Herndon Village Network Celebrates 10 Years!

On Saturday, February 8th, volunteers, supporters, and community members gathered at Arts Herndon to celebrate Herndon Village Network (HVN) and its decade of service to local senior citizens. Founded with a concept of neighbors helping neighbors, HVN encourages older residents to age in the Herndon community and allows them to maintain established routines and connections, which results in a higher quality of life. The event highlighted 10 years of rides, outreach, member events, and, most of all, friendships.

Jenny Phipps, HVN board member and staff member to Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, explained that HVN’s method of connecting neighbors with senior citizens came from a national village movement, which Supervisor Bierman strongly believes brought great resources and opportunities to residents of Fairfax County. Phipps noted, “When HVN began providing not only free rides but also friendly helpers to members of HVN, it was offering Herndon seniors a way to age in place in their own homes and community.”

“It takes a village to raise a child, –and it also takes a village to care for our elders. For the past 10 years, Herndon Village Network has provided that care to Herndon area seniors,” shared Penny Halpern, president of HVN’s Board of Directors.

This care has included a wide range of informational, fun, and service events for the now 120 HVN members, who have variously enjoyed a memory care fair, document shred events, special performances, ice cream socials, and more! Most of all, they’ve had the vital transportation they need to remain connected with the community they know and love.

An emerita board member with HVN, Pat Williams helped to research senior citizen needs and establish the nonprofit. She noted, “I found that the seniors in Reston, and then those in Herndon, and older adults throughout Northern Virginia all wanted the same menu of supports, starting with caring friends and rides.”

HVN drivers provide senior citizens with unlimited access to day and evening transportation on weekdays and weekends. Over the past 10 years, these caring volunteers have given older adults in Herndon 20170 and portions of 20171 over 4,700 rides! This has enabled community members to have lifesaving dialysis, make doctor appointments, go grocery shopping, and attend social engagements. It has also grown many friendships along the way.

Charles Marts, an HVN board member and volunteer driver emphasized the importance of transportation. “We often don't realize what an impact we have on others,” said Marts. “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time with HVN one ride at a time.”

HVN members have echoed this importance a number of times in the past. For example, one shared, “Each person who drives you is like an old friend.” Another agreed, “The drivers are delightful…. Herndon has become a town I don’t want to leave, and Herndon Village Network has made this possible.”

Friendly volunteers are the key to providing this important community connection. “As we celebrate our anniversary, we want to thank all our volunteer drivers who give back to the community,” said Halpern. “They are truly neighbors helping neighbors one ride at a time.”

HVN welcomes additional community members to join its family of neighbors. Those interested in receiving transportation services, becoming volunteer drivers, or providing financial gifts may visit https://herndonvillagenetwork.org/ or leave a message at 703-375-9439.

Herndon Village Network: Neighbors Helping Neighbors One Ride at a Time