What is Coastal Neighbors?

• Coastal Neighbors is a community-based, nonprofit organization that helps older residents in Dartmouth and Westport, Massachusetts age at home comfortably, safely and independently.
• Our team of dedicated and caring volunteers provides and coordinates practical support services and wellness, social, cultural and educational programs that address the needs and interests of our members.
• We are one of a growing number of “Villages” across the country that offer older adults options for staying at home and staying active even after transportation and household chores become difficult or dangerous – the point at which many people leave the community they love.
• Coastal Neighbors is a member of the national organization Village to Village Network, which connects individual Villages across the country, fostering collaboration and sharing.

How is Coastal Neighbors organized?

• Coastal Neighbors formed in 2015, incorporated in 2016, and received 501(c)(3) status in November 2016. Our organization launched in September 2017.
• Coastal Neighbors is governed by a volunteer board of directors and operated by a paid staff including an executive director and several support staff.  
• Our executive director is Jackie Northrup. 
• Services are provided by vetted volunteers, local residents who are committed to helping elders age at home.

Why is Coastal Neighbors needed?

• The simple answer is: we’re getting older. In fact, every day in the United States, 10,000 people turn 65. In Massachusetts, 43% of the population are seniors and 30% live alone.  In Dartmouth and Westport, our older population is increasing, with an estimated 20,000 residents between the ages of 50 and 85 and more than 5,000 households with individuals aged 65 and over.
• Moving into a long-term care facility can be an expensive proposition. The 2025 estimated yearly cost for nursing home care in Massachusetts was $140,000 and $64,000 for an assisted living facility.
• More and more people are exploring the option of staying in their own homes as they age.

Who benefits from Coastal Neighbors services?

• People living in Dartmouth and Westport age 50 and over who want to age in their homes but need support to do it.
• Families and adult children of older people who want to enable their parents to live independently, comfortably and safely. This is particularly helpful when children live outside the area – Coastal Neighbors can provide not only useful services, but also peace-of-mind for the member and their family.
• Individuals looking for meaningful, rewarding volunteer work in the community. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to provide direct services as well as organizational assistance.

How does Coastal Neighbors cooperate with other elder care organizations?

• Our community is blessed with many excellent organizations that serve the elderly.
• Coastal Neighbors works collaboratively with the Dartmouth Council on Aging and Westport Council on Aging, as well as other elder services organizations such as Coastline Elderly Services, ARAW (Association for the Relief of Aged Women), local assisted living facilities and others. Together, our organizations provide a wide range of services to older residents.
• Coastal Neighbors is unique in our community in offering one-to-one personal support and connections including these primary services: transportation, home maintenance and household tasks, technology assistance and friendly visits, along with a full schedule of social, cultural and educational programs.
• Coastal Neighbors is a home-based organization – we come to your home to provide help.
• Coastal Neighbors is volunteer-based – our services are provided primarily by vetted volunteers, under the direction of a paid executive director.

Who are Coastal Neighbors volunteers?

• Our volunteers are your neighbors and friends – caring individuals who are committed to helping neighbors remain connected to friends and familiar surroundings
• All Coastal Neighbors’ volunteers undergo background checks and have valid driver’s licenses.
• Coastal Neighbors carries insurance to cover the services provided by our volunteers.
• If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our executive director, Jackie Northrup, office@coastalneighborsnetwork.org; or 508-556-4004

What is the cost of membership?

We offer four levels of membership:

• Service Member - Individual, Annual - $660
• Service Member - Household, Annual - $900
• Service Member - Short-term, 3 months – $200
• Supporting Member – Donation of $350 or more (includes 2-months Service Membership on request)

What if I can't afford the membership fee?

• Financial assistance is available, and no one is turned away for financial reasons.
• Coastal Neighbors partners with charitable and elder services organizations that generously provide funding for people who wish to join but need financial assistance.
• In addition, our organization allocates a percentage of our yearly budget to a reduced fee membership fund for people who need assistance.

What's the best way to contact Coastal Neighbors?

• Phone: 508-556-4004
• Email: office@coastalneighborsnetwork.org