Dear Members, Volunteers, and Friends,

While apart, we are not alone. Ashby Village continues to be here for you, as we are here for one another.

Consistent with the newest Bay Area Stay-At-Home Order issued by Alameda, City of Berkeley, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and Santa Clara in their Joint Press Release, it is time again for Ashby Village, and all of us, to take extreme caution.

What Is Staying the Same:

  • Grocery shopping by volunteers, virtual tech support, social phone calls, and medication pick-up by staff are all continuing 
  • Rides by volunteer drivers to essential medical appointments will continue to be posted - however, as before, we cannot guarantee them. Ride waiver guidelines are required for rides through AV *See below for other ride options
  • Our Virtual Holiday Party is on December 18th and we hope to see everyone there
  • Resources are available for you - please see the final section below of this email

What Is Shifting:

  • All in-person Connections Team and one-time companionship visits are paused at this time
  • All nature walks are being postponed

Final Reminders:

  • If you are feeling isolated or concerned, please give us a call at 510-204-9200, or email us for a Phone Friend, Social Care Team consult, or ongoing Connections volunteer
  • Volunteers: if you feel sick please cancel the member service you have signed up for and take good care of yourself

As a strong community network, Ashby Village is committed to responding to this crisis with care and ingenuity. We are continuing to monitor the changing updates and will make appropriate adjustments as things proceed. Please remember our online Ashby Village Coronavirus Update Page and visit https://covid19.ca.gov/ for the most up-to-date COVID information and stay-at-home orders.
Together we will weather this winter, and we look forward to what 2021 may bring us all. As the 13th century Persian poet Rumi wrote, “The moon stays bright when it doesn't avoid the night.”

Wishing you brightness,





Andy Gaines
Executive Director
Resources

Social Care
  • Our Social Care Team is available to provide phone consultations and any necessary resources.
  • Our Connections Team is available to help. Please call the office and we will try to arrange a weekly telephone call and/or check-in.
  • Our partnership with the Wright Institute has been created to provide free tele-therapy for Ashby Village members. Please contact Erik to get find out more.
  • Well Connected: is a program that offers activities, education, support groups and friendly conversations over the phone. You can sign up for free.
  • Friend Social Call: Friendly visitor program with a mission to foster connections between volunteers and older adults, 877-797-7299.
  • Friendship Line: 24 hour phone support, 800-971-0016.

Rides

Grocery Delivery

Medication Delivery

Check with your individual insurance plan to get your medicine from mail order and also consider placing your medication on automatic refill, if possible. To do this the Insurance Company initially contacts your doctor’s office or you contact the doctor’s office and have them fax your prescription to the pharmacy. Patients and/or doctor offices must alert the mail order company when a prescription changes. Some pharmacies will allow the patient to sign and date a letter and have a friend bring the letter in and pick up medicine on someone else’s behalf. Please call your local pharmacy for more information.