◈ Homepage — http://www.marinvillages.org/This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more Got it! Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list ABOUT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS VOLUNTEER DONATE CONTACT Reimagining Aging & Community Living independently. The comfort of the place you already call home. An active and connected community of older adults. People you can count on for help when needed. What if our older years could look like this? Marin Villages is redefining aging and community for older adults. Our members and volunteers cherish living in their beloved homes, gathering for events and celebrations, forging new friendships, and supporting each other throughout their aging journey. Our 6th ANNUAL POP-UP is coming soon ! Join us at our sixth annual Pop-Up Shop Ultimate Thrift Boutique at the Northgate Mall! The Pop-Up is always a collection of treasures, rare finds, and elegant merchandise—so much fun to make those amazing discoveries! We’ll have women's clothing, shoes, and purses; jewelry; linens; kitchenware; home décor (including small furniture); toys, puzzles, and games; vintage items; and collectibles. You can find us in the old H&M space in the very center of the mall (store #61)—look for the signs. We’ll be open 11:00am – 5:00pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 28 - 30. Come early and often to shop the amazing merchandise!            Membership Members of Marin Villages enjoy benefits that foster meaningful connections within their communities. We provide a unique blend of personalized activities, direct services, and individual attention, ensuring each member experiences a supportive and engaging environment. Learn more. Volunteer We love our volunteers—they are the heart of our services. Join a group of truly amazing people and help older adults in Marin continue to live independently. Many wonderful friendships have formed between our volunteers and the members they support. Learn more. Programs Marin Villages offers a diverse range of monthly events to cater to various interests. Our activities include coffees and meals, book clubs, games, a men's group, needle arts, fine arts, speakers, training sessions, walks, and hikes. During COVID, many of these programs transitioned to Zoom, ensuring our members remain connected, safe, and active. Learn more. How We Work We have a central office in San Rafael with a small administrative staff. Members call this office when they have a need for a particular service or form of assistance, and we match them with a volunteer. In addition, we are represented in the community through our local, geographically based villages which are run entirely by volunteers. Currently, these local villages include: Mill Valley Village; Novato Village; Ross Valley Village; San Rafael Village; Tiburon Peninsula Village; Twin Cities Village. Thank you to the sponsors of our 2026 Donor Appreciation Celebration! Lead Sponsor           Silver Level Sponsor Home> COVID-19 Response About > From Our Members    Meet Our Team    FAQs    Local Villages Membership > Member Benefits    Membership FAQs    Membership Application   Programs > Events    Calendar    Newsletters    Tech Tips Volunteer > Volunteer Sign-in    Volunteer Application Form Donate    Contact Local Villages:  Mill Valley    Novato    Ross Valley    San Rafael    Tiburon Peninsula    Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected] •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com ◈ Interior Pages — 15 pages crawledMarin Villages Local Villages - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Local Villages One organization, six local villages! Local villages are branches of Marin Villages, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Through these local villages, we serve older adults living in different towns and unincorporated areas of Marin, tailoring activities and programs to the interests and needs of the older adults in specific geographic areas and enhancing the neighborhood connection between members and volunteers. Volunteers are the heart of each local village. Each village has a volunteer steering team that welcomes new members, helps plan village activities, and also works with the administrative office staff of Marin Villages in San Rafael to make sure member's requests for services, which are assigned to volunteers by the central office, are being met.   The local villages are geographically based, but members are free to participate in the activities of any local village. Each local village has its own website, calendar, and newsletter, but most information on local village activities is available on the Marin Villages site as well. Our active local villages: Mill Valley Village ; Novato Village ; Ross Valley Village ; San Rafael Village ; Tiburon Peninsula Village ; Twin Cities Village .   Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - Team ( 2025 ) - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar About Meet Our Team   Meet Our Staff Our small, dedicated staff works tirelessly to support our members and volunteers.     Meet Our Board Each member of our board of directors brings his or her unique experiences and passion for our mission to the work of the board.       Meet Our Founder Advisory Council Members of our Advisory Council were instrumental in the founding of Marin Villages. They continue to share their commitment to our   mission by serving as ambassadors for the organization and providing wise counsel to the leadership of the organization. Members of the Advisory Council for 2025 include Dellie Woodring, Chair; Lisa Brinkmann; Lee Follett; Irv Gubman; Trish Hibben; Larry Meredith; Suzie Pollak; Cherie Sorokin; Loulie H. Sutro. Local Village Steering Committee Chairs Understanding the unique needs and capabilities of their own communities, Local Villages help strengthen the bonds between members and volunteers in their geographic areas. Mill Valley : Connie Dubin;  Novato : Beth Livoti and Linda Henderson; Ross Valley : Helene Martel; San Rafael : Sparkie Spaeth;  Tiburon Peninsula : Cherie Sorokin and Gatian Cunningham;  Twin Cities : Larry Meredith. Members of the staff, board, advisory council, and the local village steering chairs may be reached by emailing [email protected] . Biographies Biographies of the staff, board, and Founder are linked to their photos above.     Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                      © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages-FAQs-Membership - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Membership FAQs   Please call our office at (415) 457-4633 if your question isn't answered here. Q: How many local Villages are there? Is one near me? A:   There are currently six local villages affiliated with Marin Villages: Mill Valley Village ; Novato Village ; Ross Valley Village ; San Rafael Village ; Tiburon Peninsula Village ; Twin Cities Village.   Note that we recommend you live near an existing village to be able to take advantage of all the benefits of membership. Q: How do members of Marin Villages connect with a local village? A:  Once you join Marin Villages, a volunteer from your nearest local village will contact you to welcome you and let you know about local village activities. All our local villages also have monthly newsletters and calendars which can be accessed on your computer, or mailed to you if you don’t use a computer. Q: What if I live in an area of Marin where there isn’t yet a local village near me? A:  You can still join, but we might not be able to source volunteers to help you with certain direct services. You would still be able to participate in events offered by any local village. Many of our members join because they enjoy these events and the connections they make through Marin Villages and their association with a local village, even if they don’t use our direct services. Q:  How do members access direct services? A:  Members call the central office and the office helps find an appropriate volunteer. We are able to fill most, but not all, requests. Q:   Are there any restrictions on membership, or the types of services you can offer? A:   Our services are designed for older adults. We do not offer medical advice or treatment or home care. Sometimes a member’s needs may be more extensive than we can assist with as an organization whose services are provided by volunteers. The Marin Villages' office can assist you in determining if we are a good fit for the type of services you need. We ask potential members to consider if they may have limitations that will make it difficult for them to enjoy the full scope of what we have to offer our members. We are a volunteer-driven organization and, as such, depend on volunteers to fulfill the service requests, plan the local events, and assist members. If our volunteers are unable to assist with a request, we have a network of external service providers recommended by your fellow villagers. These are for-pay services above the dues for membership in Marin Villages. In such cases, we work with members to help them obtain the services they need, and/or to transition to an appropriate level of support for their needs. While we can provide companionship calls and Zoom events even if you are housebound, we are not able to offer full-time home care, expertise in transporting you due to mobility issues, or professional care management. Q: Can either one spouse or both join? Do you offer assistance for members who cannot afford the membership? A:  Marin Villages offers two types of memberships, individual and household. We do offer discounted membership fees based upon income eligibility. Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages. Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Terms of Use Last Updated: March 02, 2017 Effective as of May 02, 2017 Context Marin Villages is using Helpful Village, a product specifically designed to efficiently implement the principles of the Village Movement . Helpful Village is an online platform built and operated by Revolutionaging Inc, an US Company headquartered in San Diego, California. INTRODUCTION HelpfulVillage is an online platform created by Revolutionaging Inc. for senior citizens that enables social engagement and autonomy for seniors who choose to stay in their own homes as they age. The platform serves as an extension of the philosophy of the village movement, symbiotically connecting two groups – older seniors that need help to live a safe and happy life in their home and young retirees that have recently retired and are looking for ways to assist their new community of seniors. YOUR CONSENT TO THIS AGREEMENT Please read these Terms of Use (“Agreement”) carefully. By downloading, accessing or using the mobile applications, websites or other products or services (collectively, “Services”) of Revolutionaging Inc. (“Company”) and our affiliates (“we” or “us”), you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree to this Agreement, do not use the Services. This agreement is an electronic contract that establishes the legally binding terms you must accept to use the Service. This Agreement includes the Company’s (i) Privacy Policy (available at: www.helpfulvillage.com/privacy_policy ), (ii) our Safety Tips, and (iii) terms disclosed and agreed to by you if you purchase or accept additional features, products, or services we offer on the Service, such as terms governing features, billing, free trials, discounts and promotions. By using the Service, you agree to all the terms, conditions, and notices contained or referenced in this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified by the Company in its sole discretion from time to time, and such modifications shall become effective once posted by the Company on the Website. You should review the Website and these Terms of Use from time to time for any modifications. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, including the Company Privacy Policy, do not use the Service. Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions regarding this Agreement. ELIGIBILITY You must be at least 18 years of age to access and use the Service. By accessing and using the Service, you represent and warrant that you have the right, authority, and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to abide by all of its terms and conditions. You also represent and warrant that you have never been convicted of a felony and that you are not required to register as a sex offender with any government entity. If you use the Service from outside of the United States, you are responsible for complying with the laws and regulations of the territory from which you use the Service. CREATING AN ACCOUNT To create an account, you must sign in using your own personal email. By using such email, you verify that it is indeed your email and you authorize Company to contact you using the email. TERM AND TERMINATION This Agreement will remain in full force and effect while you use the Service and/or have an account. You may disable your account by following the instructions in “Settings” in the Service. The Company may terminate or suspend your account at any time without notice if the Company believes that you have breached this Agreement, or for any other reason, with or without cause. Upon such termination or suspension, you will not be entitled to any refund of unused fees for in-app purchases. The Company is not required to disclose, and may be prohibited by law from disclosing, the reason for the termination or suspension of your account. All terms of this Agreement survive any such termination, and continue in full force and effect, except for any terms that by their nature expire or are fully satisfied. NON-COMMERCIAL USE BY USERS The Service is for personal use only. You may not use the Service or any content contained in the Service (including, but not limited to, content of other users, designs, text, graphics, images, video, information, logos, software, audio files and computer code) in connection with any commercial endeavors, including but not limited to (i) advertising or soliciting any user to buy or sell any products or services not offered by the Company or (ii) for networking or soliciting others to attend parties or other social functions for commercial purposes. You may not use any information obtained from the Service to contact, advertise to, solicit, or sell to other users without their prior explicit consent. Organizations, companies, and/or businesses may not use the Service for any purpose. The Company may investigate and take any available legal action in response to illegal and/or unauthorized uses of the Service. Such uses include, but are not limited to collecting usernames and/or email addresses of users to send unsolicited email and unauthorized linking to the Service. ACCOUNT SECURITY You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password, and solely responsible for all activities that occur under your username and password. You agree to immediately notify the Company of any disclosure or unauthorized use of your username or password or any other breach of security and ensure that you will log out from your account at the end of each session when accessing your account from a public or non-personal computer. USER INTERACTION YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER USERS. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE COMPANY CURRENTLY DOES NOT CONDUCT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS OR SCREENINGS ON ITS USERS. THE COMPANY ALSO DOES NOT INQUIRE INTO THE BACKGROUNDS OF ITS USERS OR ATTEMPT TO VERIFY THE STATEMENTS OF ITS USERS. THE COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE CONDUCT OF USERS OR THEIR COMPATIBILITY WITH ANY CURRENT OR FUTURE USERS. THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONDUCT ANY CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK OR OTHER SCREENINGS AT ANY TIME USING AVAILABLE PUBLIC RECORDS. The Company is not responsible for the conduct of any user. In no event shall the Company, its affiliates or its partners be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages, whether direct, indirect, general, special, compensatory, consequential, and/or incidental, arising out of or relating to the conduct of you or anyone else in connection with the use of the Service. This includes, without limitation, death, bodily injury, emotional distress, and/or any other damages resulting from communications or meetings with other users or persons you meet through the Service. You agree to take all necessary precautions in your interactions with other users, particularly if you decide to communicate off the Service or meet in person. In addition, you agree to review and follow the Company's Safety Tips, located in the Service, prior to using the Service. You should not provide your financial information to other users. CONTENT YOU POST You agree that any Content you place on the Service may be viewed by other users and any other person visiting or participating in the Service. You represent and warrant that (i) all information that you submit upon creation of Marin Villages - Donate - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Donate Thank you for considering a donation to Marin Villages! Your support helps us offer independent living, friendship, and a sense of community to older adults in Marin. There are many ways to donate. Donate Donate by credit card, phone, or check. Please click on the donate button above to make a credit card donation. If you prefer, you can call our office at (415) 457-4633 to make a donation over the phone, or send a check to: Marin Villages 4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA  94903 Marin Villages is a concept that really appeals to us. It has proven its worth during these times of COVID and natural emergencies when others might be totally isolated and alone. The flexibility of the Villages gives its members the chance to develop closer community ties while helping or accepting help from others. The ability to make new friends and know that support is a phone call away becomes more important each year as we age in place. Doug and Dellie Woodring Like Facebook? If you’re a Facebook fan, you can check out our latest news while also donating directly to us. Two birds with one stone! https://www.facebook.com/MarinVillages/ Other Ways to Make a Gift to Marin Villages We understand that some people prefer non-cash donations or donations made while shopping in their regular settings. We have a few other options for you! Gifts of securities or IRA distributions To donate gifts of appreciated securities or to inquire about contributing via a required minimum distribution (RMD) from an IRA account, please call the Marin Villages office for assistance at (415) 457-4633. Legacy Circle By designating Marin Villages as a beneficiary of your estate, you automatically become a member of the Legacy Circle and help ensure Marin Villages’ future. There are many ways to do so, and no required dollar amount. Bequests You can name Marin Villages in your will or trust—for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset. Retirement accounts By naming Marin Villages as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or other retirement plans, you avoid income and estate taxes in an efficient, simple way. Life insurance If you have a policy that is no longer needed for your family, designating Marin Villages as a beneficiary is a simple way to support our work. More options You can speak with your tax and estate-planning professional about other options, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, and more. For more information, or to become a member of the Legacy Circle, please contact John Power, Executive Director at [email protected] or call (415) 457-4633. eScrip Let everyday shopping help support Marin Villages by signing up for eScrip today. There are no receipts to collect, no vouchers or certificates to buy, and no hassle, and a percentage of your purchases from many of your favorite local merchants go to support Marin Villages. For more information go to www.escrip.com .   Whichever of these methods works best for you, we are grateful for your generosity! Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - Membership Details - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Membership Expand your life with Marin Villages! Membership comes with wonderful tangible and intangible benefits. Access to engaging programs, volunteer help when needed, and support during challenging times, all create a sense of community, build friendships, and allow members to continue to live vibrant lives in the place they call home.  If you are interested in joining Marin Villages or finding out more, please take advantage of these resources below, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (415) 457-4633 Benefits of Membership A full list of membership benefits. Membership FAQs You probably have a lot of questions about membership—here are a few we receive a lot. Membership Application If you are ready to join, you may print out this application, fill it out at home, and mail it to our office. One of our membership coordinators will contact you to finalize your membership. Contact Us You can use our contact form at the link, or call the office at (415) 457-4633 with any questions. “Marin Villages introduces you to interesting well-educated people who contribute so much to your own life. The more you age and the more you get insulated in your lifestyle the more you rely on having friends that are stimulating and interesting rather than people who sit around and complain!”. Joan H. "Since I live alone, I don’t like to ask neighbors for favors to take me to a doctor’s appointment or something like that. I went to the Senior Information Fair and Marin Villages had a booth. The minute they said they had volunteers who would take me shopping or to the doctor, or change lightbulbs for me, that did it!"  Tony M. Already a Member? We’re so glad you’re a member of Marin Villages! We hope you are taking advantage of all we have to offer.  Please use the links below to find the information you need. Newsletters Events Calendar Local Villages Resources And remember our office staff is ready willing and able to help with requests for services or to respond to any questions you may have. Contact the office at (415) 457-4633 M-F from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or email [email protected] .   Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - FAQs - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar About FAQs   Please feel free to call us on (415) 457-4633 if you have additional questions.  Q: What’s the difference between Marin Villages and a local village such as the Mill Valley Village or the Novato Village? A: Marin Villages is the “umbrella” 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Marin Villages has a small administrative staff that supports our local villages. Members call the office when they need for a particular service or form of assistance and we match them with a volunteer. Local villages are branches of Marin Villages. They are not separately incorporated. These geographically based villages run entirely by volunteers, help members stay engaged and active by focusing on presenting a variety of programs and activities tailored to their members’ interests. Our programs range from coffees and happy-hours to educational talks and cultural outings, to hiking and games. Our events and gatherings offer the opportunity to meet new friends and help prevent the isolation which often accompanies aging. Local village volunteers also assist members with what we call  direct services , including errands, transportation, handyman services, tech support, pet care, companionship calls, and other services that help with members’ daily needs. Q: How many local Villages are there? Is one near me? A:   There are currently six local villages affiliated with Marin Villages: Mill Valley Village ; Novato Village ; Ross Valley Village ; San Rafael Village ; Tiburon Peninsula Village ; Twin Cities Village . Note that we recommend you live near an existing village to be able to take advantage of all the benefits of membership. Q: How do members of Marin Villages connect with a local village? A:  Once you join Marin Villages, a volunteer from your nearest local village will contact you to welcome you and let you know about local village activities. All our local villages also have monthly newsletters and calendars which can be accessed on your computer, or mailed to you if you don’t use a computer. Q: What if I live in an area of Marin where there isn’t yet a local village near me? A:  You can still join, but we might not be able to source volunteers to help you with certain direct services. You would still be able to participate in events offered by any local village. Many of our members join because they enjoy these events and the connections they make through Marin Villages and their association with a local village, even if they don’t use our direct services. Q:  How do members access direct services? A:  Members call the central office and the office helps find an appropriate volunteer. We are able to fill most, but not all, requests. Q:   Are there any restrictions on membership, or the types of services members can receive? A:   Our services are designed for older adults. We do not offer medical advice or treatment or hourly home care. Sometimes a member’s needs may be more extensive than we can assist with as an organization whose services are provided by volunteers. The Marin Villages' office can assist you in determining if we are a good fit for the type of services you need. We ask potential members to consider if they may have limitations that will make it difficult for them to enjoy the full scope of what we have to offer our members. We are a volunteer-driven organization and, as such, depend on volunteers to fulfill the service requests, plan the local events, and assist members. If our volunteers are unable to assist with a request, we have a network of external service providers recommended by your fellow villagers. These are for-pay services above the dues for membership in Marin Villages. In such cases, we work with members to help them obtain the services they need, and/or to transition to an appropriate level of support for their needs. While we can provide companionship calls and Zoom events even if you are housebound, we are not able to offer full-time home care, expertise in transporting you due to mobility issues, or professional care management. Q: Can either one spouse or both join? Do you offer assistance for members who cannot afford the membership? A:   Marin Villages offers two types of memberships, individual and household. We do offer discounted membership fees based upon income eligibility. Q: Is housing available? A:  No. The Village movement is all about helping seniors stay in their current housing with added independence, community, and peace of mind. Q: Can I be both a member and a volunteer? A:  Yes! We welcome those interested in both. Q: What if I want to just volunteer? Can I do so without being a member? A:   Yes, but many of our volunteers are also members! They find combining membership and volunteering enriches their experience with Marin Villages and also helps us build a strong, sustainable organization. Q: Can I make a donation? Are donations tax-deductible? A:  Yes. Donations should be made through the Marin Villages’ office or website . Marin Villages is a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance. Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - About - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar About   Marin Villages helps older adults be active, connected, and independent in the place they call home. We have created vibrant local communities of members and volunteers that enrich each other’s lives, help build new connections, and make everyday life easier as we age. Marin Villages offers a variety of programs tailored to members' interests. These range from coffees and happy hours to educational talks, cultural outings, hiking, and games. During COVID, villages are primarily offering events on Zoom, although some socially-distanced walks are allowing members to enjoy our beautiful climate and surroundings. These activities offer the opportunity to meet new friends, build community, and help prevent the isolation which often accompanies aging. We hear from our members that they value this sense of community and friendship as much, if not more than, any other aspect of their membership in Marin Villages.  Our volunteers also assist members with what we call direct services , including errands, transportation, handyman services, tech support, pet care, companionship calls, and other services that help with members’ daily needs. Providing this help creates a sense of connection between volunteers and members that can often be missing in older adults’ daily lives. We also help members who may need to find other services or assistance to help meet changing needs. How We Work Our active local villages: Mill Valley Village ; Novato Village ; Ross Valley Village ; San Rafael Village ; Tiburon Peninsula Village ; Twin Cities Village and our central office in San Rafael   is building local communities and presenting a variety of activities to meet our members’ interests. Learn More About Us! Village Movement Marin Villages is part of the growing Village Movement across the U.S, a member of the Village to Village Network and the Village Movement California . Watch this brief video to learn more about villages in California. From Our Members We can talk all day long about why we think Marin Villages is a great idea, but our members say it better. Meet Our Team Some of the names and faces behind our operations. Frequently Asked Questions You probably have a lot of questions—here are a few we receive a lot. Local Villages We have a hub-and-spoke model, a central office, and 6 local villages. Marin Villages - Facts and Figures For facts, figures, and feel-good information. IRS Form 990 For more detail on finances, see our most recent 990. Recent News Coverage A Marin Voice article in the Independent Journal. Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages. Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Privacy Policy Last Updated: March 24, 2026 Effective as of March 24, 2026 Context Marin Villages is using Helpful Village, a product specifically designed to efficiently implement the principles of the Village Movement . Helpful Village is an online platform built and operated by Revolutionaging Inc, an US Company headquartered in San Diego, California. Revolutionaging Inc. (“Company,” “us,” and “we”) respects the privacy of its users (“you”). This privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) describes the information we collect, how that information is protected, how the information may be used, with whom it may be shared, and your choices about such uses and disclosures. We may update this Privacy Policy as features change, or at any time and for any reason. By using our website (located at helpfulvillage.com ), our mobile application, and/or other services we provide (collectively “Company” or “Services”), you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us by email at [email protected] . INFORMATION WE COLLECT We may collect information that can identify you such as your name and email address (“personal information”) and other information that does not identify you. We may collect this information through your use of the Services. By using the Services, you are authorizing us to gather, parse and retain data related to the provision of the Services. INFORMATION YOU CHOOSE TO PROVIDE If you sign up using a platform such as Facebook, you understand that we may obtain certain information from said platform’s account, such as your name, email address, interests, likes, gender, birthday, education history, relationship interests, current city, photos, personal description, friend list, and information about and photos of your friends. We only obtain information from your platform account that you specifically authorize and grant us permission to obtain. If you sign up using a school or general email address, you understand that we may use your email address to continue to provide you with optimum service. When you download or use the Services, you will also be asked to allow the Company to collect your location information from your mobile device and computer device. We may collect and store any personal information you provide while using our Services. This may include identifying information, such as your name, address, email address and telephone number, and, if you transact business with us, financial information. Your use of our Services may also provide us photos, a personal description, information about your gender preferences, nearby locations and age range. USE OF TECHNOLOGIES TO COLLECT INFORMATION We use various technologies to automatically collect information from your browser or device about your activities on the Services. This information could include your IP address, device ID and type, your browser type and language, the operating system used by your device, access times, your mobile device’s geographic location while our application is actively running, and the referring website address. We provide areas on our Service where you can post information about yourself and others and communicate with others. Such postings are governed by our Terms of Service. When you send or receive messages using our Services and contact us with a customer service or other inquiry, we temporarily collect, process, and store the contents of those messages on our servers. The contents of those messages are also temporarily stored on the devices of recipients. We cannot prevent others from making copies of your messages that you send to them (e.g., saving a screenshot). We also collect general information about these messages, including the time, date, sender, and recipient of the message, information about the number of messages sent and received between you and your friends, and which friends you exchange messages with most frequently. Whenever you voluntarily disclose personal information on publicly-viewable pages, that information will be publicly available and can be collected and used by others. For example, if you post your email address, you may receive unsolicited messages. We cannot control who reads your posting or what other users may do with the information you voluntarily post, so we encourage you to exercise discretion and caution whenever you share personal information. When you visit our Service, we may assign your device one or more “cookies” (a small file stored on your computer’s hard drive) to facilitate access to our Service and to personalize your experience. Through the use of a cookie, we also may automatically collect information about your activity on our Service, such as the pages you visit, the time and date of your visits and the links you click. If we advertise, we and/or third parties may use certain data collected on our Service to show you Company advertisements on other sites or applications. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES We may use standard internet technology, such as “web beacons” (small transparent graphic images), to track your use of our Service and to deliver or communicate with cookies. We may also include web beacons in advertisements or email messages to determine whether messages have been opened and acted upon. The information we obtain will be used to customize the services we offer users, to deliver targeted advertisements and to measure the overall effectiveness of our online advertising, content, programming or other activities. INFORMATION COLLECTED BY THIRD PARTIES We may allow service providers, advertising companies and ad networks, and other third parties to display advertisements on our Service. These companies may use tracking technologies, such as cookies or web beacons, to collect information about users who view or interact with their advertisements. We do not provide any non-anonymous personal information to third parties. Some of these third-party advertising companies may be members of the Network Advertising Initiative, which offer a single location to opt out of ad targeting from member companies (Please visit this website for more information on how to opt out). Opting out will not decrease the number of advertisements you see. HOW WE USE THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT We may use information we collect from you for various purposes, including to: Provide, maintain and improve our Service, including to provide additional features and content for your messages; Provide and deliver the products and services you request, process transactions, and send you related information; Manage your account and respond to your comments, questions, and requests and provide customer service; Send you technical notices, updates, security alerts, and support and administrative messages; Communicate with you about products, services, offers, promotions, rewards, and events offered by Company and others, and provide news and information we think will be of interest to you by email, postal mail, telephone, and/or mobile devices; Perform research and analysis about your use of, or interest in, our or third parties’ products, services, or content; Develop, display, and track content and advertising tailored to your interests on our Service and other sites, including providing our ad Marin Villages - Membership Benefits - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Membership Benefits of Membership   Great things come with Marin Villages membership! Our members enjoy a range of benefits, from rides and help around the home to personal support and social events.   Concierge Service One-stop call for general assistance or questions Central number and email for service requests Friendly, familiar, knowledgeable staff to answer your calls Confidential interactions All volunteers go through a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement to help protect the privacy of Marin Villages members. Drivers will also have a DMV check and provide proof of insurance. Social and Educational Events Monthly coffees, luncheons, and potlucks Happy hour gatherings Book clubs, hiking groups, and games Seminars and presentations on topics of interest to members Trips to museums, shows, or movies Invitations to events at other local villages Individual Zoom training for online programs and gatherings Transportation (Member is driven to the destination by the volunteer) Medical and medically-related appointments Grocery shopping Marin Villages and local village social events and programs Hairdresser or barber Visits with friends and family Bank Other transportation as needed and available Errands (Member does not go with volunteer) Grocery shopping Prescription pickup Library book pickup and other curbside pickups In-Home Assistance Technical assistance and training on computers, iPads, smartphones. Assistance with minor household tasks (changing batteries, filters, lights, handyman repairs) Pet care or dog walking Companionship visits Picking up mail and newspapers or packages left outside Personal Support Support and referrals in locating home care providers and services Referrals and assistance with life changes associated with aging Access to member/volunteer referrals for a wide variety of services Daily check-ins with Village volunteers Companionship phone calls Emergency preparedness New Friends and Sense of Community A ride is more than a ride and changing a light bulb does more than increasing the light in the room. Of all the benefits Marin Villages offers, perhaps the best is the sense of wellbeing that comes from expanding connections, building new friendships, and knowing you are part of a community that cares. Discounts from external service providers Members of Marin Villages are eligible for special discounts from many of our service providers. In addition, local villages have partnered with vendors, stores, and services in their community to extend special offerings for their members. Would you like to know more about service requests—how many we fulfill and of what types? Here is a list of services we've provided in the last fiscal year. Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages From Our Members - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar About From our Members Our Members Say it Best! Because of Marin Villages , I can live independently. You are my lifesaver.  Joan R. After this [COVID] is over, we have to have a big celebration for the volunteers. I used to go with them to get groceries and they have always been great. Since it started, they have been calling me often to make sure I’m ok, plus doing the grocery shopping for me! They are amazing.  Peter D. I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate being part of Marin Villages. It’s nice to be part of such a warm and caring community, particularly in these uncertain times. Thanks for the greeting cards, remembering birthdays, keeping us all connected, you’re definitely a comfort.  Sandy S. I’m 86 years old. I cannot recommend Marin Villages and its volunteers enough for the value I receive from their many and varied services. They direct their energies to ease the burden for senior citizens on a number of household fronts—from computer repairing to reading to those who are visually challenged; from providing rides to an array of medical appointments to offering succor and solace to the lonely and disadvantaged; as well as offering to do odd jobs outside the purview of more traditional modes of service. In a world where there seems to be a serious decline in social programs, especially for the elderly, the Villages are known for their creative curriculum featuring many programs aimed at satisfying the human needs of men and women in the autumn of their lives. Al B. In Marin Villages everybody has something to offer, a sense of humor, a different perspective on life. I’d say to join!  You have nothing to lose. It’s worth the money! Joan H. Marin Villages has provided me with an entirely new group of friends and acquaintances to enjoy, especially through its many activities and programs, including twice-monthly men's coffees at Mill Valley Village .  Irv G. Love you, Marin Villages. I’m so thankful you are there. It is a feeling of being cared for and included and safe. Thank you for creating “home.” Denise F. Thank you so much for all these wonderful events that we can watch online! It makes sheltering in place bearable! With much appreciation.  Rose A. I just wanted to let you know that I always enjoy the upbeat music that is a part of your newsletter and I often forward the songs to friends. Today I sent the Guantanamera song to my 91-year-old friend. She wrote to thank me and said she’d been feeling down but the music had made her feel better. I wanted you to know that you’re making a difference.  Diane Y. For more great comments from our members, check out this video we produced for a party celebrating members who were turning 90 in that year.  Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - Tech Tips AI - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar   Tech Tips Marin Villages helps older adults manage their technology, from smartphones, smart tablets, smart watches, smart TV and of course laptop and desktop computers.   AI is already part of your life ! Sign Up for More information If you are interested in learning more about generative AI and to receive periodic email newsletters with actionable and approachable tips and tricks on how to use AI tools including suggested prompts - send a note to  [email protected] and you'll be added to the distribution list. AI is all around us You might not realize it, but AI is already part of your everyday life. Amazon suggests purchases, Netflix recommends movies, Spotify finds music, maps plan routes, email blocks spam, Alexa or Siri answers questions, Waymo has driverless taxis, Roomba vacuums your home and AI even powers those pesky customer service chatbots. Now, generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini take it much further. AI Chat versus Search Unlike traditional search engines, which return a list of links (and plenty of ads), generative AI can hold a conversation, providing tailored answers based on your questions.  Using immense computing power, it draws from vast collections of information held in massive data centers to create results and content based on your input prompts - whether that’s polishing an email, writing a research report, designing a presentation, making a video or creating images, designing a website or even coding software. In recent years, generative AI, has exploded in popularity. Today, hundreds of millions of people across the globe use it weekly, and the company behind ChatGPT - OpenAI is now among the 20 most valuable companies in the world - valued at over $500 billion. People now use generative AI to assist them in all aspects of their life. For seniors, it can help with healthcare advice, meal planning, managing finances, making technology easier to use, and supporting independence at home. "Try This"  The best way to learn is to try it. The Marin Villages tech team is creating a monthly “Try This” AI prompt to help you explore the possibilities. To receive these monthly prompts - sign up by sending a request to [email protected] You can use GPT or Gemini through a web browser such as Chrome or Safari, or by downloading a mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You will be asked to set up an account. Then type in your prompt (question) and see the results. You can also ask the AI platform to refine or improve its response to fit your needs. Send your ideas !  The best way to prompt is to speak to the AI tool as you would when asking a friend a question. More structured prompts tend to work better than casual ones - and you can use the 5Ws +1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why and How) technique to help focus your questions.  We’d love to hear your ideas for prompts.  Email your suggestions to [email protected] , and our team will help build prompts and (with permission) share examples with other members. (or, if you prefer, we will keep your request confidential). How to obtain the AI tools ChatGPT Via a browser https://chatgpt.com Mobile Apps - Apple https://apps.apple.com/app/id6448311069 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.openai.chatgpt Google Gemini Via a browser https://gemini.google.com/app Mobile Apps - Apple https://apps.apple.com/app/id6477489729 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.bard   Technology / Computer Help Office Hours (Online) https://marin.helpfulvillage.com/events/6099 Next session: Wednesday, May,  4:00 – 5:30pm via Zoom Issues with your printer? iPhone not syncing properly? If so, join our volunteer tech support group for the answers to these and all of your other burning technology questions! We look forward to continuing to help solve your frustrating tech problems. This is a space where you can "drop in," ask questions, and receive personalized, individually focused, expert tech advice from some of our wonderful tech volunteers. Even if you'd just like to sit in to learn a little more about technology, we'd love to have you participate! So bring your questions about your computers, tablets, phones, smart watches and smart TVs etc., and our dedicated tech volunteers will do the rest. This opportunity is available to all Marin Villages members and volunteers. Please join us at  this link! Technology / Computer Help Office Hours (In-Person) Next Session: Wednesday, May, 6th 3:30 – 5:30pm Marin Villages Conference Room 4340 Redwood Highway, F-138 Do you have a tech issue with your computer, tablet, phone, or other device that you would like one-on-one in-person help with? Do you have question on how to use Generative AI ? Some of our best and brightest tech volunteers will be hosting a drop in session at the Marin Villages Conference Room in Terra Linda! This program is a supplement to our monthly zoom tech hours. The session is open to both members and volunteers. Other Tech Tips: Scams and Phishing iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch Tips How to use the Apple keychain to manage passwords   Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                    © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages-Programs-New - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Programs Check out our many programs. Let the good times roll! Marin Villages' members enjoy coffees, happy hours, games, knitting and needlework groups, book groups, a men’s group, support groups, educational seminars, and when conditions allow, hikes, walks, lunches, and dinners on holidays for those who have no family with whom to celebrate. We were able to successfully move many of our events online when COVID began, allowing our members to stay safely at home while still enjoying the company of their community. In line with new guidelines from Public Health we have moved many events back to in-person, while at the same time continuing to offer programs on Zoom. Staying engaged by learning new things can help build friendships, and fight isolation and boredom. When Covid-19 made it impossible for our popular men’s group to meet in person for coffee, the guys quickly learned how to Zoom so they could continue to see and talk with each other, reinforcing the sense of community and connection the group has always provided. The group is now moving back to in-person gatherings. Events Find all our events and programs arranged in list form here. Calendar The same events and programs, but in a traditional calendar format. Newsletters Our monthly Marin Villages newsletter and local-village newsletters Presentations Video and Handouts Videos and leave-behinds from many of our programs Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - Volunteer Info - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar Volunteer   Volunteer with us. Change some lives! Are you an ace with tools? Tech wizard? Expert organizer? Party planner? Do you enjoy driving? As a volunteer for Marin Villages, you are at the heart of our organization and our efforts to reimagine aging and community. You help with what interests you most. We have “direct service” opportunities to help members individually with all sorts of everyday needs, such as dog walking, getting to the doctor or picking up groceries, assembling a new TV stand, or having a friend to chat with on a regular basis. By helping with these services that our members struggle to provide for themselves, wonderful personal connections develop that can lead to lasting friendships and the creation of a whole new sense of community.  Are you more of a special projects person? We also have “behind the scenes” opportunities to help with planning events or to take on special projects or to help out in the office. The great thing about volunteering for Marin Villages is that we have no fixed time commitment or schedule, though we ask direct service volunteers to respond to requests at least twice a month. Another great thing is that generally you will only be asked to handle requests within your geographic area of Marin. Of course, it always feels good to help, and feels even better to know you are making a real difference in someone’s life. But the best thing about volunteering for Marin Villages is meeting so many amazing people I never would have gotten to know otherwise!  Cherie S. How it Works—A Brief Technical Overview Our volunteer assignment system is all online and available via login 24/7. Once a volunteer accepts an assignment on our online dashboard, they receive all the information they need to complete the service. If helping with a project, volunteers are often contacted directly by the office or local village, rather than via the dashboard. All volunteers go through a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement to help protect the privacy of Marin Villages members. Drivers will also have a DMV check and provide proof of insurance. Here’s what some of our volunteers say about their “jobs” with Marin Villages.   I love being a volunteer for Marin Villages. I chose medicine as my career because I love helping people. After retirement, being a Village Volunteer fills my “helping” void. At age 80, still helping is my reward!  Gerald F. As a handyman volunteer for Marin Villages, I’m normally requested to do small jobs that require a little knowledge and the right tool. The reward we receive from the joy it brings to our members is so gratifying!  Bill T. Come join our fantastic volunteer group! Please print out our volunteer application and either mail it to the office at Marin Villages, 4340 Redwood Highway, Ste F-142, San Rafael, CA 94903 or email it to [email protected] . We look forward to hearing from you! Volunteer Application Home > COVID-19 Response About  > From Our Members      Meet Our Team      FAQs     Local Villages Membership  > Member Benefits     Membership FAQs     Membership Application   Programs >  Events      Calendar      Newsletters     Tech Tips Volunteer >  Volunteer Sign-in      Volunteer Application Form Donate      Contact Local Villages:   Mill Valley      Novato      Ross Valley      San Rafael     Tiburon Peninsula      Twin Cities Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected]   •  4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121                  © HelpfulVillage.com - All rights reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Design: HelpfulVillage.com Marin Villages - Tech Tips Scams and Phishing - Marin Villages Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer Sign in Donate Now Add me to your mailing list About From Our Members Meet Our Team FAQs Local Villages Membership Membership Benefits Membership FAQs Download Membership Application Programs Events List Calendar Newsletters LiveWise - Program Materials Tech Tips AI Tips and Tricks Scams and Phishing Volunteer Volunteer Sign-In Download Volunteer Application Donate Donation Form Contact Introduction Dropdown Lorem ipsum dolor Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Magna phasellus Etiam dolore nisl Phasellus consequat Veroeros feugiat Left Sidebar Right Sidebar No Sidebar   Tech Tips Marin Villages helps older adults manage their technology, from smartphones, smart tablets, smart watches, smart TV and of course laptop and desktop computers. Avoiding Scams and Phishing Every year, roughly 7 million adults, 65 and older, fall victim to senior scams and while seniors are 20 percent less likely than younger people to fall for scams the median loss is often much greater. Marin Villages continues to prioritize education on helping its members avoid scams. Below you'll find materials from the in-person event hosted on August 14th, 2024 which discussed scams and phishing attempts targeted at seniors. The session was particularly timely given a recent massive data breech at National Public Data Presentation pdf Hints and tips pdf   If you have been a victim of a scam or fraud, contact the office for help and advice. Credit Card & Debit Card Hacks The majority of frauds reported by members relate to credit and debit card theft, which is a slighly different category to the scamming and phishing activity, discussed below. It is strongly recommended you set up alerts on your credit cards so you are informed of all transactions and can quickly deal with any fraudulant items. Regularly review all your financial statements. Usage of debit cards is not advised, but if you have to use one, limit the amount than can be withdrawn on a debit card. Using a  digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone or smartwatch can provide additional security as long as your devices are properly secured. Social Engineering Scammers use various communication methods ("phishing") to try and obtain your personal information and data – emails, text messaging, voice calls, social media, fake websites, pop-ups on browsers, etc. They particularly target passwords, your date of birth, account numbers, credit card details, “secret questions” or Social Security numbers and Medicare information. You might get an unexpected email, phone call, or text message that looks like or sounds as if it’s from a company you know or trust - a bank or a credit card utility company, a government organization, or perhaps it’s from an online payment website or app you use for online shopping. The bad actors Scammers use various tactics to gain your trust, often leveraging personal information available on the web. They may exploit grief or emotional instability during major life changes, use intimidation tactics, and try to isolate you from authorities, trusted friends, and family members. It's important to stay calm. Typical Tactics From Scammers: • Say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts on your account – they haven’t. • Claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information – there isn’t. • Want you to click on a link to make a payment – but the link has malware, and you may be supplying your credentials. • Tell you your computer has been infected with a virus or pornography – it has not. • Say you need to confirm some personal or financial information – you don’t. • Email an invoice you don’t recognize – it’s fake. • Claim a close relative is in some trouble - they aren't. • Say you’re eligible to register for a government refund – it’s a scam. • Offer employment opportunities or way to earn additional revenue – with some upfront payment – it’s not a real job. • Offer free stuff, lottery winnings or prizes – it’s not real. • Shopping sites offering amazing discounts off brand merchandize – the sites are fake.   Their goal is to extract money and personal information. They are very good at it!   As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam and how to avoid them.    Common scams Common categories of scams, especially those targeting seniors, include Investment, Debt relief/reduction/collection, Technology, Romance, Grandchild in peril, Lottery / Prizes, Pets, Social Media Account takeovers, Government and Charities. Payment methods requested by the scammer will be “unusual” and hard to trace - cash, gift cards, reloadable debit cards, cashier checks, crypto, casino withdrawals, requests from peer-to-peer apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal etc.). The scammers will want you to take immediate action and not to pause or carefully think through what you are being asked to do.  Remember gift cards are for birthdays - nothing else!  AARP has a very comprehensive website detailing over 70 different scams https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud.html#frc. Other resources are listed at the end of this article. How to make it more difficult for scammers Credit Freeze and Financial Verification: • Place a credit freeze with the three major credit reporting agencies ( Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion ). Set up alerts for all credit card and banking transactions. • Regularly review your financial statements. Verify Contacts: • Trust but verify. Pause before taking any action and double-check the identity of the person or organization initiating contact. • Be aware that voices can be cloned ("voice-printing") and phone numbers can be spoofed ("smishing”).   Enhanced Authentication: • Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) with a trusted authenticator app, using biometrics where available. This is more secure than two-factor authentication (2FA) via text message.   Password Management: • Use complex passwords and a password manager (such as Apple’s KeyChain, Google Password Manager, or a reputable 3 rd party password manager ). • Utilize device biometrics (FaceID or fingerprints) via passkeys where available. • Secure your mobile devices with strong PINS.    Anti-virus and Malware Protection: • Consider using anti-virus and anti-malware software . • Keep all your devices updated with the latest software. • Replace devices where the operating systems are no longer supported.   Phone and Communication Safety: • Don't answer calls from unrecognized numbers and be suspicious of CallerID. Send to voice mail. • Set up secret verbal codewords and phrases with children, grandchildren, family members, and trusted friends - a word or phrase only you and those closest to you know.   Secure Secret Questions: • When setting up "secret questions" don't use personally identifiable data - make up answers.   Social Media and Online Presence: • Review your friends' lists on social media accounts and keep your accounts private by setting them to "friends and family." • Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and the internet. • Avoid sharing your correct birthday and never post upcoming travel details.   By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can create multiple layers of defense, making it more challenging for scammers to succeed.   Tips on avoiding scams - Summary: Disengage:   Stop all communication with the potenti