Herndon Village Network is based upon the "village” concept, a rapidly spreading idea that started more than fifteen years ago in Boston, Massachusetts. Many localities throughout the country are now organizing villages to meet the needs of their local population. The fundamental idea is for entire communities to help senior citizens, who can no longer manage all areas of their daily lives. With assistance, seniors may be able to remain in their homes and in familiar surroundings, and this may help them to maintain a higher quality of life.

The average village is organized in an area with a population of 30,000-50,000, which makes the greater Herndon area a perfect locality for such an organization. Herndon Village Network organizes volunteer drivers who use their time and talent to provide senior citizens with free transportation to doctor offices, stores, restaurants, and more.  Donations and grants fund the local nonprofit, and a Board of Directors makes operational decisions.

Why Is Herndon Village Network Needed?

The older adult population in America is growing. By 2030, there will be approximately 72.1 million older persons (or about one in every five Americans), more than twice their number in 2000. Currently, there are over one million people who live in Fairfax County, and over 10% of them are age 65 or over.

You or your parents may currently, or in the future, be part of this growing group. If you're unable to drive and live on a fixed income, how do you afford to get where you need to go? Do you give up something important, like food, medication, rent, phone, etc? Transportation—and the independence that comes with it—may be a significant, missing factor in your life.

Herndon Village Network directly addresses this need by providing its members free transportation to doctor offices, stores, restaurants, and more.  By doing so, it helps senior citizens remain connected with the community, and it improves their quality of life.