[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE VILLAGE MOVEMENT

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I wish to honor a dedicated and creative 
organization serving communities throughout Oregon and the Nation, 
celebrating 20 years of allowing senior citizens to stay in their homes 
while providing access to affordable care and community. The Village 
Movement is founded on the principle of neighborliness and provides 
comfort, care, and affordability while maintaining dignity.
  This wonderful movement started in 2002 with a group of community-
dedicated friends who did not want to leave their community in 
retirement. Intent upon staying, the friends launched the Beacon Hill 
Village in Massachusetts to provide residents who were 50 and older 
practical support and confidence to stay in their homes and live their 
lives independently.
  This idea soon caught on, with similar villages springing up all over 
the country, including in Oregon. There are now 14 villages throughout 
Oregon bringing services to senior citizens in the comfort of their own 
homes. The Movement supports what is often called ``aging in place'' by 
developing a nurturing network of volunteers and access to services and 
social opportunities that are both sustainable and community-based.
  Every village is member-driven and self-governing, allowing them to 
respond to the needs of each community. The Movement has also expanded 
to include adults of all ages living with disabilities, preserving the 
humanity and dignity that is so important in every stage of life.
  I have long viewed aging in place as a bedrock principle for 
improving quality of life for seniors and those with disabilities. 
Years ago, I started the Independence at Home Program, which helped 
primary care providers visit frail seniors in their homes. This helped 
them avoid unnecessary and potentially dangerous travel and remain in 
their homes longer than they would have otherwise.
  I have also been proud to lead legislation as a part of the Build 
Back Better agenda that would put home care on a more even playing 
field with institutional care. These important efforts can build on one 
another, alongside organizations like the Village Movement, to create a 
rich tapestry of health and social supports for Americans as they age.
  Without a doubt, the Village Movement has set a fine example of how 
communities can help support their neighbors. It is an honor to 
recognize the Village Movement for its service to the United States--
and Oregon in particular.

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