What is Bay to Sound Neighbors?

 

We are a local nonprofit organization and we are dedicated to supporting older residents of Yarmouth and Dennis who want to remain safely and independently in their homes. Our roots are on Cape Cod.

 

Typical volunteer services that we offer members include:

• Transportation to appointments and stores, such as grocery or pharmacy
• Help with technology, such as TV remotes, phones or tablets
• Light home and garden tasks

You can find out more at About Us>Membership Info>Services We Offer for more detail on Village benefits and services.

 

What is a “village”?

 

A Village is a member-driven, grassroots, non-profit community organization that brings neighbors together to help one another thrive, remain independent and make new friends as they progress through their retirement years. 

 

A Village is not a geographical place, but a virtual community of older people committed to aging in place and community - living in their own homes and communities comfortably - while maintaining their lifestyle. This concept is rooted in changing how our culture thinks about aging, what our older generations can do with their lives, and how they access help if they need it.

 

The Village Movement started more than 20 years ago with Beacon Hill Village in Boston. Today, there are over 250 Villages and many in development across the country. 

 

 

Are there other villages on Cape Cod?

Yes, there are currently five villages open on Cape Cod and the Islands:

1. Neighborhood Falmouth
2. Barnstable Neighbor to Neighbor
3. Bay to Sound Neighbors
4. Nauset Neighbors
5. Vineyard Village at Home

 

Where can I get more information about Bay to Sound Neighbors?

Call us at 508-470-0585 and we will have the right person contact you.

 

How much does it cost to be a member?

Membership costs $200 annually for individuals and $300 for a household. We offer reduced fees based on need. Memberships are for one year.

Why should I become a member?

Here are just a few of the reasons to become a Bay to Sound Neighbors member: 

• You want to age in place in your own home in the Yarmouth or Dennis community you love.
• Even if family and friends can help with transportation and chores, they may not always be available or you may prefer not to call on them regularly.
• Membership enables you to remain engaged in the community as we will provide rides to social events, musical performances, or even to see the ocean.
• You may suddenly find that you need help getting to medical appointments or even shopping, due to illness, surgery, a hospital stay, or other personal circumstance.

Bay to Sound Neighbors membership can make the difference between you being able to remain safely in your home or having to leave because you need assistance. When you are no longer comfortable climbing up on a ladder to change a lightbulb, our volunteers will gladly take care of that and many other tasks. Companionship visits, daily check-in contacts, assistance with technology, meals, transportation, and other services can provide critical support.

 

How does membership in Bay to Sound Neighbors work?

Bay to Sound Neighbors is a membership organization, and you must be a member to utilize our volunteer services.  We welcome as members older Yarmouth or Dennis residents and will consider others as requested.  We offer both an individual membership and a household membership.

 

Why is there a fee to join?

Annual membership fees help Bay to Sound Neighbors pay for expenses, such as liability insurance for volunteers, website and back-office software, printing, required filing fees, legal and accounting services, and marketing expenses. 

We offer two levels of membership: Full Memberships are $200 for an individual or $300 for a household. Reduced fees may be possible based on income level.

 

Why is volunteering with Bay to Sound Neighbors different from other local nonprofits?

Volunteering with Bay to Sound Neighbors is different from other non-profits because it is completely flexible! As a volunteer, you can set your own schedule as your time permits, and you can change the hours you volunteer if your schedule changes.

 

It is up to you what role you would like to take in the organization. You can specialize in driving our members or you might want to provide the full range of services. You can also help with administrative tasks.  You decide how many hours you want to donate as you go to our website and select volunteer opportunities.

 

What services do volunteers provide to Bay to Sound Neighbors members?

Volunteers can change members’ hard-to-reach light bulbs; do basic setup for a new computer or an e-mail account; offer a ride to the store or to a medical appointment; help them organize their files, bills and monthly payments; prune shrubs in their garden; or help with pets in emergencies.

The Bay to Sound Neighbors virtual office will send out regular requests for volunteer assistance via email. Individual members are eligible to receive up to nine (9) services per month, household members can receive up to thirteen (13) services per month, which can be a combination of rides or other volunteer services. Exceptions will be made and handled on a case-by-case basis. 

Who can be a Bay to Sound Neighbors Volunteer?

Our volunteers are a talented group with widely varied backgrounds. Each person is motivated by a desire to serve others and make a positive difference in our community. A number of Bay to Sound Neighbors members also act as volunteers, while non-member volunteers are also recruited from the community.

Requirements include a CORI check and participation in an orientation/training class. To provide rides, we need a copy of your driver’s license, first page of your car insurance and your car registration.

We are always looking for volunteers to provide services to our members. Are you a computer whiz or database manager? Perhaps an excellent gardener? Or maybe you’re a person with a knack for repairing bicycles or other mechanisms that break. Or one who helps folks get organized. We would love to give you the opportunity to share your skills with your neighbors through Bay to Sound Neighbors!

 

How are member requests handled? 

Members may request a service by calling our office or sending an email with all personal requests. When we receive a member request for service, we will coordinate the request from the member to be filled by one of our volunteers.