State Budget Provides $100,000 Through LifePath for Local Village Organizations

GREENFIELD — Following successful legislative advocacy by state Sens. Jo Comerford and John Velis, an earmark in Gov. Maura Healey’s FY 2026 state budget enabled LifePath to award $100,000 to 10 local Village organizations.

Each organization received $10,000 to strengthen community-based, neighbor-to-neighbor supports for older adults across the region. They include Amherst Neighbors, Athol Kindness Connection, Easthampton Neighbors, the Greenfield Neighborhood, Montague Villages, Neighbors at Home: the Northfield Village, Northampton Neighbors, Petersham Partners, Valley Neighbors (Whately, Deerfield, and Sunderland), and Village Neighbors (Shutesbury, Leverett, Wendell, and New Salem).

Villages are grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations that help older adults remain active, connected, and independent in their homes and communities. With this funding, each Village will be able to build organizational capacity and support programs that expand essential, neighbor-to-neighbor supports such as transportation for medical appointments and other essential needs, social activities, technology assistance, and help at home.

“For years, constituents in local Villages across my district have taught me about the profound value and beauty of neighbors helping neighbors — especially in our disproportionately rural region,” Comerford said. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to learn about the depth and breadth of services and support offered by dedicated volunteers.”

The Village model originated in Massachusetts more than 20 years ago and has since grown into a national network of nearly 300 organizations, including over 25 statewide. Villages are led by and for their members — older adults who both give and receive support — creating flexible, locally responsive systems of care grounded in mutual aid and volunteerism.

This investment also advances regional age-friendly and dementia-friendly goals by strengthening social connection, reducing isolation, and expanding access to practical supports that help people of all ages live well in their communities.

“Villages are integral components of a complex web of partnerships supporting older adults across our communities,” LifePath Executive Director Gary Yuhas said. “We are thankful for our relationships with the Villages and for the experience and resources they bring to a shared, community- and choice-based support model. Needs continue to increase and evolve, and the increased capacity from this generous earmark will help individuals in our communities to age well.”