Building a Community Without Walls
Community Without Walls (CWW) was founded in 1992 by four friends living in Princeton, NJ, whose combined personal and professional experience with their aging parents, social work clients and research indicated that continuing social support is a key component of aging well.
In the absence of an established model to guide them, they developed the concept of a “community without walls” to contrast it from the then-existing senior residences with walls, often the only next stop for aging individuals without adequate support to enable them to remain in their homes and communities.
CWW was born as a membership organization of individuals dedicated to pursuing mutually supportive activities to enhance members’ ability to grow older in their own homes and communities, for as long as possible—successfully and with dignity.
This concept clearly filled a need, and from an initial small group of founding members, the organization has grown to include more than 350 members who live in four Central New Jersey counties.
Over the years CWW and its members have had a significant impact on the communities in which we live by serving as a catalyst for increased options for care management, senior housing, transportation and lifelong education. This was accomplished through personal involvement, educational conferences open to all and advocacy contacts with public officials and the media.
Who We Are
CWW is designed to enhance the ability of members to age well and to be able to make choices that will permit us to “age in place,” preferably in our own homes or, if changing personal circumstances dictate, in other residential settings. In furthering this goal, members engage in activities that include social support, education and advocacy.
CWW is organized into “houses” (chapters), that have up to one hundred members in each. Houses have regular (often monthly) meetings that feature speakers or program topics of interest to the group members. In addition, houses have a variety of social and affinity groups — such as gardening groups, ethnic dining groups, movie groups and much more.
Each house determines its own structure and programs/activities throughout the year. New houses may be formed when twenty-five people come together with a desire to form a new chapter.
House 3: A Community of Joy and Belonging Join House 3 if you're in Princeton or nearby and looking for a vibrant, caring community. We offer a wide range of activities to suit all interests. Enjoy social gatherings like monthly meet-ups, holiday parties, summer picnics, engaging speakers, and celebrating milestones. For more intimate group activities, join us for nature walks, Scrabble, movies, book clubs, museum visits, happy hours, and gourmet lunches. Plus, don't miss our special Resource List, informational Bulletins, and our semi-annual Journal featuring articles, poetry, and more from our talented members. Embrace friendship and joy with us! “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” (Helen Keller)
House 4: A Melting Pot of Interests and Backgrounds House 4 welcomes you with warmth, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our monthly meetings, typically held at CMAP Poor Farm Road or Smith House Clubhouse, feature speakers, entertainment galas, picnics, and holiday celebrations. Socializing and snacking are always part of the fun. Join our active interest groups like Movie Groups, Social Bridge, or propose new ones like pool, gardening, or lunch dining out. We're also reviving groups affected by the pandemic. Our members hail from Princeton, Plainsboro, Skillman, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Roosevelt, Kendall Park, Princeton Junction, East/West Windsor, and other nearby areas, creating a rich tapestry of community life.
House 5: A Blend of Culture, Socializing, and Learning House 5 offers a mix of cultural presentations, green space preservation talks, musical performances, and social events. Meeting on the second Sunday of each month at the Suzanne Patterson Building, our gatherings start with announcements, introductions, and a featured program, followed by a social time with delicious snacks. Our active interest groups include Ethnic Dining, Movie Group, Storytelling, and Crafters. We often explore gardening, cooking, wine tasting, and personal stories. Our members bring together diverse experiences from Titusville, Ewing, Yardley, Pennington, Kendall Park, Hopewell, Monroe, Dayton, and beyond.
Is CWW right for you?
- Do you want to continue to live a meaningful life in the home and community you love?
- Are you looking to make new friends, form new connections and join a community of mutual support?
- Have you wondered who will be there for you as you age?
- Do you live in the greater Princeton area (within twenty-five miles of Princeton)?
If you answered yes to these questions, CWW may be right for you.
Cost
Members pay modest annual dues (currently $35/year) to belong to one of the houses. Dues cover administrative and operational expenses incurred by CMAP, as well as program support for each house’s activities throughout the year.
Want to Learn More?
Complete our interest from below! A member from our steering committee will reach out to you directly to provide more information about CWW.
