Our Mission

The mission of The Village Common of RI is to fundamentally change the experience of growing older here in RI by fostering the creation of communities of mutual support – villages – across the state and by directly supporting their long-term sustainability.

Our Core Values

Generosity

Generosity is the lifeblood of The Village Common. Members and friends volunteer their time and resources to support one another.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Village Common thrives on diversity and inclusiveness. We welcome all to join us, regardless of factors such as age, gender identification, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, faith, socio-economic status or income. View our DEI Definitions.

Engagement
Engaging with others is central to our health and well-being. Our members and friends are active participants in social activities and volunteer work that nourish our connections to one another and to the larger community.

Collaboration
We embrace the spirit of collaboration. We contribute to and benefit from working with each other, and with other organizations and communities.

Sustainability
Our sustainability rests upon good governance and fiscal responsibility. Our communities of mutual support remain strong through the financial and volunteer support of members and friends.

Our History

In the fall of 2014, a small group of people living on the East Side of Providence were inspired by the national Village Movement and what had been accomplished in other communities around the country to enhance the experience of growing older and support older adults. In 2015, they launched Providence Village. After four years of successful operations, the Board of Providence Village realized that the long-term sustainability of Providence Village – or any village in RI – would be strengthened by a network of many villages, all supported by a single Village Common. In December of 2019, The Village Common of RI was established to directly support the creation and long term sustainability of villages in RI.