Nonprofit Spotlight: STL Village

STL Village is a grassroots membership organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life and well-being of people over age 50 who want to continue living at home while staying active in their communities. 

Created in response to the growing desire of older individuals to stay in their homes rather than move to age segregated facilities, STL Village is one of 300 similar villages throughout the country that make up the Village to Village Network. 

In 2012, a group of friends in the Central West End formed an exploratory committee to bring the Village model to St. Louis. After researching other successful Villages and holding open houses with area residents, a business plan was developed. Seven years later, more than 500 older adults have benefitted from membership. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in STL Village’s operations. By pivoting to virtual book discussions, trivia and game nights, and nationally recognized speakers, STL Village helped adults stay connected. Volunteers also assisted members with online grocery ordering, vaccine registration, and general digital literacy. Perhaps most importantly, members always knew—even during the isolation of the pandemic—that they had a place to call should they need assistance or just want to hear a friendly voice. 

“This is a tremendous group of people,” said Madeline Franklin, Founding Executive Director. “With the opportunity to connect, strangers become friends.” 

Volunteer opportunities for all ages are available. Volunteers can provide transportation, complete basic home maintenance, or simply enjoy a neighborhood walk. Click here to learn more. 

STL Village is a participant in Give STL Day. Give STL Day is powered by the St. Louis Community Foundation and will take place on May 5, 2022.