About Us

Aging in Place-The Woodlands (AIP-TW) is a membership organization, governed by older adults who have a shared interest in living independently and avoiding unwanted relocations. It was founded in 2015 by Bruce Cunningham, Helen Bostock, Ken Dorland, Kathryn Means, Erika Bondy-Pratt, Kitty Singletary, Carey Yeager, Marsha Vienneau, and Robert Vienneau.

Members who use services pay annual dues for available services. All members are encouraged to also volunteer to plan and organize the activities, serve on the Board, and shape the direction of services and programs.

The most used service is local transportation assistance. Vetted and insured volunteer members provide rides on a planned basis for those members who can no longer drive themselves. The ‘riders,’ however, must be physically capable of getting in and out of a car without assistance.

Popular social activities provide ongoing connections with others of similar interests. Our neighborly support can be a caring phone call when needed, through to lending a helping hand with simple household tasks like changing a lightbulb and solving user challenges with technology.

We also share our knowledge of other services available in our community via our website. While we do not vet or endorse other organizations, many members value being able to share experiences through the member’s forum.

Volunteers

Our background checked and insured volunteer members provide neighborly support for those members aging in their homes and in need of a helping hand to do so. We welcome responsible and friendly adult volunteers, living either in or outside The Woodlands to join our membership. Some volunteers have older family members and value the support the organization provides for their aging family members and friends.

Part of A National Movement

As reported by the AARP Public Policy Institute: ‘The Village model has emerged as an innovative way to support an aging society. It is a consumer driven model that aims to promote aging in place for community-dwelling older adults.’

There are approximately 340 villages throughout the USA with a common goal of enabling senior citizens to age well in their own homes. AIP-TW is a member of the Village-to-Village Network designed to share best practices. As a true grassroots organization, we shape our organization in line with the needs of our community of older adults.

Our Guiding Principles

Inclusiveness: Welcoming members of diverse cultures, faiths, genders, orientations, and abilities

Compassion: Supporting and caring for each other

Collaboration: Member-driven mindset for working together

Community: Strong relationships within and outside the village

Individuality: Respecting and celebrating the uniqueness of each member

Sustainability: Managing our organization with fiscal discipline and responsibility

Aging in Place – The Woodlands Board

The Board is a working Board comprised of members. All work is done on a volunteer basis ‘by the members and for the members’. We do not have paid staff.

While there are term limits, we do have a Bylaw to allow members to continue to serve. The goal is for each Committee Leader and Board Member to identify other members who would like to serve and train them in the role before stepping down from their leadership position.

We also encourage ‘new initiatives’.  Any member or volunteer can bring ideas forward for ways in which Aging in Place - The Woodlands can add value to our members, and our mission, and present an implementation plan for Board approval.