General
What makes SAIL different from other programs already available in the community?
Do you work with other agencies that provide similar services?
Membership
How much does it cost to join SAIL?
Where is SAIL located?
When will SAIL be available in my neighborhood?
Is SAIL available in other cities?
How do I join SAIL?
Can I charge my membership?
What if I plan to be out of town for several weeks on vacation?
Vendor
What if the vendors I use are not in the SAIL directory?
How are services arranged with the SAIL vendors?
How have you developed the current list of vendors?
What if I have a problem with a vendor or the work that was done?
What if I need a service and SAIL does not have a vendor listed who provides that service?
Volunteer
What types of volunteer opportunities does SAIL offer?
How do I become a SAIL volunteer?
Do I have to commit to a certain number of hours or a regular schedule?
What if I am already volunteering with another agency?
General
What makes SAIL different from other programs already available in the community?
We are unique in that we are a non-profit, fee-based membership program providing access to prescreened vendors,
such as handymen, yard care professionals, electricians, plumbers, window washers, home health workers, etc. We
also provide a daily automated check-in service and house checks. SAIL offers its own Personal Emergency Response
System and provides local follow up. No other community based senior service provides these services.
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Do you work with other agencies that provide similar services?
SAIL networks with several reputable organizations to the fullest extent possible. We realize the importance of
constantly identifying unmet needs and finding ways to meet them. This is done through collaborations, creation of
new services and referrals when appropriate. Some of the organizations we work closely with are Catholic
Charities, West Madison Senior Coalition, Monona Senior Center, Safe Communities, Caregiver Program of Area Agency
on Aging, Alzheimer's Association, etc.
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Membership
How much does it cost to join SAIL?
The annual fee is $330 per household, which includes a free 13th month; however some members prefer to pay
monthly. SAIL offers a sliding fee.
In this brief audio interview, John Norieka, Executive Director of Oakwood Village, explains why SAIL membership is such an excellent investment in health promotion.
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Where is SAIL located?
Our office is located at the Oakwood Village West Campus. Our initial target area was the near west side of
Madison due to demographics and our initial funding requirements. Currently, membership has expanded to the entire
west side of Madison, Middleton, Fitchburg and Monona. We are committed to high quality service and we are careful
not to over-promise and under-deliver.
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When will SAIL be available in my neighborhood?
If you feel SAIL would benefit your neighborhood, please let us know! We can add you to our current waiting list
of people interested in helping to expand SAIL to their area. If 10 or more households join together in expanding
SAIL membership, we are able to add them to our service area.
If you would like to see SAIL expand and wish to join regardless of your location, we can assist you in adjusting
the membership agreement to meet your needs or you can provide a tax-deductible contribution to SAIL.
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Is SAIL available in other cities?
SAIL is located here in Madison. We are, however, one of a growing number of organizations similar to the well-known
Beacon Hill Village Model. We are proud to be the second "Village" in the nation, created prior to learning of Beacon Hill Village. While SAIL
was founded and is governed by existing non-profit organizations, our business model and services are almost identical to the
other "Villages". SAIL members take an active role in driving the program. Just this year, a group of members formed a Member
Advisory Group to create SAIL programs, tweak current services, and provide the governing board with on-going recommendations.
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How do I join SAIL?
Simply call the SAIL office at 230-4321 or email us at info@sailtoday.org. We will set up a personal appointment
to deliver your Membership Directory. You may send your membership payment to SAIL at that time or we can complete
the membership transaction during our visit with you. Members receive a refund of unused months if membership is
discontinued and annual membership was pre-paid.
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Can I charge my membership?
Yes, we accept VISA, MasterCard and Discover.
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Do you share your mailing list with other agencies?
Never. Our list is kept private. We do, however, share our members. contact information with other SAIL members if
permission has been given to do so.
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What if I plan to be out of town for several weeks on vacation?
As part of your membership, SAIL will provide weekly house checks during your absence. Please notify us so we can
make arrangements prior to your departure.
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Vendor
What if the vendors I use are not in the SAIL directory?
Feel free to continue using your favorite vendors, but if they are not listed in our SAIL Member Services
Directory, we will not be involved in billing, background checks, or consumer advocacy. If you give us your vendor
recommendations, we will contact them to see if they are interested in applying to become a SAIL vendor.
If you would like, we are happy to screen any vendors you select on your own and provide you with results for a
nominal fee.
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How are services arranged with the SAIL vendors?
When you join SAIL, we provide you with your own list of vendors. We send you an updated list quarterly. You may
either contact the vendors directly and identify yourself as a SAIL member, or you can call SAIL and we will be
happy to call them for you.
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How have you developed the current list of vendors?
We receive suggestions from members and others associated with SAIL. Being that we are sponsored by four very well
established, large non-profit organizations we have many resources to call upon for referrals.
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What if I have a problem with a vendor or the work that was done?
Call SAIL to discuss the details of your concern. It is our job to ensure your satisfaction.
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What if I need a service and SAIL does not have a vendor listed who provides that service?
Being sponsored by four local non-profit organizations gives us a variety of resources to help us locate a
recommended vendor for you to contact. We keep an active list of businesses to recommend.
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Volunteering
What types of volunteer opportunities does SAIL offer?
Possible volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, consultation or committee work, public
relations, visitation/companionship, member transportation, or office assistance.
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How do I become a SAIL volunteer?
Call the SAIL office and you will be provided with paperwork that includes an application form and a Background
Information Disclosure, which is required of all volunteers. Once you are a SAIL volunteer you will be contacted
when a need is identified that matches your interests.
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Do I have to commit to a certain number of hours or a regular schedule?
No, there is no minimum time requirement for SAIL volunteers. All volunteers are encouraged to commit to the
amount of time they feel they can successfully manage.
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What if I am already volunteering with another agency?
Great! If there is time to add SAIL to your already busy schedule, we would love to have you as a part of the SAIL
volunteer team. However, we don't expect anyone to give up other commitments in order to volunteer with SAIL.
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