Village in the Heights

Helping Neighbors Age In Place

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Does

it worry you to be alone?

How do I feel by the end of the day?

Are you sad because you're on your own? No, I get by with a little help from my friends

As if in response to The Beatles’ hit, “With a Little Help From My Friends,” Paul Sobel established Village in the Heights in 2018 as a grassroots membership group — a village community — where volunteer "neighbors helping neighbors" are coordinated through a central office to help one another “live better longer at home.” Their service area is the network of neighborhoods surrounding the office at 1611 South Green Road in South Euclid, encompassing Beachwood, University Heights, South Euclid, Mayfield, Lyndhurst, Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights. Annual membership dues are $200 per person/ $350 for households with more than one person.

Sobel says, “If you are living by yourself and you could use a little help with day-to-day activities or are lonely, we are here for you. There’s no reason for you to suffer loneliness and isolation. Loneliness can be more harmful to you than smoking or other bad health habits.”

Village in the Heights is a diversitydriven organization that offers social engagement and programming (ranging from lunch out with friends, to public speakers, volunteer opportunities, and support for aging while LGBTQ or facing institutional racism in health care), along with practical help: a handyman for minor home repairs, tech support, a ride to an appointment or store, or help with daily chores.

Sobel says membership in Village in the Heights will help you live interdependently in your home and neighborhood where your neighbors look out for you.

Both Village in the Heights membership and its volunteer corps have been growing in recent months. To get involved in either capacity, call 216-297-3179, email info@ villageintheheights.org. or visit the website: villageintheheights.org.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES — SHARON FRIEDMAN

Serving the Eastern suburbs as a Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty, Sharon Friedman serves clients from first-time buyers, to move-up, and seniors. Her 35 year plus career gives her an expert’s insight into the neighborhoods and market. “I pride myself on exceptional knowledge of the area,” she says. “My clients have brought me to where I am today, and I am very grateful for that.”216-338-3233, sharonfriedmanhomes.com

Cain Park

Discover Cain Park, located in Cleveland Heights, where the arts thrive under starry skies. Enjoy shows at our outdoor, covered Evans Amphitheater or enclosed Alma Theater and view art exhibits inside the beautiful Feinberg Art Gallery. The 2023 season includes concerts, family-friendly entertainment and more. Our awardwinning Arts Festival takes place July 7-9 and includes the work of artists from across the country, fabulous food and free concerts. You’ll find something for everyone at cainpark.com.

Dobama Theatre

Now in its 63rd season, Dobama Theatre, Cleveland's OffBroadway Theatre, is dedicated to premiering important new plays by established and emerging playwrights in professional productions of the highest quality. Through theatrical production, community engagement, and educational programming, Dobama nurtures the development of theatre artists and builds new audiences for the arts while provoking an examination of our contemporary world. For information about tickets, season memberships, and educational programming, visit dobama. org or call 216-932-3396.

Goodwill

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Center Ohio has been serving the local community for more than 100 years. Most people recognize Goodwill as a thrift chain, that is only a portion of their work. Local donations to Goodwill are sold, and revenue from those sales funds 28 different outreach programs. More than 18,000 people were supported through Goodwill programs last year. In the greater Cleveland area, Goodwill has 13 stores and 3 donation centers. goodwillgoodskills.org.

Shaker Lakes

What will you discover when you unplug and reconnect with the outdoors?

Nestled in the heart of the 300-acre Shaker Parklands on Cleveland's east side, informational signage will guide you through our trails, habitats, and exhibit area as you escape, explore and make lasting memories in all seasons. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is free and open to the public. Join us for a nature or environmental program, birdwatching, nature walk, hike, or an event. With over two miles of trails and connecting trails throughout the Shaker Parklands, adventure awaits. shakerlakes.org