Looking Ahead

Dear Friends:

The board of directors and the leadership staff of Neighbor to Neighbor went on retreat on Friday March 8 to examine our vision, confirm our direction and renew our commitment to our mission of "Building community vitality with individuals and families by providing resources for independent living."

As the result of the unsettled economy and the aftermath of the September tragedies, we experienced a dramatic decline in revenue. So, we took this opportunity to reflect on the services we bring to our neighbors and the community and knew that we must sharpen our focus and better define our most distinctive competencies.

Several important trends in the Twin Cities make the news on a regular basis. First, the supply of housing simply is not keeping up with the population growth and the crisis is most challenging for those with the lowest income. Neighbor to Neighbor has been helping families who haven't had good housing get and retain stable, safe and affordable housing since 1994. Our program won a national "Best Practices" award from HUD in 2000. It is one of our distinctive competencies and will be a focus area for program growth.

Second, federal and state policies have been moving in the direction of having community based non-profit organizations provide a greater share of human services. Since 1991, Neighbor to Neighbor has been providing services to families at risk of neglect and abuse that are referred from Ramsey County. Our record of reduced reports of neglect and abuse is over 75%. This too is a distinctive competency and an area we expect to grow substantially.

Third, our population is changing as the "baby boom" ages. Along with longevity come challenges to independence for older members of our communities. Neighbor to Neighbor has been providing supportive services to help at-risk elders remain in their own homes for nearly three decades. Our referrals are increasing steadily, a testimony to this distinctive competence.

Today, we are committed to that sharper focus and we are inviting you to join us in building on our strengths in service to our communities. Please give generously as a neighbor reaching out to help a neighbor with both your monetary contribution and your volunteer time.

From all of us on the board and staff,

Thank You.
John