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What is Neighbors Assisting Neighbors?
NAN is an all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3) organization that supports seniors who want to "age in place" in the context of the whole community. NAN also supports the intergenerational quality of life needs of all in Bannockburn. NAN accomplishes its mission through the following:
- Identifies needs and resources of the Bannockburn community
- Establishes a support network of block coordinators who take the pulse of neighbors in need and seek to connect them to resources
- Provides informational programs of interest to and in support of Bannockburn seniors
- Provides opportunities for elders to continue to actively contribute to their community
- Builds relationships and seeks mutually beneficial opportunities with like-minded groups and resources in the region (e.g., Burning Tree, Cabin John "Villages," Fox Hill programs, Washington Area Villages federation of "Villages" etc.)
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When did NAN begin and who started it?
In late 2007 Bob and Helen Pelikan, two Bannockburn senior residents, found that health issues were temporarily limiting their ability to handle tasks needed to maintain their independence and home. They were gifted by caring neighbors who provided meals, took out trash, shopped and sent positive energy for healing. They wondered if others in Bannockburn might have similar needs and welcome support in order to stay in their homes. Miriam Kelty was the first of several neighbors to respond positively and together they formed NAN, filed for and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization in 2009. NAN is also approved for offering community service learning credits to Montgomery County Schools.
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What kind of support does NAN provide?
NAN is prepared to assist neighbors who need transportation, errands, equipment loans, household organization, help with chores or those who would enjoy a social visit with neighbors. Needs may be short-term or long-term and do not have to be related to illness. NAN will also try to refer people to resources when the need extends beyond what NAN volunteers can provide.
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What has NAN accomplished specifically to date?
Services
- Conducted a Bannockburn community needs & resources survey resulting in a 40% response rate.
- Distributed resource directories to Bannockburn residents.
- Created and coordinated home safety inspections in partnership with Glen Echo Fire Department, through which a significant number of smoke detectors were installed/replaced at no charge to residents.
- Provided rides to seniors as needed or on a regular basis.
- Helped with household chores (changing bulbs, washers, be present if a professional repair person is needed).
- Lent equipment from canes to crutches to baby seats
Programs / Events
- Hosted an October 2009 senior social at the Clubhouse.
- Organized a November 2009 panel discussion about being a widow/widower.
- Piloted a first year (early 2010) and launched a second year (late 2010) of the Wise Elder Project, pairing six students and six elders over three months to build a mentor relationship and produce an oral history.
- Hosted an October 2010 container gardening session led by master gardener and long-term Bannockburner, Liz Hofmeister.
- Hosted a November 2010 Session on aging and memory led by speech specialist and resident Alice deMarco.
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How can I request or offer assistance?
A family or person requesting assistance can do so in one of two ways (from the most public to the most private):
- Post a message to the Bannockburn listserv that states your request. This informal method is surprisingly effective. The Bannockburn listserv is not a project of NAN, but NAN benefits from it greatly. For information on how to subscribe, visit the Bannockburn Community Website
- Fill out a NAN information form either online at NAN Survey or obtain a print copy from (and return it completed to) your block coordinator or NAN board member. A block coordinator will then work with you to identify an appropriate volunteer.
If you need assistance right away (that is not of a 911 emergency nature), please call Miriam Kelty or JoAnn Krecke.
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What is the geographical area covered by NAN?
NAN's working boundaries include all households listed in the street listing and map of the Bannockburn Directory. This includes about 450 households.
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What is the age distribution within Bannockburn?
According to the 2008/9 surveys, households with residents in various age groups are:
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What types of services/support can B'burners provide?
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Lend equipment |
31 households |
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Do friendly visiting |
67 households |
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Provide transportation |
71 households |
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Run errands |
101 households |
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Communication help |
62 households |
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Provide kitchen help |
38 households |
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How does NAN engage with like-minded organizations and groups in the region?
Montgomery County, the Bethesda Regional Senior Services Center and the Montgomery County Committee on Aging have an interest in "aging in place" and the village model of support for seniors. There have been several meetings on the "village" concept, on other issues concerning seniors. The county hosts a web site dedicated to Senior Services and Senior Resources. NAN regularly participates in regional Villages meetings, Board members meet with other groups interested in forming senior-centered organizations and that could benefit from NAN's experience. NAN's suggestions to the county have included:
- provide umbrella liability insurance for volunteers
- coordinate a call center and website that those needing assistance could contact to be matched with a volunteer from their community
- develop templates for legal documents
- develop a web site to communicate with neighborhood groups.
Subsequently, the County, because of financial constraints, implemented only the last of the above recommendations. NAN also met with Fox Hill, a local senior living facility and was invited to join in their public programs. The Montgomery County Commission on Aging produced a summer study paper on Aging in Place and is interested in NAN as an example of the village model. The Commission has asked for a copy of NAN's annual reports. The county has sponsored preparation of a Village Blueprint available at the above web site.
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How is NAN structured?
NAN is incorporated in Maryland as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation run by a volunteer board and supported by a network of block coordinators and other volunteers. Montgomery County is actively encouraging organizations like NAN and views us as a model for other neighborhoods. About 30 neighborhoods are organizing, but we are among the few that is intergenerational, requires no dues and is all volunteer.
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Who is on the board?
Current board members include:
Miriam Kelty, President
Steve Baldwin, Vice President
Doris Brody, Secretary
Richard "Dick" Ramsey, Treasurer
Wise Elder, Project Coordinator
JoAnn Krecke, Coordinator of Block Coordinators
Jillaine Smith
Lynn Springer
Board members serve staggered terms. We welcome nominations of interested neighbors to become involved with NAN and serve on the board.
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What is a Block Coordinator (BC) and how can I find the BC for our block?
A block coordinator is a volunteer who is a point of contact for people requesting or offering assistance. The block coordinator is sensitive to and keeps tabs on what's happening on the block. To contact a block coordinator please contact Miriam Kelty - (keltym@verizon.net / 301-229-5639) or JoAnn Krecke
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How can I get involved with or otherwise support NAN?
There are several ways to participate with NAN:
- Volunteer to be a block coordinator if your block does not yet have one. See next section.
- Fill out the NAN information form at NAN Survey, indicating those areas where you can help most.
- Organize a special event—either on a topic about which you know, or putting NAN in touch with someone you know who might speak on a particular topic.
- Host a NAN potluck or tea party at your home or at the Clubhouse.
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I'm interested in serving as a block coordinator; what would be expected of me in such a role?
Specific duties include:
- Distribute the annual survey and coordinate its collection.
- Compile and maintain a list of names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of residents in the BC's block. Note those residents over 80 years old and those in need of special services.
- Recognizing that most people are not comfortable asking for help, gently and respectfully inquire into/explore the status of older or less-abled Bannockburners.
- Coordinate volunteers offering help with those neighbors requesting assistance.
- Participate in an annual all-block coordinator meeting/workshop.
- Communicate neighborhood needs in a timely way with NAN board members and other block coordinators regularly through a listserv (?)
- Communicate to appropriate B'burners:
We ask BCs to commit to a one-year term, which is renewable.
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Do you know who your Block Coordinator is?
Block coordinators are the key "connectors" of Neighbors Assisting Neighbors. They help us track who's moved in, who's moved out, who's in need, and who may have something to contribute. Are you in need of support? Can you volunteer or otherwise contribute help? Please let your block coordinator know.
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