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Our Story


Founded in 2010, Village Volunteers began as a community conversation.


In 2010, Jackie Finer, a retired gerontologist who recognized a growing need for connection and support among older adults in the Lewes area gathered a small group of community leaders. Inspired by the national “Village” model—neighbors helping neighbors age safely and independently at home—they formed the Greater Lewes Community Village (GLCV). A community survey confirmed both strong need and strong interest, with nearly 90% of respondents wishing to age in their own homes.

After several years of planning and community engagement, the organization received 501(c)(3) status in 2013 and launched services with only volunteers and no paid staff. GLCV quickly grew, hired its first executive director in 2015, expanded professional staff, and broadened its service area to include Lewes, Milton, and Rehoboth Beach. Reflecting this growth and its volunteer-driven identity, the organization became known as Village Volunteers.

Today, Village Volunteers serves more than 300 members and is supported by over 200 volunteers, making it the largest Village organization in Delaware. The organization offers essential services, social connections, and educational programs, partners with agencies throughout the region, and hosts the annual Harvest Hustle fundraiser to strengthen community support. Following the passing of founder Jackie Finer in 2025, Village Volunteers proudly carries forward her vision—remaining, at its heart, a community of neighbors helping neighbors age in place with dignity, compassion, and independence.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement 


At Village Volunteers, we support older adults and our community by providing essential services, social and educational programs, and advocacy that help people stay connected, engaged, and able to thrive.  We recognize, celebrate and respect differences among us and strive to foster communities where ALL older adults can live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes. As a volunteer-run organization, we understand that the strength of our mission depends on embracing the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of those we serve and those who serve alongside us. We believe that aging in place should be accessible to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, or any other identity. Our volunteers and supporters reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every person feels welcome, valued, and relevant. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is guided by the following principles:

  • Diverse Volunteer Community: We actively recruit and welcome volunteers from all walks of life, believing that a broad range of perspectives makes us a stronger and more effective organization.
  • Equitable Access to Resources: We work to remove barriers that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups, ensuring that everyone has access to the assistance they need to age in place.
  • Inclusive Support for All Older Adults: We strive to meet the diverse needs of older adults, providing services and support that are sensitive to cultural, social, and economic differences.
  • Community Empowerment: We recognize that a diverse volunteer team enhances our ability to understand and respond to the unique challenges faced by the communities we serve.


At Village Volunteers, we are dedicated to building a future where every older adult, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to live independently with the support of a caring community. By embracing diversity in our volunteers and the people we serve, we aim to create lasting change and a stronger, more vibrant community for all to enjoy.




Contact us

Phone: 302-703-2568
Email: info@villagevolunteer.org

Mail: P.O. Box 25
Nassau, DE 19969

Location: 16686 Kings Highway #B
Lewes, DE 19958






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