Benicia residents are looking at whether the “Village to Village Network” method of assuring services to older people would work in this city, said Bobbi Rubinstein, communications chairperson of the Benicia Village Project.

“We’ve formed a steering committee, and in this exploratory phase, we’re conducting a feasibility study to see if there’s community support for a village,” said Judie Donaldson, one of about a dozen members of the Benicia Village Steering Committee.

Rubinstein said the feasibility study will review Benicia’s demographics, existing services and financial requirements and other elements.

Those attending a March 19 meeting will hear about the progress of those who are encouraging establishment of a Benicia Village, Rubinstein said, adding that that’s also when supporters will form committees and start developing an action plan.

Three informational meetings already have taken place, during which it became obvious that some Benicians want to bring the “Village to Village Network” concept here, Rubinstein said.

“We are definitely at the ‘in the works’ stage,” Rubinstein said, “but being part of the Village to Village Network (vtvnetwork.com), we’ll have mentoring and support as we proceed.”

The network is a national, nonprofit organization that supports development of local “villages” that coordinate access by older adults to affordable and free services they may need to remain in their homes, Rubinstein said.

The network provides a mentor, online seminars and a guidebook to support the communities with membership-driven, virtual “Villages.”

Rubinstein said nearly 200 people have attended the three organizational meetings that were convened to determine local interest in the concept.

“We’re still compiling a list of attendees, some of whom came more than once,” she said.

“I just saw the tally sheet from our three informational meetings: 134 people filled out cards expressing interest in developing a Village in Benicia.”

A dozen people also attended the invitation-only first steering committee meeting, Rubinstein added.

She described some supporters as those who have ties to other community groups or who have been providing civic service through municipal advisory panels or other organizations.

But, Rubinstein said, “It seemed as if most people who came were simply older adult community members, most of whom lived in Benicia.”

She continued, “Just about everyone at each meeting urged that we move forward with a feasibility study to determine the viability of starting a Village. Participants donated enough funds to purchase membership in the national Village organization.”

Monthly Village meetings will focus on community programs, and often would have speakers address topics related to healthy aging, she said.

Rubinstein said she and others expected community interest in the Village concept. “But we did not expect this groundswell of interest. Those of us putting the first meetings together were also gratified that nearly everyone we asked to be on the steering committee said yes.”

Donaldson said each community that forms a Village within the network develops its own programs based on what older residents need, so Benicia’s Village would cater to the specific needs of local aging residents.

She said those may be transportation, health and wellness services, social and educational opportunities and other activities that support what she called “the well-being of a community’s older members.”

Donaldson said Benicia already is known as having a family-friendly atmosphere. Many admire its small-town feel, its encouragement of the arts and its other amenities, she said.

Those participating in the possible founding of a Benicia Village Project are adding to those benefits by trying to assure that support is available to aging residents so they can remain in their homes and stay in their home town, Rubinstein and Donaldson said.

The movement is gaining traction throughout the United States, Rubinstein said.

So far, more than 150 Villages have been organized throughout the country so older residents can remain in their homes and stay connected to their communities, they said. Another 120 Villages are under development.

At the organizers’ March meeting, Donaldson said, “We’ll be learning about services and programs that are available right now, as well as forming committees to review the project’s feasibility.”

She said it’s a good time to attend for those who want to get in on the ground floor.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” Donaldson said.

“Potential members will be able to shape and create programs that best serve the older adults in our community.”

The Benicia Village Project meeting will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 19, in the Dona Benicia Room at Benicia Public Library, 150 East L St. Those interested may visit the Village to Village Network, vtvnetwork.com, email OurVillageProject@gmail.com or call Rubinstein at 707-280-0588.