About
What is a Village?
Neighbors Caring for Neighbors! Villages are community-based, nonprofit, grassroots organizations formed through a cadre of caring neighbors who want to change the paradigm of aging.
Local Villages connect members to a wide array of practical support services and social connections that enable older adults to enjoy a rich, independent and healthy quality of life when they choose to age in their homes and communities. Villages build a sense of community and offer resources, services, programs and activities, including social and educational programs, health and wellness activities and volunteer assistance with transportation, light home maintenance, and technology coaching. The Village Movement, originated in Boston with Beacon Hill Village, is leading the way for a more economically efficient model for aging.
About Village to Village Network
Through its programs, services, and resources, the national Village to Village Network empowers Villages in formation, energizes functioning Villages, serves as a Village commons to connect its members, and champions the Village model as a leading best practice for healthy and vibrant aging. Village members remain connected to their communities, with reduced isolation, increased independence and enhanced purpose of life.
Mount Diablo Village leaders attend meetings and events at Village to Village Network whenever possible to stay current and relevant with our program offerings.
About Village Movement California
Village Movement California believes in the power of community to achieve society-wide change in the way we age. Every day, we lead the way with the proven tools, connections and visibility so that villages - and in turn Californians - can thrive.
Because when we join forces, we ensure that all Californians have access to vibrant communities that enhance and expand the ways we can age well. Together we can make so much more progress than we can ever achieve alone.
The benefits of a village were shown through during the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. Not only did Pasadena villagers look out for one another and make sure that every villager was accounted for, they put the village network to work with villagers who didn’t lose their homes inviting villagers victimized by the fires to stay with them while they figure out the next steps. The level of trust, care and kindness made the tough time much easier to get through.
​
About Mount Diablo Village
Population in the age group of 50+ in the City of Walnut Creek was 43% in 2023 as compared to 34% overall in the U.S. Though programs, events and classes were available here and there, we felt that a better coordinated effort with a focus on serving seniors was needed to help them live healthier and happier lives as they age, especially in their own homes.
Common program offerings in the City of Walnut Creek are a set of classes and programs that members in the community, seniors included, can attend and participate in. However, seniors often feel that they would attend these classes and would still come home and feel all alone. Sometimes when the classes are about making things, be it painting or pottery, they don’t know what to do with the products they have created. Why? The reason often is that seniors attend these classes hoping to make friends which quite often do not happen due to the lack of a social facilitation component in these classes. The fact that there is no senior center in Walnut Creek makes the loneliness of our senior residents all the more noticeable.
By joining Mount Diablo Village, you will become a part of promoting independence, enhancing community connections, and providing affordable services. The Village model provides older adults with a fulfilling way to age in place, stay engaged and enjoy life with friends in a trusting environment.
Building Connections, Enriching Lives
Our goal is to foster a vibrant community where every member feels supported, connected, and empowered to thrive in their neighborhoods. Together, we create a caring network that celebrates companionship, engagement, and mutual support.
Empowering Independence
By promoting independence, community connection, and support for aging in place, Mount Diablo Village provides a meaningful way for older adults to thrive within their local community. Age is not a reason to be dismissed. Together, we continue to be relevant and we can continue to help others while we are enjoying our own lives.
Our Values
Celebrating Diversity: We embrace the rich diversity within the communities we serve, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
Older Adults are Cherished Members of the Community: We believe that older adults should remain active, cherished members of their communities while living in the homes they love and staying connected to the friendships and networks they have cultivated over the years. They can continue to grow their friendship and network in the village and continue to live a vibrant life where you don’t even notice that aging is happening.
We Value Our Volunteers: Mount Diablo Village deeply values the dedication of our volunteers for donating their time and skills in supporting and enriching the lives of seniors in our village and, thus, making the City of Walnut Creek a better place to live for all. We believe your generous giving of your time and skills will give you much happiness and sense of fulfillment in return.
Member Engagement: We design our program offerings based on members’ inputs. The more members express their interests in programs, events and activities, the more they will be incorporated and will bring happiness to the village community.
Respecting Privacy and Independence: We understand and respect the privacy, dignity, and independence of both our members and volunteers. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful community environment for all of our members and volunteers.
We Appreciate Our Sponsors and Donors: Mount Diablo Village programs would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and donors. We are deeply grateful for your support. Please check out our donation page and share it with your friends, family and colleagues so that they will have an opportunity to donate and support a worthy cause.
2.3. Remembering Patsy Barich
Patricia (Patsy) Thayer Barich was the founder and co-chair of the former Walnut Creek Village. Patsy passed away at home with her family at her side after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. She was a huge proponent of the Village Movement and worked tirelessly to help the Village Movement succeed. We are grateful for her efforts and we will continue to build a village for our senior residents in the City of Walnut Creek.
2.4. To Members of the former Walnut Creek Village
Please note that our village is now named Mount Diablo Village. We encountered a naming issue when we ran into another organization with the exact same name in Baltimore, OH. To minimize confusion, we renamed our village to Mount Diablo Village.
If you were a member or a volunteer of Walnut Creek Village before, you would know the benefits you received. We would be happy to welcome you back. Join us.