Missoula Aging Services launches 'Missoula Villages' to help older adults age in place

Missoula Aging Services has launched Missoula Villages, a neighborhood-focused program that connects older residents with vetted volunteers, a targeted community calendar and local events designed to reduce isolation and help people remain safely in their homes, officials said during an interview on Your Missoula.

The program, described by Corey Bressler, Community Impact Supervisor for Missoula Aging Services, adapts the nationwide "Villages" model and local examples such as Kalispell’s My Glacier Village. "It's neighbors helping neighbors," Bressler said, adding that the goal is "connecting people with their community and building community and combating isolation." He emphasized that safety measures will include full background checks for volunteers and members.

Bressler outlined practical services members could request, such as trusted house checks while traveling or help with small household tasks. The program will offer a web-based portal with a community calendar for older adults listing educational classes, reminders and social events; Missoula Aging Services plans tutorials and trainings to help people access the site if technology is a barrier. Bressler also described a proposed "calling circle" of volunteers who check in regularly on neighbors by schedule.

Missoula Villages has begun community outreach with pop-up tables, a partnership screening at the Roxy and participation in First Friday; Parks and Recreation and Public Health are listed as outreach partners. Bressler announced a Tai Chi outreach event scheduled for March 8 at noon and invited interested people to call to sign up.

Membership costs are $25 per month for an individual and $45 for a household; volunteering is free, Bressler said. He provided a contact number for Missoula Aging Services, (406) 728-7682, and said callers should ask for him, "Corey," with questions about the village program. Joel Baird, host and general manager of Missoula Community Access Television, told viewers they can learn more at missoulaagingservices.org and contact MCAT at mcat@mcat.org.

The agency said the program aims to address local demographic trends — hosts noted that about one in five residents are age 60 or older — by combining social connection, vetted support and local partnerships to help older Missoulians remain engaged and safe at home.