
When will UpRiver Village be able to provide services to its members?
UpRiver Village is currently providing MANY different social activities. Most are open to the public. Our target "launch" date, the date we hope to be able to respond to and fill member requests for services, is JULY 1, 2025.
How will UpRiver Village be funded?
UpRiver Village will be funded mostly by membership fees. Additional funding will come from grants, individual donations, and fundraising events.
How will seniors pay for services provided by UpRiver Village?
Payment is in the form of membership fees. UpRiver Village will have three levels of membership - Social, Regular, and Premium - and two options for each level - individual or couple. Please see the Membership page of our website at www.uprivervillage.org for fee details.
Will membership fees be tax-deductible?
No, because members receive services valued at equal to or greater than their membership fees. However, donations are tax-deductible.
What if I'm not able to afford UpRiver Village's membership fee?
UpRiver Village will offer scholarships to members whose income is at or below 250% of the current poverty level. Membership discounts of 50% and 80% are available.
Why will I be asked to pay for services if UpRiver Village is a non-profit organization and all services are provided by volunteers?
There are costs to running any organization. Specifically, UpRiver Village will need to pay for volunteer background checks, liability insurance, printing and postage, website hosting, IT services, etc.
Can anyone become a member of UpRiver Village?
No. Members must be 55 years of age or older or be disabled. Members must live within the city limits of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village or vote in these cities' elections. Prospective members will be interviewed to assure UpRiver Village will be able to meet their needs and expectations.
How will the services that UpRiver Village will provide be different from other services already available to seniors in the community?
- UpRiver Village services will be delivered by background-checked, trained volunteers who are your neighbors and friends.
- UpRiver Village volunteers will provide an EXTENSIVE ARRAY of services with very few limitations.
- UpRiver Village volunteers will be available to provide services 24/7/365 although we will not be able to guarantee that we can fill every member request.
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UpRiver Village membership fees are VERY AFFORDABLE when compared to fees charged by other organizations or businesses. For example, at Helping Hands, a senior would get ONE HOUR of service for $40. At UpRiver Village, a senior would get TWENTY-FOUR hours of service each month as a Premium Member.
Are there any limitations to the services UpRiver Village volunteers will provide?
Yes. UpRiver Village volunteers will not be able to provide:
- Direct physical care that is normally delivered by a home health or nursing agency
- Financial advice
- Recurring routine services (for example, WEEKLY house cleaning or lawn mowing)
What kinds of volunteers is UpRiver Village looking for now?
UpRiver Village is currently looking for volunteers to help with
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE CREATION:
- A STEERING COUNCIL SECRETARY
- A COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR who will be responsible for getting the word out about UpRiver Village IN PRINT.
- An OUTREACH COORDINATOR who will be responsible for informing the public and potential members and volunteers about UpRiver Village IN PERSON.
- A VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
- An EVENTS COORDINATOR
- Volunteers to help with smaller pieces of our MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH plans
What kinds of volunteers will UpRiver Village be looking for when it launches?
UpRiver Village will continue to need organizational and "office" help like the volunteers we're currently recruiting for. In the future, UpRiver Village will also need volunteers to provide transportation and other direct services to our senior members. We expect to start this phase of recruitment in April of 2025.
What will be the benefits of membership?
Members benefit in several different ways:
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Social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs. Member interests determine the types of programs and activities of a Village:
- Services from Village volunteers. Member needs and Village volunteer skills determine the services offered, such as:
- Transportation to appointments and social activities
- Occasional light housework and yard work
- Errands and grocery shopping
- Technology assistance
- Vetted vendor referrals
Why should I join if I'm healthy and active?
Membership in a Village is for individuals who are looking for a little help around the house and participation in social activities. For neighbors who volunteer their time and provide services, it's a way to give back to the community, and it also provides a meaningful connection with others in the community.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the Village model, drawing upon people in our community to support each other. Volunteers will provide the services, resources, and community activities that allow a Village to offer the peace of mind that makes a positive difference in the lives of its members.
There are many benefits to volunteering:
- Staying active - mentally, physically, and socially
- Putting your skills and expertise to good use
- Broadening your horizons by interacting with new people
- Gaining a natural sense of accomplishment through helping others
- Achieving a new or strengthened sense of purpose
- Bringing more fun and fulfillment to your life
- Paying it forward, knowing that someday each of us may also need support
Will members be required to volunteer?
No, members receiving services will not be required to also volunteer their time. However, members may want to serve on the Governing Council or volunteer in any number of ways.
Will volunteers be required to pay a membership fee to join?
No, volunteers will not be asked to pay membership fees.
Why should I sign up for the UpRiver Village newsletter?
UpRiver Village is collecting names of people who would like to:
- Volunteer now for one of the positions we're currently recruiting for
- Stay updated on and attend our many current social activities
- Become a member and receive services after we launch
- Volunteer to serve seniors in the future
- Stay informed of our progress
PLEASE JOIN US!
