HomeHistory

1999

The date and images you see above are connected to TIP's evolution. Intrigued? If so, continue reading.

Back in Time
In order to understand the creation of "Thriving in Place" (TIP), we have to go back to 1999 when a group of 65 and older like-minded individuals gathered together to discuss "aging". At that time, they all resided in a Beacon Hill neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. Their conversation led them to think outside of the box.

Why This Group Gathered Together
Several of these residents were faced with aging parents and dealing with the problems their parents were encountering. Their parents were locked into the belief that in order to handle the challenges of "aging", they would have to "move away" either to care facilities or to a warmer climate away from loved ones. They were also convinced that those who chose to live at home would face loneliness and would not be able to live independently.

These Individuals Realized They Wanted to Take Charge of Their Own Lives
This group of individuals in Massachusetts decided that they would take charge of their own future and remain in their neighborhoods. They wanted to continue to lead active lifestyles, yet they recognized that there would be times when they would need help.

The Process Begins
They sent out a questionnaire to 450 Beacon Hill residents. The result of this questionnaire revealed that these residents wanted to stay in their homes as they aged and they believed that their neighbors would be willing to provide help when needed. As a result, Beacon Hill Village was established in 2002 as a non-profit organization that centered around the vision of "neighbors caring for neighbors".

The Village Movement Changed the Concept of Aging
What this Beacon Hill group of neighbors established was an innovative way to approach "aging". They believed they could live vibrant active lives while still living in their communities. When Susan McWhinney Morse was asked the question, "How has Beacon Hill Village and Villages across the world changed the way people think about aging?"

She responded, "The success of the Village Movement is greatly changing the long-held concept that retired people (older people) naturally become passive participants in their own lives either by choice and/or infirmities. That we continue to be vibrant, contributing and informed members of society is what is so exciting about the village concept."

The Village to Village Network
Beacon Hill Village was created as a result of that group of individuals in Massachusetts who were determined to redefine aging. Their vision of "neighbors caring for neighbors" has been the blueprint of how Villages operate. To learn more, visit the Village to Village Network website.

Thriving in Place (TIP)
TIP began in a similar fashion when a group of Carolina Preserve (CP) residents met to discuss what they believed was lacking in their community. They knew that residents in CP loved living in this vibrant neighborhood and many had formed and continued to form lasting friendships. The CP community offered many social, educational and physical activities to keep their residents active and keep their minds sharp. However, what was lacking for many residents was having someone available to assist them during those periods of time in their lives when they needed help.

Established As a Village Model
.....and so, in 2017, Thriving in Place was established. Its vision of "neighbors helping neighbors" is the same vision those individuals living in the Beacon Hill neighborhood imagined several years ago. Thriving in Place, is a member of the Village to Village Network. It's a 501 (c) (3) charitable corporation that has come to be known as TIP. TIP is thriving today due to a group of dedicated, caring CP volunteers who are helping CP residents lead happier, healthier, independent lives.