Cottages at Generation Village
Willard, MO
Generations Village is a non-profit entity that was formed in 2017 with the goal of providing an innovative solution to current social needs. Their mission is to provide a diverse, intergenerational, family living environment. The Cottages at Generations Village is intentionally focused on establishing a ‘whole’ community with a specific focus on meeting the needs of Foster Families, Youth Aging out of Foster Care, Families with Children, Single Adults and Seniors. There are several such intergenerational communities in existence throughout the county. By purposely enhancing the interaction of these populations, mentoring, achievement, and fulfillment begin to emerge and provide a support network where all individuals and family members flourish. Foster families receive help with respite care and after-school tutoring, youth aging out of foster care find stability and support in many facets of their life, seniors find purpose and fulfillment, young families find mentoring and nurturing, and single adults find encouragement and purpose.
The Cottages at Generations Village, located in Willard, Missouri will be designated as a family development which allows access to all age groups and will offer a total of 52 units. There will be a mix of unit designs to compliment the needs of residents; 40 2BR/2BA units configured in a mix of 4-plex and 6-plex units, along with 8 3BR/2BA units and 4 4BR/2BA units which will be single family homes. Units are designed with an open floor plan which will help provide a perfect balance to encourage family togetherness, in addition to offering residents ease of hosting guests. Each 2BR unit is equipped with 2 full baths and a single car garage. All kitchen appliances and HVAC equipment will be energy efficient. Luxury vinyl flooring in main living areas, with carpet in the bedrooms. Ceiling fans and washer/dryer hookups are also in the amenity package. The units are designed with sustainable finishes to keep the interior looking new and inviting. Covered porches allow residents to enjoy the outdoors and foster friendships with their next-door neighbor(s) and other residents. On-property amenities have been intentionally selected to enhance the idea of fostering mutually beneficial mentoring ‘life skills’. From the moment you enter the Community Building, the inviting atmosphere provided by the large windows and pockets of quaint seating will encourage connections to gather and reminisce about their day or week or provide a neutral zone for mentoring. Yet, for anyone looking to escape into solving a mystery or fantasy land, the on-site library will provide the needed resources. Computer stations will also be available for residents to stay connected to the world–whether checking directions to an unfamiliar destination, planning a trip across the country, investigating National Parks, Presidential Libraries, or just surfing for enjoyment. However, if the invigoration of exercise is what they crave, the fitness room will be equipped to satisfy their craving with a treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike, free weights, yoga mats, and exercise balls for strength and balance, regardless of the weather. A television monitor will provide access to streaming workout options if that is preferred, or simply to keep them entertained while exercising. To further promote ‘community’, groups of tables and chairs just off the community kitchen will provide an opportunity to gather – whether it is to meet for a pot-luck supper before a night of bunco, or to teach cooking techniques to friends and/or guests – there will be room to gather and taste the finished product(s). Residents will also be able to gather to play board games, host weekly card tournaments with friends, or merely gather to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends from the nearby coffee/beverage station. A large patio with grills and picnic tables connect to the dining area, once again to promote a transitional and engaging opportunity to the outdoor amenities. The design of the outdoor space is as intentional as the indoor spaces. For those who already have green thumbs, they will have the opportunity to work the dirt to grow vegetables, herbs and/or flowers in and around the property; perhaps even mentoring less experienced gardeners - to - be along the way.
Additionally, the Resource/Services Coordinator will plan monthly social events for all residents. These activities will be free for residents and will be sponsored by local businesses and managed by the Social Services Coordinator. Supplies will be purchased out of a small reserve fund which has been established if donations from area businesses and individuals don’t cover all costs.
- Monthly community activities (i.e., potluck dinners, holiday events, board game nights, book club, etc.) Ideas will be generated by the staff and residents. The list of monthly activities will be posted and facilitated by the Service Coordinator.
- Fitness classes and proper use of equipment: Fitness classes like yoga, Pilates and overall stretching will be taught through volunteers or instructors initially. Video and/or streaming services will also be utilized for residents on an ongoing basis. Ideally, a regular group will become established so there is ongoing encouragement and accountability within the community. The fitness room will have cardio equipment, along with free weights, exercise balls and yoga mats for additional options.
- Computer lab: The Service Coordinator will set up bi-monthly mini-computer training. The computer equipment in the Community Building will be used for these training sessions. Residents will also be encouraged to bring their laptop computers or iPads if available.
- Transportation to shopping and medical appointments – We will connect residents to several free transportation services like OATS. In addition, there will be monthly planned events to keep residents connected in the community. It will range from taking a group of residents to ‘volunteer’ around the community, as well as field trips. The coordinator will work to have admission fees reduced or waived entirely and transportation services.