Program teams of members and volunteers that keep Ashby Village thriving: Member Engagement, Member Support, Member Help at Home, Activities & Events, and Village Support

HomeProgram Teams

Programs Teams That Connect and Care

Ashby Village programs grow from the energy and creativity of members and volunteers working together to support older adults and strengthen community. Each team helps nurture connection, offer practical and social support, and sustain the day-to-day life of the Village — from learning and wellness activities to outreach, events, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps everything running smoothly.

Together, these teams help create opportunities for belonging, engagement, and mutual care within our Village and across the broader East Bay community we serve.

Explore the teams below to learn more about the many ways people share their time and talents. If you're interested in learning more about how you can get involved that feels meaningful to you, please get in touch with the team contact person. We'd love for you to become part of our caring village.

Member Engagement

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Member Engagement Team

The Member Engagement Team helps Ashby Village members take full advantage of the village based on their interests and needs, which is especially valuable to those who who are enjoying their first year of membership. Team volunteers connect members to direct services, activities and programs, and with other members, volunteers, and staff. Contact Member Programs Director Karen Dean (karen@ashbyvillage.org)

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Welcome Team

Welcome Team Volunteers acquaint new members with the direct services available to them as part of their village membership and how to access them, as well as the volunteer and activity opportunities available and how to get involved. Contact Member Programs Director Karen Dean (karen@ashbyvillage.org)

Member Support

Long- and Short-term paired relationships

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Connections Team

Connections Volunteers provide regular friendly visits to members who, for various reasons have become more socially isolated. Enjoy tea and talk, take a walk, watch a movie or play a game. These are just a few of the ways our team members get to meet and interact with our dynamic and interesting village members. We hear from our volunteers that providing this support is so rewarding that they often feel that they receive more than they give. Volunteers connect for a few weeks, a few months or on an ongoing basis, and Connections visits are tailored to the individual needs of both the member and the volunteer. Contact Volunteer Co-Coordinators Jane Selby (jselby70@gmail.com) and Mimi Wolff (mimi.wolff@gmail.com).

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Social Care Team

The Social Care Team (SCT) is comprised of retired or semi-retired volunteers and provides evaluation and short-term support for members facing health and wellness challenges, family and personal crises, and other age-related issues. During an in-home visit, an SCT volunteer and a member mutually define the current challenge, and the SCT volunteer provides possible solutions, including resources and services available within and outside of the Village – such as food delivery and transportation services provided by Ashby Village volunteers, and referrals for home-care providers and housing transition planning). SCT visits are limited to three, whenever possible. Contact Member Programs Director Karen Dean (karen@ashbyvillage.org)

Member Help at Home

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Decluttering Team

Specially trained Village decluttering volunteers help members sort through and organize items in their homes and garages, making it easier to find what they need and creating more space. Decluttering volunteers work with members to decide what to keep, donate, or discard, and the result is a safer, more enjoyable space and greater peace of mind. Decluttering volunteers may provide assistance beyond a one-time organizing visit. (Decluttering volunteers do not provide moving assistance, emergency or time-sensitive support, or help with projects that may require heavy lifting.) Contact Team Lead Christina Crowley (ccrowley580@gmail.com)

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Home Safety Assessment Team

Home Safety Assessment (HSA) Team volunteers visit members' homes to review and note areas where accidents are likely to occur, check for physical hazards, review elements of fire safety, and encourage safety awareness and practice. HSA volunteers offer members suggestions for improving the safety and usability of areas in their homes, such as the entry, hallways/stairs, bath, kitchen and bedroom. Contact Volunteer Services Manager Jessica Sterling (jessica@ashbyvillage.org)

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Technology Team

The Technology Team is an informal gathering of volunteers who share and learn best practices to help members access technology and acquire technology skills. Technology Team volunteers have the opportunity to help design and run workshops and support the technical needs of various village groups, as well as assist with Village-wide initiatives, such as researching and testing smartphone applications and senior-friendly group communication systems or platforms. Contact Volunteer Services Manager Jessica Sterling (jessica@ashbyvillage.org)

Activities & Events

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Arts & Culture Team

Arts & Culture (A&C) volunteers produce free public events that Ashby Village offers to the community and virtually around the country and beyond. Since 2016, A&C volunteers have produced over 30 events on themes that include sports, history, politics, art and music, climate change and others. A&C volunteers plan detailed event logistics, help promote events, and contribute ideas for topics and speakers. Contact Team Lead Sigrid Duesberg (sigrid@ashbyvillage.org)

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Events Team

The Events Team plans and coordinates monthly pre-social hour and social hour events, as well as supporting numerous additional Ashby Village events such as the annual picnic, holiday party, lectures, and parties. Contact Team Lead Sigrid Duesberg (sigrid@ashbyvillage.org)

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Walking Buddies Team

The Walking Buddies Team matches members who might like to walk together and also organizes regular planned walks in each of the eight Ashby Village neighborhoods throughout the seven cities where members live. Contact Volunteer Services Manager Jessica Sterling (jessica@ashbyvillage.org)

Village Support

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Communications Committee

The Communications Team is a Board-level Committee that develops and executes strategies to achieve Ashby Village's communication goals and objectives and, as such, is led by Board Member Julie Freestone and Development & Communications Director Charis Hanshaw. Communications Team volunteers help produce Village publications (such as the monthly Village Voices newsletter and weekly event bulletins) by interviewing Villagers, researching and writing about topics of interest to our members, and providing design, graphics, photography/videography and publishing support. Communications Team volunteers also assist with event promotion. Contact Charis Hanshaw (charis@ashbyvillage.org)

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Development Committee

The Development Committee helps ensure Ashby Village has the resources to sustain and grow its programs. Working together, Board members, staff, and volunteers cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and local businesses who believe in our mission. The Committee also supports efforts such as fundraising campaigns, grant proposals, and our legacy giving program. Led by Executive Director Bab Freiberg and Development & Communications Director Charis Hanshaw, the team welcomes volunteers with a variety of interests and skills. Contact Charis Hanshaw (charis@ashbyvillage.org)

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Office Corps

Office Corps volunteers assist in the Ashby Village office with various administrative tasks, including answering phones, responding to requests for information, copying, filing, data entry, and helping with mailings. Contact Volunteer Services Manager Jessica Sterling (jessica@ashbyvillage.org)

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Outreach Team

The Outreach Team builds awareness of Ashby Village and talks with people interested in learning more about membership and volunteering. Outreach volunteers lead Village Information Sessions and follow-up with prospective members and volunteers and represent Ashby Village in the community at events (such as street fairs and local farmers markets) and as guest speakers for events produced by other organizations. Contact Team Lead Joan Straumanis (logicaljoan@gmail.com)

Ashby Village
1953 Hopkins St
Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 204-9200
info@ashbyvillage.org

STAFF • COORDINATORS • FORUMS