By Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation is pleased to welcome Neighbor to Neighbor (NtN), to our Grantee Blog. This year, NtN honored its 50th anniversary of strengthening the Greenwich, Connecticut, community by providing access to nutritious food, clothing, and other essentials in an atmosphere of kindness and respect.
Courtesy of Neighbor to Neighbor
As we honor 50 years of service at Neighbor to Neighbor (NtN), we find ourselves reflecting on a journey that has been both dynamic and steadfast in its commitment to meeting the needs of our community. Half a century ago in a small basement space, we started collecting gently used clothing for those in need. Today, our mission has grown and now provides clothing, food, and other essential items from our very own facility.
This evolution in service is a testament to the power of truly knowing your neighbor. It is through understanding their struggles, celebrating their successes, and finding a way forward together that we can provide meaningful support. This connection is our community’s superpower—a force that enables us to care for one another in profound ways.
The challenges faced by many of our residents are significant. According to the Connecticut United Way’s 2020 ALICE Report, 28% of our neighbors live below the federal poverty guideline or are considered “working poor.” High rents, job insecurity, and reductions in SNAP benefits are barriers that many in our community confront daily.
In response, we established a “Client Choice” food pantry to create greater hunger-relief impact. Designed to empower our clients, this pantry allows individuals to select food for themselves and their families from a diverse and healthy array of options, much like a small grocery store. This approach aims to honor the cultural, religious, personal, and dietary preferences of each individual. As one of the first client-choice pantries in Connecticut, we are honored that our model has inspired neighboring towns.
Our Clothing & Essentials Program further extends this philosophy, providing Greenwich residents with essential clothing items, personal care products, and household necessities. Through these thoughtful services, we not only address immediate needs but also build a community rooted in compassion and understanding for the many stages of life our clients are in.
Reflecting on our 50-year journey would be incomplete without acknowledging the incredible contributions of our volunteers. From students to individuals from local businesses, our volunteers are the driving force behind our mission. Their friendly presence is essential to maintaining the atmosphere of kindness and respect that our neighbors have come to know and love.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our mission and expand our programs to meet the evolving needs of our community. Our vision is one where every resident has access to the essentials they need to thrive, supported by a community that stands together and, by truly knowing their neighbors, create a brighter future for all.
About Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor strengthens the Greenwich community by providing access to nutritious food, clothing, and other essentials in an atmosphere of kindness and respect. We envision a caring community where everyone has access to nutritious food, clothing, and other essentials.
Learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor on our website: ntngreenwich.org.