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Village Neighbors urges Chincoteague council to continue funding services for older residents
Summary
Catherine Chappell, executive director of Village Neighbors of Chincoteague Island, told the council the nonprofit completed 650 service requests in 2024, provided rides to medical appointments and friendly visits, and requested town support to sustain a part-time executive director and basic operations in 2025.
Catherine Chappell, executive director of Village Neighbors of Chincoteague Island, presented the nonprofit's 2024 outcomes and asked the Town Council on March 3 to continue municipal support for 2025.
Chappell said volunteers completed 650 service requests in 2024, provided more than 100 off-island trips for medical appointments, fulfilled 144 friendly visits and phone calls, and made 45 requests for handyman-type services such as light housework and bulb replacement. "We have grown tremendously since we started in 2022, directly serving over 70 island residents during that time," she told the council, and said the organization became an independent nonprofit in 2024 while maintaining a close affiliation with Island Community House.
Chappell asked the council for support to cover basic operating needs, including a part-time executive director to coordinate member requests and volunteers, office capacity and equipment, and a policy to ensure no one is turned away for financial reasons. Council members praised Village Neighbors: one councilor said, "I've seen this program in action," and several thanked the volunteers for their contributions to the community.
The council indicated it will follow the same process used for other nonprofits when funding decisions are considered and asked Village Neighbors to submit required paperwork for town assistance.
