NOVACO Good Neighbor program was inspired by our community partner churches and businesses looking for a way to help clients on an as-needed basis. Good Neighbor clients are victims of abuse who are living on their own and may need counseling, in-kind donations, tutors or mentors to work with them as they are now on their own. All are single parent households who have overcome their abuse and are working to stay self-sufficient. They are employed, paying their own rent and only in need of some assistance to help for a limited time.

Good Neighbor applications are accepted from other local transitional housing programs who have survivors of abuse, requesting extra support. Good Neighbor support includes:

• In-kind donations include:
• Furniture, house wares, kitchen items, bedding, clothing, vehicles, school supplies, computers or whatever the client family may need.
• Services include:
• Counseling, childcare assistance, paying utilities, offering grocery assistance, transportation including car repairs or money for gas.
• Good Neighbor clients may participate in Life Skills classes. Childcare and dinner provided. (This is not required)
• Tutoring or childcare support may also be requested.

Assistance may be one time, or for 6 - 12 months, depending on the need and situation. Good Neighbor assistance connects area faith groups or businesses with a client for in-kind support. NOVACO acts as a liaison working with clients to find their needs to stay independent and then matching those needs with volunteers or donations from the community.

There is no fee to the client for the Good Neighbor program. Referrals come from local transitional housing programs and social workers who support these clients regularly and know they are in temporary need of support and assistance.

Businesses or Faith communities interested in sponsoring a family one-on-one or for signing up to help with group projects or in-kind donations are very much needed! Sponsoring organizations are the key to these families and clients feeling successful. The opportunity to work with a family is just a short 4 hour training away.

NOVACO offers training at your location to prepare sponsors for this 6 - 12 month experience.

Mentors or tutors working one-on-one with families must participate in a background check, sign confidentiality forms and complete our DV & Good Neighbor training class. To be on our list of groups offering as needed in-kind donations, contact our Volunteer Manager at Volunteer@novaco.org. Ask to be listed on our Good Neighbor email loop!

Businesses, Faith Groups - Civic groups - To sponsor a Good Neighbor family, representatives should attend the next training - Saturday, February 19th, in Fairfax (see flier) and email Volunteer@novaco.org - ask to be a Good Neighbor sponsor!