January 11, at 10:00 am, 3845 North Swan Street – "Bridge Village"
Members of Bridge Village will discuss initiatives to establish a Village-to-Village program in Grant County. Aimee Jaurequi, Chairman of the local non-profit organization along with board members, John Flack and Nora Lowe will present information about the nationwide Village-to-Village Network and update plans for implementing the program in Grant County.
Bridge Village is currently working to re-organize and focus efforts to create a network of local members and volunteers to assist each other with essential tasks of daily living. The goal of the organization is to establish a cooperative community of local individuals who, through social engagement and organization, will strive to help each other remain in their homes safely and with increased quality of life. Much of the function of Bridge Village will involve advocacy to address specific needs in our community and collaborate with other agencies for appropriate referrals as needed.
The original non-profit organization, Bridge Community, was incorporated about 15 years ago after founding members recognized that many of their friends and neighbors were leaving the Silver City area to accommodate health and safety needs as they aged. It focused on establishing a continuum of care program to increase opportunities for residents who chose to remain in their hometown community throughout their final years.
With slight modifications to the name and original mission, Bridge Village will be able to expand the areas of support to a larger group of residents. They are currently organizing community outreach programs to organize volunteers and generate comprehensive assessment of specific needs for members in this area. Final steps to refine and troubleshoot the organization's website are reaching completion in preparation for welcoming members.
Aimee Jaurique is a Silver City native with historic family ties to area. She is a registered nurse who has worked in various positions throughout the community during her forty-year career. She retired from WNMU School of Nursing in 2017. Aimee recognized the complexity of geriatric needs in Grant County when it was necessary to move her mother to Las Cruces for essential support services as her health declined. Aimee served as her mother's primary care giver for two years before she passed.
As a result of this experience, Aimee was motivated to join Bridge Community where she has devoted time to advocating for increased services for elderly in our local area. Currently, she works as a hospice nurse where she helps terminal patients and their families as they deal with some of the same issues she experienced.
Nora Lowe also grew up in Silver City. Her parents were some of the founding members of the original Bridge Community organization. She participated in many family discussions as they recognized and researched various models surrounding individual choices to extend independence while aging with dignity, on a personal level as well as in the community. As a
Speech/Language Pathologist, Nora primarily worked with children and adolescents in Las Cruces and Grant County schools. Currently, she does contract work with school aged students and out-patient rehabilitation. She has training and experience in the treatment of geriatric populations.
John Flack recently moved to Silver City from Portland, Oregon where he was involved with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Age Friendly Communities Initiative and is working to have Grant County and Silver City join The Network of Age Friendly Communities. He currently serves on the AARP New Mexico Executive Council and Advocacy Team. John brings a wealth of experience in and passion for advocating on behalf of seniors, and is skilled at navigating various agencies that shape programs and policies affecting seniors.
Other Bridge Village board members include Jessica Brooks, Katherine Haase, Rudy Martinez, and Cynthia Barrios-Nanez.
Childcare is available every Sunday. Zoey Cronin will lead a formal children's program on second and fourth Sundays. This Sunday will be a Children's RE program.
Children are welcome to participate on any Sunday, but they will get the most out of the program if they attend second and fourth Sundays somewhat regularly. Family adults may stay for the children's program or attend the adult program. Children are encouraged to bring a small item that represents someone or something they are grateful for that week.
UUFSC Safety Protocol as pursuant to our most recent UUA Guidelines:
Masks are now optional, but their use is encouraged. We will continue to serve refreshments on the patio and in the building. Visitors are always welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City is a diverse group of religious independents seeking knowledge, spiritual sustenance, fellowship and opportunities for service to others. Our programs encompass Humanism, liberal Christianity, earth-based spirituality, Buddhism and many other traditions. If you'd like to find out more, email
