Who We Are
Mission:
Neighbors In Need is a private, non-profit agency in Lawrence, MA. For over 22 years Neighbors In Need has fed the hungry in Lawrence without question or means testing. Our mission is to fulfill the needs of our clients with respect and dignity. All food, formula, diapers, clothing and household items are provided free of charge to those who request them.
Neighbors In Need serves at-risk families and youth in Greater Lawrence by providing food, diapers, formula, clothing and other necessities. We work with our clients to be sure that they are accessing appropriate services including food stamps and WIC, make referrals when appropriate and counsel families as they strive to become self-sufficient.
People in Lawrence are struggling every day just to get by. 40% of children living in the city of Lawrence do not have enough to eat. Almost a quarter of the population of Lawrence lives below the poverty level, including 32% of the children under 18.
Low-wage workers holding down two jobs are forced to make impossible choices between feeding their family, paying the rent, and obtaining decent medical care. For too many, the fight against hunger is a constant ongoing struggle. It undermines their productivity, their earning power, and even their health. It keeps their children from concentrating and learning in school.
History:
Neighbors In Need was founded in 1983 to provide food to needy families in the Greater Lawrence Area under the sponsorship of Rudolf Canon Devik, Rector of Grace Church in Lawrence. Two food pantries were opened the first year with more added as the organization grew. Since its founding in 1983, Neighbors In Need has been a faith-based community organization relying heavily on area churches for support.
Today, Neighbors In Need serves 350 families per week in eight food pantries throughout Lawrence and Methuen. The Infant in Need Program provides baby formula and diapers for at-risk children. The Adopt-A-Family Program provides holiday meals and gifts. Neighbors In Need distributes clothing and household items donated by individuals, schools and local corporations.
Facilities:
Office space is rented at 95 East Haverhill Street in Lawrence. The 450 square foot basement is used to store, sort and package diapers and formula for the Infants In Need program, and clothing for the Clothes Bin program.
Neighbors In Need maintains a 1,200 square foot warehouse in Andover where we store, sort and repackage the food donations. The warehouse has an 8 ft. x 8 ft. walk-in freezer and refrigerator. Food is separated into major food groups and stored for future repackaging and delivery to the food pantries. Eight institutions donate space for the weekly food pantries.
Community Partners:
Since its founding in 1983, Neighbors In Need has been a faith-based community organization relying heavily on area churches for support. Neighbors In Need works closely with area churches, the Greater Lawrence Council of Churches, Pike School, Phillips Academy, Merrimack College, public schools in Lawrence, Andover, Methuen, North Andover, corporations, and civic organizations who have food drives to support our mission. Many are financial contributors as well. Lazarus House has shared fresh produce weekly this summer. Donated food, clothing, diapers and baby goods are picked up by the Neighbors In Need van from these generous organizations. These supporters donated 44% of food distributed by Neighbors In Need in 2003.