Who We Are
The mission of Neighbor to Neighbor -FIA is to connect Washburn County residents who are aged 60 and above to compassionate volunteers and a network of businesses, organizations, and faith communities who are committed to supporting them.
We are a network of caring volunteers who assist seniors to live safely and independently with respect and dignity. We help Adults 60+ who require temporary or long-term assistance in Washburn County and cannot obtain or afford help elsewhere.
We are a network of caring volunteers who assist seniors to live safely and independently with respect and dignity. We help Adults 60+ who require temporary or long-term assistance in Washburn County and cannot obtain or afford help elsewhere.
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.
Our Staff
Office Hours 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Friday
(715) 635-2252
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Friday
(715) 635-2252
Barbara Coulter - Director
fiawashburndirector@gmail.com
Barbara joined Neighbor to Neighbor-FIA in January, 2020.
fiawashburndirector@gmail.com
Barbara joined Neighbor to Neighbor-FIA in January, 2020.
Jean Hanson - Service Coordinator
fiawashburn@gmail.com
Jean joined Neighbor to Neighbor-FIA at the beginning of 2022. She has lived in the Spooner/Trego area for 30 years. She enjoys spending time reading, fishing, walking, snowshoeing, rockhounding, biking, camping and being a good neighbor.
Jean assists with our food related programs such as Grocery Grabbers, StockBoxes and helping coordinate with our local Food Pantry.
fiawashburn@gmail.com
Jean joined Neighbor to Neighbor-FIA at the beginning of 2022. She has lived in the Spooner/Trego area for 30 years. She enjoys spending time reading, fishing, walking, snowshoeing, rockhounding, biking, camping and being a good neighbor.
Jean assists with our food related programs such as Grocery Grabbers, StockBoxes and helping coordinate with our local Food Pantry.
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 Neighbor to Neighbor Faith in Action Program
Audrey Gipple, then Director of the Washburn County Unit on Aging, noticed an increasing amount of unmet needs among seniors and disabled residents of the county. She contacted county churches and service agencies and applied for a $25,000 Robert Wood-Johnson Foundation grant. The grant was awarded May 1, 2004.
