Penn's Village is an innovative, grassroots, volunteer-driven organization established in 2008 to enhance the quality of lives for residents in Center City Philadelphia neighborhoods. Penn's Village is deeply committed to a holistic quality of life approach to support members' needs and foster community building, in order to promote greater opportunities for older adults to maintain independent living. Penn's Village provides and coordinates access to comprehensive, supportive services, programs and social opportunities that enable older adults to remain in thier homes safely and with diginity.

Over the past few months, Penn's Village has been asking neighbors "How can we make Penn's Village meet your needs? What can Penn's Village do to become an integral part of our community?" You have told us and we have listened! Penn's Village hopes you like the changes!

A Letter from our New Executive Director, Avalie Saperstein

Dear Friends of Penn's Village,

This is a very exciting time for Penn's Village as we move ahead during this transition period-continuing the services of which we are so proud and enhancing our Village and its viability.

As the new Interim Executive Director, I look forward to being a part of Penn's Village and working with all of you. In June, Penn's Village will sponsor special get-togethers for all of us, including board members. These get-togethers will provide an initial opportunity not only to get to know each other, but also to share our ideas about building our Village.

As of May 7th, I will be the primary person answering your emails and telephone calls. Tania who will remain on the Board, as well as the entire Board will be right behind me helping to ensure that we continue to provide the best quality of service as possible. So please call with your questions, requests, suggestions and assistance. My email address will be avalie@pennsvillage.org, and our telephone number will continue to be 215-925-7333.

We are establishing regular call hours when I will be directly available to you by telephone. Those hours are Mondays between 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM and Thursdays between 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Be assured that I will check Village's emails and voice mails daily to respond to unplanned issues and requests. We appreciate your patience as we proceed through this transition period.

I'm looking forward to meeting and serving you as the new Interim Executive Director.

Best regards,

Avalie Saperstein
Interim Executive Director


A Letter from Paul Stavrakos, President of Penn's Village Board

Dear Friends of Penn's Village,

As we enter a new phase in the life of Penn's Village, I am writing to share with you some upcoming changes.

On May 7th, Tania Rorke, our current Executive Director, will be stepping down as Executive Director. We are deeply grateful to Tania for her expertise, energy and affection for the members and volunteers of Penn's Village as she has guided our organization through the first phase of our life. Tania will be working closely with our new Executive Director and our Board to ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership.

Avalie Saperstein will be joining us as our new interim, part-time Executive Director. Avalie has over 35 years of experience in aging and we are confident that Avalie will continue to provide the quality of services that we have all come to count on. At the same time, Avalie will assist the Board to enhance and grow our Village. Tania will turn over the reins to Avalie on May 7th, so please know that Avalie will be here on the other end of the telephone and emails. Please continue calling or emailing Penn's Village with your requests and suggestions.

Since Avalie will be part-time, we are asking her to be directly available for your phone calls during two time periods weekly. Those two time periods will be on Mondays between 11:00 - 4:00 and Thursdays between 9:00 - 1:00. However, be assured that she will check the Village's emails and voice mails daily to respond to unplanned issues and requests.

On another note, the Board of Directors is putting the finishing touches on a fundraising plan. It is vital for us to raise funds for Penn's Village's continuing viability. Any suggestions you have are appreciated, as well as any role you would want to assume in our fundraising efforts. We will keep you informed on our progress.

Thank you,

Paul S. Stavrakos
Chair, Board of Directors


A Letter from Tania Rorke

Dear Members, Volunteers, and Friends of Penn's Village,

It is with great sadness that I announce that as of May 7, I will no longer serve Penn's Village as its Executive Director. I have been with Penn's Village since 2006 and have seen it grow into the organization it is today. It has been an amazing learning experience for me and I have met so many wonderful people through my involvement with Penn's Village.

Penn's Village does so many wonderful things for so many people and I am grateful to have been a part of it. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such committed and caring individuals. I will continue to serve Penn's Village as a volunteer and board member.

It has truly been an honor to work with all of you. Thank you for all you have done to make Penn's Village the organization it is today.

Kindly,

Tania Rorke


AARP Supports Penn's Village
We are most appreciative of Pennsylvania AARP's support of Penn's Village. Signed by State Director Richard A. Chevrefils, AARP mailed two letters to over 50's in Center City, one inviting general participation, a second describing our volunteer opportunities.