SLO Village got a brand-new brand!
|
|
|
Drum roll please ... Introducing, SLO Village Movement
|
|
|
This January we launched our two-year SLO Village strategic plan with one primary objective: to grow our membership, volunteer base, community partnerships and corporate sponsors. Our first step of that plan is to better tell and share our story with a complete rebrand.
Our Rebrand Objective is twofold:
To more clearly define SLO Village: who we are; what we’re about; and who, where and how we serve.
And, to differentiate us from The Villages brand. Clearly communicating that were not a place to live, but a way to live!
Name and Tagline:
We’ve added the word Movement to our name and the tagline ‘Embracing Life Together’ to clearly communicate our mission and to identify and align with the international Village Movement.
Mission:
We believe our new name and brand perfectly imparts our mission: empowering older adults to sustain independence and continue living lives of purpose and promise through community, social connection, personal growth, kindness, support and helpful services.
Mission Complete! Now Let’s Get Growing!
|
|
|
As we reflect on a year of meaningful progress and heartfelt connection, we’re pleased to share our SLO Village Movement (SVM) 2024 Impact Report. Your continued support is the breath beneath our wings, ensuring our mission to empower older adult to sustain independence and continue living lives of purpose and promise through social connection, personal growth, kindness, compassionate support and helpful services.
While our numbers are impressive, it is the personal stories of our members that truly measure the value of our Village. Read their personal stories. and how SLO Village impacts their daily lives.
|
|
|
I don’t know about you all, but I strode into April feeling shriveled; a bit like a beat-up punching bag. 2025 has packed a wallop and were only 3 months in. But I’ve decided to shift gears and focus on how much I’ve grown and continue to grow. And how much our SLO Village Movement community has grown and continues to grow with vibrancy and grace!
... There’s an old folktale about a woman who carried water home every day from a river using two buckets at either end of a long pole: one bucket new and solid, the other much older and cracked. When the woman got home, the new bucket was till full, but the old bucket almost empty. The old bucket felt bad and apologized. The woman turned and pointed back down the road and asked the old bucket, “Do you see all those flowers, growing on your side of the road? Every day you water them, and my walk to and from the river is always filled with beauty.”
We live in a world that worships and rewards youth – the young and solid, unscarred and efficient. Yet wisdom clearly tells us of a righteous beauty that comes from the older and weaker, maybe even the cracked and leaky.
Granted, old is not always synonymous with wise, but the old contribute to our lives in ways the young can’t because they’ve lived a little longer, experienced a little more, and stand a little more rooted, flourishing in faith and trust.
Such people “will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.’’
|
|
|
paraphrased from John Blase
|
|
|
Beloved Member of SLO Village Movement (2018–2025)
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Paul Wolff, a cherished member of our SLO Village Movement family since 2018. Paul left us this past Thursday, but not without leaving behind a legacy that speaks volumes — one of bold advocacy, architectural accessibility, inclusion and deep community connection.
Paul was a friend in the truest sense of the word. He didn’t just show up — he engaged. Whether it was through our regular coffee chats, lending a thoughtful voice at fundraising events, or simply sharing a moment of meaningful conversation, Paul’s presence was as grounding as it was inspiring.
A Holocaust survivor, Paul and his beloved wife Marion, spent over 20 years sharing their stories with students and the wider community to teach the world about the consequences of hate and discrimination. He was a distinguished architect and professor of architecture at Cal Poly and a tireless advocate for universal access for people with disabilities. His lived experiences shaped a life devoted to equity, with a passionate focus on accessibility through architecture. He saw buildings not just as structures, but as opportunities — for inclusion, for dignity, for belonging.
Those lucky enough to know Paul will remember his determination, his warmth, and the way his eyes lit up when talking about his passions. He didn’t just advocate for accessibility — he embodied it. And in doing so, he made our village community stronger, kinder, and more deeply connected.
Paul leaves behind not just precious memories, but a call to action — to keep building, to keep including, and to keep telling the stories that matter. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and always admired.
Rest in peace, Paul. You truly helped lay a lasting foundation for hope and goodness.
|
|
|
Witnessing Growth: A Mockingbird’s Journey
and SLO Village Movement
|
|
|
Over the past two months, I’ve watched a mockingbird pair build a nest in our enormous aloe vera plant—a spot vulnerable to passing people and potential predators (pesky scrub jays, anyone?). Despite these risks, they worked tirelessly to create a safe space for new life. In the last week, I saw three chicks emerge, fragile but full of potential.
This process of growth, fragile as it may seem, mirrors the vulnerability we all experience, whether we're in the early stages of something new or in the later years of life. Within the SLO Village Movement community, we understand that growth isn’t just about progress—it’s about embracing vulnerability, even as we age. Like those baby birds, we need care, patience, and support to thrive in uncertainty. For us, that uncertainty looks like losing a partner, finding new ways to stay connected, or facing the challenge of capacities (i.e., arthritis, vision loss, etc.) making once-simple tasks harder. Growth often comes at inconvenient or difficult times, but it also brings moments of joy.
As we go through these stages, the need for a supportive community is clear. Growth isn’t always easy, but it’s beautiful. Whether we’re building something new or nurturing what’s already here, we’re all in this together, embracing the vulnerability that comes with every stage of life.
|
|
|
To Grow is to Change; to Change is to Grow
In past months, we’ve shared discussions about the subject of change/transitions. This month, our focus is on growth. I think growth and change are closely related ... one impacts the other. Personal example: I had a major growth spurt when I was in 6th grade and attained my full adult height of 6 feet by the time I was 12 years old. This drastically changed both my physical body and my perception of how I fit in the world. That year in school was difficult for me because I truly stood out, and as an introvert my height made me very uncomfortable. It took me several years (and the subsequent physical growth of most of my friends) to feel like I was normal, and that my height had some real advantages!
The world around us is constantly changing ... environmentally, politically, technologically, socially, etc. We change as well, and each grow physically and psychologically throughout our lives. Our response to change can include frustration; feeling isolated; helpless; or maybe feeling powerful, determined to adapt or fix things; or trying hard to have a positive attitude; and sometimes our minds jump between the negative and positive. All these responses require energy, reflection and change that hopefully results in growth (of knowledge, acceptance, clarity, and/or how to proceed in our lives).
These are the times when our SLO Village Movement community might help those of us who are struggling with change and searching for personal growth. Our Village does that with opportunities to socialize, tap into the experiences and wisdom of other members and volunteers, and learn from speakers and member discussions at the coffee chat or other Village gatherings. And the Village Board and staff are always open to other ideas for bringing members and volunteers together: book club, movie club, outings to local events or activities, maybe a field trip to the Oceano Melodrama?!
“There is a Fountain of Youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and to the lives of the people you love. When you tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Sophia Loren
Happy Springtime to You All!
Nicki Edwards, President, SLO Village Board of Directors
|
|
|
On Wednesday, April 16th, SLO Village Movement members and volunteers gathered at UCC SLO for a morning that was nothing short of uplifting! Huge thanks to Dee DiGioia of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity for leading us through Joyful Rhythms: Drumming for Wellness — a lively, heart-centered drumming circle that brought connection, creativity, and a whole lot of joy.
Not a member yet? We’d love for you to join us as a member or volunteer to keep the rhythm (and the movement!) going strong.
SLO Village Movement thrives on connection — and thanks to you, the beat goes on. 🥁☕💛
|
|
|
Theme: Opportunities & Older Americans Month
|
|
|
☕ Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday
|
|
|
Looking for great conversation and a new opportunity for connection?
Join us for Coffee Chat—a welcoming space to connect, learn, and engage with neighbors. Each gathering features thoughtful topics, special community presenters, and of course, coffee and light refreshments on us.
We meet at UCC SLO Church (11245 Los Osos Valley Rd), conveniently located near Laguna Middle School and the golf course.
New to the SLO Village Movement? Guests are invited to attend one Coffee Chat for free! After that, we encourage you to become a member, volunteer, or both to enjoy our full calendar of social events and community happenings. RSVP to our events calendar by clicking here.
Let’s build community—one chat at a time.
|
|
|
Dr. Matt Sabatino: Back Pain Prevention & Remedies
|
|
|
Got back pain? Join us for a presentation with Dr. Sabatino, a board-certified spine surgeon now seeing patients in SLO and Pismo Beach. He specializes in both surgical and non-surgical treatments and is all about helping people move better and feel better—without jumping straight to surgery.
💡 Learn about:
Common causes of back & neck pain
Minimally invasive treatment options
Tips to prevent and manage pain
Dr. Sabatino is a West Point grad, Army veteran, and Ivy League-trained surgeon with a passion for restoring mobility. Read his full bio by clicking here. Bring your questions, your curiosity—and enjoy coffee on us!
|
|
|
New Life K9’s -Transforming Lives with Service Dogs 🐾
|
|
|
Join us to learn about New Life K9s, a remarkable nonprofit dedicated to training service dogs for veterans and first responders living with PTSD. Based in SLO County, New Life K9s provides these life-changing companions free of charge, fostering healing, hope, and independence for those who have served our communities and country.
Discover how these extraordinary dogs are raised, trained, and matched with their handlers, and hear inspiring stories of the bonds they create. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a mission that saves lives—one dog at a time.
Visit www.newlifek9s.org to learn more!
|
|
|
|
