Village Neighbors of Chincoteague Island awarded $10,000 Grant to reduce social isolation

Village Neighbors of Chincoteague Island (VNCI) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE) to help combat the serious health risks of social isolation among senior Island residents.

The grant will fund three key initiatives. A targeted outreach campaign to connect with more seniors and raise awareness about Village Neighbors. Charter bus trips will offer members opportunities for cultural and social experiences off island. Increase capacity by hiring a part-time assistant to strengthen VNCI’s ability to serve and grow. These efforts will increase membership, create meaningful social connections, and ensure seniors can age in place with dignity and companionship.

Social isolation is more than loneliness; it is a public health crisis. It is linked to cognitive decline, physical health risks, and costs Medicare an estimated $6.7 billion annually. In Virginia, it’s the second biggest concern for aging professionals, right after affordable housing.

This grant is part of Aging Well with Virginia Villages, a statewide initiative to help existing Villages in Virginia to expand their capacity to fight isolation and to support new Villages, especially in underserved areas.

Virginia’s Villages have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing social isolation risks. In 2024 they engaged more than 5,000 older adults, volunteers and family caregivers; sponsored 1,260+ social and educational programs reaching 16,850 older adults; and logged over 49,400 volunteer service hours, valued at $1.7 million.

Founded in 2022, Village Neighbors of Chincoteague Island serves Chincoteague’s unique barrier island community. With 67 volunteers, we provide practical help including transportation, grocery assistance, tech support, and handyman services and foster connections that make senior life richer. Find more information at village-neighbors.org.

The Virginia Villages Collective (VVC) is a network of 17 Villages working to grow and sustain the Village model. Learn more at wavevillages.org/vvc.