What is Neighbors Assisting Neighbors?
NAN is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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 direct help by connecting volunteers who assist neighbors who request assistance
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., the 8 Bethesda area "Villages," Fox Hill programs, Washington Area Villages Exchange, etc.)
What kind of support does NAN provide?
NAN is prepared to assist neighbors who need transportation, errands, equipment loans, household organization, help with chores, communication devices and other technology, and meals when needed. NAN encourages social interaction at community events, book clubs, and arranges trips, and monthly educational/social programs. NAN volunteers do social visiting with neighbors, particularly those who are homebound. These kinds of help reflect what the community said it wanted in response to a survey conducted in 2008/2009 and later in community meetings.
Needs may be short-term or long-term and do not have to be related to illness. When needs extend beyond what volunteers can provide, NAN refers people to other resources.
How does NAN provide these services or assistance?
NAN is an all-volunteer neighborhood group. We are a charitable organization, have no paid employees, no assets (other than donations which of course are welcome), receive no fees and basically neighbors put neighbors in touch with other neighbors who are willing to provide assistance, or pass out things like walkers, bath seats, etc., and give advice on how to access services provided by the County or others. We also provide social contact so those who need assistance don't feel alone.
We do our best but can't be responsible for how things lent or donated by neighbors work or how rides offered by volunteers work. If they don't fit what's needed we work together to try to find the best solution.
To be eligible to receive transportation from a volunteer driver you need to provide information that includes name, address and any specifics that you think the driver needs to know. For example, if you use an assistive device, the driver will need to know in order to judge whether (s)he can handle it.
Interested in volunteering? Visit our Volunteer page.
In need of services? Visit our Accessing Services page.
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.
What has NAN accomplished specifically to date? How does NAN engage with like-minded organizations and groups in the region?
The 2019-2020 NAN Annual Report and the 2018 NAN Annual Report show the recent accomplishments and activities. Earlier annual reports are available in our documents page.
Montgomery County, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Senior Services Center and the Montgomery County Commission on Aging have an interest in "aging in place" and the Village model of support for seniors.
Montgomery County hosts a web site with services and resources for seniors.
NAN regularly participates in regional Village meetings, such as Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE), a group of the approximately 40 operating and emerging Villages in the DC area.
Miriam Kelty, the President of NAN, is currently the President Emerita of WAVE, a member of the Montgomery County Commission on Aging, and of the Adult Protective Services Guardianship Review Board.
During 2013, NAN participated in a study of Senior Villages in Montgomery County that made several recommendations that have been implemented.
A full-time Mobility Coordinator has been hired by Montgomery County.
Montgomery County has hired a Village Coordinator who assists emerging and operating Villages.
NAN is participating in the grant-funded Village Rides program, administered by the Jewish Council on Aging. This program coordinates transportation for operating Villages, including Bannockburn.
How is NAN structured? Who is on the Board?
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 40 neighborhoods have villages. We are among those that are intergenerational, require no dues and are all volunteer managed.
Board members serve staggered terms. We welcome nominations of interested neighbors to serve on the board. If you are interested in attending a Board meeting to see how we operate, just let a Board member know and s/he will arrange an invitation for you.
Visit our Governance page for current board information