
May 2020 – May 2023
UPLIFT Florida Network
The Purpose
Villages are community-based organizations characterized by neighbors helping neighbors—connecting for fun, freedom, caring, sharing, support, and confidence. Villages are communities of belonging and connectivity. They offer a wide array of services powered by volunteers and a network that helps adults live vibrant, purposeful lives. UPLIFT is a member of the Village to Village Network, a community of more than 300 villages nationwide.
Strengthening the Impact
FAQ's
Why did The Patterson Foundation support the UPLIFT Florida Network concept and the village movement in Florida?
To support UPLIFT’s development, TPF provided an initiative consultant who acted as a facilitator with skills in collaborative processes and provided strategic and tactical expertise. Through UPLIFT, TPF encouraged government, businesses, organizations, and people to create communities in which people can live and age well.
Will UPLIFT Florida Network continue its work?
With incubation support from TPF from 2020 to 2023, UPLIFT has established a vibrant entity and positioned it to grow and flourish. In early 2023, The Patterson Foundation phased out its engagement with UPLIFT. UPLIFT’s important work continues under the leadership of its Board of Directors.
The Patterson Foundation will continue focusing on realizing the aspirations of a community where people can live well at any age through evolving projects and initiatives.
What has been the impact of TPF’s support of UPLIFT Florida Network?
UPLIFT's first-ever impact report – UPLIFT Florida Network: The Journey to Date 2020–2023 (Short version here), generously underwritten by TPF, narrates the past three years' findings, learnings, and reflections.
A 10-part mini docuseries was also produced to share UPLIFT's journey. You can glimpse experiences from UPLIFT's leadership team as they narrate the journey here.
What is a Village?
A village is a community-based network of members and aligned organizations engaged in supporting aging interdependently and maintaining the well-being of its members. Most villages are grassroots, self-governing membership organizations that promote neighbor-to-neighbor support and community connectivity, enhance interdependence and healthy living, and are run by volunteers or paid staff.
Villages form key partnerships, provide resources and referrals, and are important resources for strengthening their communities. Members engage in projects to improve their communities through volunteering, advocating, and creating solutions to community issues.
In the U.S., approximately 300 local villages are working to connect members to a wide range of practical support services and promote active living with recreational, social, educational, and cultural programs, as illustrated below.
What is UPLIFT Florida Network?
- Community-oriented organizations strengthen the health and well-being of their members
- Focused on building strong strategic partnerships
- Virtually connected internally and to a curated array of resources
- Innovative, financially sustainable with diverse funding sources
- Oriented toward social engagement, health, and wellness services
- Supportive of multigenerational connections and interdependence
- Fulfilling people’s desire for belonging, self-determination, and community connectedness
- Exemplify neighbors helping neighbors
Why did Suncoast Villages change its name to UPLIFT Florida Network, Inc.?
UPLIFT Florida Network is uniquely positioned to fill this need. The first organization to align itself with UPLIFT was the Neighbors Network in Lee County. Several other villages and village startups in Florida have also expressed interest in participating with UPLIFT.
The purpose of UPLIFT Florida Network remains the same: to improve the well-being of community members via a network of organizations supporting individuals thriving in community. The values of UPLIFT Florida Network are connection, collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
Who is working on villages in Florida?
The National Village to Village Network supports UPLIFT and emerging villages with mentors. Villages are collaborations of dedicated individuals contributing their time, resources, and expertise to evolve concepts that meet community members' needs and aspirations.
Is UPLIFT Florida Network like the “The Villages” community in Florida?
“The Villages” is a census-designated master-planned age-restricted community in Sumter County, Florida, that spreads into portions of Lake and Marion counties.
How has the village movement been involved in WHO Age-Friendly Initiatives?
How can I learn more and get involved in UPLIFT Florida Network?
Who can I contact about UPLIFT Florida Network?
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