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Missoula Aging Services launches grassroots Missoula Villages neighbor-powered network to connect and support older Missoulians:
MISSOULA, Mont. — Missoula Aging Services launches Missoula Villages in January 2026. The agency built the grassroots initiative along with volunteers and community partners, including the City of Missoula Parks and Recreation and Public Health departments. Missoula Villages is a neighbor-powered network to bring together exchange of volunteer support, services, and social activities to keep older Missoulians rooted at home and in the community.
The effort reflects Missoula’s demographics: 19% of the population is age 60 and older, and that percentage will grow. The national Village Movement began in 1999 in Boston; today, there are more than 300 Villages across the country. Missoula Villages will connect older neighbors for everything from rides and yard help to activities around town, while creating opportunities for Missoulians of all ages to volunteer and build relationships with older residents.
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Founding member Steven Gaskill, a former U.S. Ski Team/Olympic Nordic ski coach, says, “Missoula Villages will have a dramatic positive value for many who love Missoula as their home. The potential to reduce isolation, create friendships and help each other has been shown by the other Villages throughout the US and we are a natural community to grow our own village and support one other.”
The founding committee spent more than a year planning the effort and will now serve as the Missoula Villages Advisory Council. Members include Molly Blair (Missoula Parks & Rec.), Terry Egan, Gaskill, Gary Graham, Elizabeth Johnson, Kalina Pritchard (Office of Neighborhoods), Kristie Scheel (Missoula Public Health), and Linda Torma.
Missoulians age 60 and older can join as paying members with modest dues, and volunteer-only members can join at no cost. Members can request and offer support and take part in Village gatherings and events.
Torma says, “As a nurse, I have always thought that the Village movement was a great idea. When my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I realized that it’s more than a great idea, it’s a lifesaver… The Village is an important way to maintain my mental health—helping me stay connected. My husband, John Torma, actually proposed the idea of a Missoula Neighborhood Network in 1985. We are both thrilled to see Missoula Villages working closely with the City of Missoula Neighborhood Program to strengthen our community!”
Community members are invited to attend a series of free launch events in late January and February:
- First Friday in the Historic Florence lobby, with Missoula Makers: Feb. 6, 5–7 p.m.
- Artist-led workshop with Bev Glueckert and Open AIR at the Blue House, 300 Evans Ave.: Feb. 12, 2–4 p.m. RSVP: (406) 728-7682.
Additional events will be announced in February and March, culminating in A Night for Neighbors at Missoula Aging Services to celebrate the future of aging in Missoula.
About Missoula Aging Services:
Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them. Missoula Aging Services empowers thousands of older adults, their families and caregivers through programs, services, volunteer opportunities and education to continue to live independently at home, for as long as possible.
ANNA E. WILSON
Public Relations and Marketing Manager
T 406.728.7682 F 406.728.7687
337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, MT 59801
We promote the independence, dignity, and health
of older adults and those who care for them.
