Our Story
Age In Place Door County began with a simple question:
How can we help each other remain independent and connected in the communities we call home?
In 2023, a group of residents from Sister Bay and Liberty Grove came together to explore that question. Inspired by the nationally recognized Village model and informed by local conversations about aging, they envisioned a program built on neighbors helping neighbors.
Working alongside Do Good Door County, a dedicated planning committee spent months listening, learning, and designing a program that reflected the unique needs and strengths of Northern Door County. Their vision became Senior Advocacy for Independent Living (SAIL), which officially launched in July, 2024.
The success of SAIL began with people who cared deeply about their community. Each brought different experiences, ideas, and strengths to the table, and together they created a program that has grown far beyond what any one person could have accomplished alone. We remain grateful for their vision, dedication, and willingness to help launch what is now Age In Place Door County.
Founding Community Volunteers (alphabetical order)
Faye Blue
Jeff Connar
Margaret Connar
JoAnne Morris
Carol Soper
Karen Sporrer
Kathy Wagner
Growing With Our Community
From the beginning, SAIL was designed to evolve as community needs evolved.
As members joined, volunteers stepped forward, and partnerships developed, it became clear that the need extended beyond the original service area. Older adults throughout Door County were looking for the same combination of practical support, meaningful connections, trusted resources, and opportunities to remain engaged in their communities.
In response, the program expanded beyond Northern Door County and embraced a new name - Age In Place Door County. While the name changed, the mission remained the same: helping older adults remain independent while building stronger, more connected communities.
Today, Age In Place Door County continues to grow through the support of volunteers, community partners, donors, and members who share the belief that neighbors can make a meaningful difference in one another's lives.