Neighbor To Neighbor is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of vital service to the Greenwich community. A special dinner event will be held on April 24 at the Hyatt Regency to commemorate the milestone. On April 3, I met with Brent Hill, the organization’s executive director, at Neighbor’s new facility to discuss its growth and the significant changes that have taken place since its founding in 1975.
When Neighbor To Neighbor was established, it started as a small volunteer-driven initiative aimed at providing free clothing to those in need. The initiative was born out of concerns about federal and state cuts to supportive programs for lower-income families. Jane Fleming, a key figure in its founding, worked alongside others like Betty Sheridan to keep the organization’s vision alive. Neighbor has grown significantly since its early days and now serves 825 families and 2,297 individuals.
From Humble Beginnings to a New Facility
In the early days, Neighbor’s operations were simple, with volunteers running the program from a small, donated space at Christ Church. Back then, the organization had no paid staff, and volunteers worked tirelessly to keep the office open and to sort through donated clothing. Over time, Neighbor expanded its services to include food assistance and eventually outgrew its original office, moving to a basement location to accommodate the growing demand.
In August 2022, Neighbor moved into a new, purpose-built facility that offers a stark contrast to its humble origins. This modern building, with its spacious layout and well-organized facilities, allows the organization to better serve the community’s needs. The building features a state-of-the-art food pantry, known as the “client choice” pantry, which allows clients to shop for their own groceries, using a point-based system instead of money.
Meeting Growing Needs
The food pantry, which started as a small emergency service, now serves as a major resource for local residents. Clients can select food items according to their family’s needs, with a focus on providing fresh and healthy options. Neighbor’s food assistance program was one of the first to implement the client-choice model in Connecticut, which has since been adopted by other communities.
The pantry is open to Greenwich residents who meet income guidelines, with families receiving enough food for three days each week. Families with school-aged children also receive additional food for the summer months when school is out. In addition to the pantry, Neighbor operates an emergency food service for those with immediate needs, offering one-time assistance and referrals to other support services.
Supporting Families Beyond Food
Neighbor’s services go beyond food. The second floor of the new building houses the Clothing and Essentials Room, where clients can access personal care products, cleaning supplies, and limited new clothing. This room is also stocked with essential household items like towels, sheets, and blankets.
As I toured the new facility, I was struck by the positive impact Neighbor To Neighbor has had on Greenwich. However, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that the organization’s growing success also highlights a continued need for services that shouldn’t exist. When I expressed my concerns to Brent Hill, he reassured me with a hopeful statement: “We’re fortunate to be here, but we don’t want to be here in another 50 years.”
This sentiment encapsulates Neighbor’s dedication to addressing short-term needs while working toward long-term solutions. The organization’s anniversary celebration is not just about reflecting on its past accomplishments but also about reaffirming its commitment to creating a community where such services are no longer needed.
Neighbor To Neighbor has made an incredible difference in the lives of many in Greenwich, and as it celebrates 50 years, it remains committed to its mission of serving those in need. However, its anniversary also serves as a reminder that a compassionate community can only truly thrive when everyone’s basic needs are met. We can only hope that, in another 50 years, the need for such services will be a thing of the past.
