Mutual Mt. Airy co-founder discusses intiative with EMAN board

Where can Mt. Airy’s aging population go to find information on services and organizations which can help them age in place? This idea has led to an exploration by a husband and wife team which they have named Mutual Mt. Airy.

Organizer, Peter Javsicas, presented the group’s intentions at the December meeting of East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN).

Mutual Mt. Airy hosted its first informational gathering Monday night to gauge the “depth and breadth of interest”, said Javsicas. He told EMAN members that the association is using East Falls Village as a model. “We don’t know what it’s going to be yet,” Javsicas explained, adding that the community will ultimately decide its form.

Javsicas said the session’s 45 attendees listed household help, transportation, mobility and social support as their top concerns.

The outcome of the meeting led to a realization that there are many resources already available in the neighborhood to help seniors.

Javsicas, a former board member of Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapely, said he and his wife have utilized My Way several times and they are eager to collaborate with them and other existing organizations, such as Center in the Park, Newcourtland Elder Services and Weavers Way.

The hope is that Mutual Mt. Airy can serve as an umbrella association which can coordinate services between the established organizations. Javsicas said Linda Brunn, the Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator from Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM) has agreed to be a part of the group. NIM closed its doors last week after serving the community for 40 years.

“I hope pieces of NIM can be picked up,” said Javsicas

Discussions on the group’s structure, what membership fees would be and whether any civic could provide fiscal sponsorship still need to take place.

EMAN President Kent Reichert commended Javsicas for responding to a need in the community. “It sounds like a great idea,” he said. The organization anticipates hearing more about what might be its role in Mutual Mt. Airy’s developing plan.

Mutual Mt. Airy will hold its next public meeting on Jan. 14, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 pm.m at Lovett Memorial Library.