Our Mission
Neighbor to Neighbor mission is to connect Washburn County residents, aged 60 and above, to compassionate volunteers and a network of business, organizations, and faith communities to help them to live independently in their homes.
Do you have a neighbor, friend, or family member who would appreciate a little extra help or companionship? If so, it's the perfect time to give them the gift of independence by telling them about Neighbor to Neighbor. We offer seniors services through our programs and connecting them to the information and resources they need.
Do you have a neighbor, friend, or family member who would appreciate a little extra help or companionship? If so, it's the perfect time to give them the gift of independence by telling them about Neighbor to Neighbor. We offer seniors services through our programs and connecting them to the information and resources they need.
Our Staff at Neighbor to Neighbor
Barbara Coulter - Program DirectorBarbara joined Neighbor to Neighbor in January 2020. She serves as manager and spokesperson for Neighbor to Neighbor, reporting to the Board of Directors, and with the Board of Directors, is responsible for ensuring that Neighbor to Neighbor program realizes its mission. Together with the Board of Directors and Program Director are accountable for the program's.
Jean Hanson - Service Coordinator
Jean joined Neighbor to Neighbor at the beginning of 2022. She assists with our food-related programs such as Grocery Grabbers, StockBoxes, and coordinating with our local food pantry.
Jean has lived in the Trego area for over 30 years. She enjoys spending time reading, fishing, snowshoeing, rockhounding, biking, camping, and being a good neighbor. Robin Mercier - Program CoordinatorRobin joined Neighbor to Neighbor April, 2022. She connects recipients with resources through our programs and community resources. She also provides additional administrative support for the director to help ensure consistency of programming.
Robin is originally from the area and returned when she retired from her career in Social Services and Education. She was once a participant of our program when she had a hip replacement and discovered the services Neighbor to Neighbor offered. When she healed, she sought out how to become a volunteer. She thoroughly enjoyed the relationships she developed volunteering and when a position arose with Neighbor to Neighbor, she applied. Kim Timmers - Media CoordinatorKim joined Neighbor to Neighbor in April, 2023. She designs and writes promotional material, and newsletter. She also maintains our Facebook Page and Neighbor to Neighbor website.
Kim grew up in the area and graduated from Spooner High School. Recently retired, she enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren and helping older adults so they can stay in their homes as long as it is safe. The Neighbor to Neighbor mission fits well with her values in helping connect people with resources to keep them living independently in their homes. |
Erin Grimes - Program CoordinatorErin joined Neighbor to Neighbor - FIA in April, 2023. She organizes activities and events for Sip and Swipe, volunteer gathering, Caring Cards, as well as Coffee and Connections.
Erin has lived in Spooner for over 25 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, and watching her beloved Chicago Cubs. |
The History of Neighbor to Neighbor - Faith in Action Programs
In 1984, twenty-five interfaith coalitions (congregations of churches, temples, and synagogues) began to experience the strength and effectiveness of working together in a ministry of volunteer caregiving. Aware of the great unmet needs of so many in our country, a national federation was formed with a single purpose: to assist congregations of all faiths to come together to provide an effective volunteer caregiving ministry. Today, there are about 1,000 Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver and Faith in Action projects throughout the United States, Washington DC, and the territories of Guam and the Virgin Islands. Start-up funds were provided through grants from The Robert Wood-Johnson Foundation.
The Background of Washburn County's Faith in Action - Neighbor to Neighbor Program
In 2018 Faith in Action Washburn County changed its name to FIA - Neighbor to Neighbor to reflect that we are inclusive to everyone regardless of age, race, disabilities, or religion.