So Many Individuals are without Family
There are many people who are no longer connected to their birth family, whether because of dysfunction, estrangement, loss or other reasons. As humans, we need connection, yet often when the connection to our family of origin is lost, we look to others closeby to create that bond… our neighbors.
Neighbors as Family, a non-profit organization, helps to make those connections.
Our vision is simple:
Because of neighbors, no one has to be without a family.
A Real Non-profit Inspired by Fiction
The Neighbors as Family concept is introduced by Skyler, the protagonist in the contemporary fiction novel, A Walk Down Rushville, written by author Barbara Burton. Skyler faced depression, loneliness, and estrangement from her family of origin but finds love, acceptance, and connection with the neighbors around her.
The character’s journey inspired Barbara to make the organization real.
“The NAF concept came to me in a dream while I was writing the book. I wanted my character to be able to make a difference in the world, to make a contribution in some way. As she moved away from depression and grief and embraced the love of her neighbors around her, the idea came to her that an organization could encourage those without a family to connect with neighbors—thus, the concept was born in the story. Then, I made a decision to make it real and establish a nonprofit.”
The Novel that Started It All
A Walk Down Rushville is a book that explores the meaning of family—both the family of origin and the “adopted or created” family. It’s the story of one woman’s journey to free herself from the pain of her abusive birth family and embrace the love and support of neighbors—her ‘adopted family.’
Separation from family is a sad reality. On the west coast alone, only half the adult population live near their extended families. The result for many is loneliness, now considered a disease that contributes to health issues. A Walk Down Rushville, set in California, North Carolina, and Italy, follows forty-nine year-old Skyler as she deals with loneliness, separation from loved ones, redefining the meaning of family, and recreating a support system based on love.
Skyler is a reclusive, lonely and depressed woman living in a small home in southern California. She takes walks with her black lab at night to find peace and clarity and to escape thoughts of her abusive family and the death of her husband. One late night, during her regular walk down Rushville Street, she observes a murder in progress. Her life takes a turn when she looks into the eyes of the assailant.
Skyler’s “walk”
parallels many of our own…
Including the author herself.
When I was a child living in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Saturdays were very special to me. At age five, while my parents slumbered till ten, I woke up early, ran out the back door, and headed down a small path to our neighbor’s house. I could smell the bacon within a few steps. In less than a minute, I was standing outside the screen door to their kitchen, staring inside.
They turned to me without surprise as I said what I always said, “I’m starved.” Mary Jo opened the door, picked me up in her arms, put me in the captain’s chair at the head of the table, and fixed me a special plate of bacon, eggs, and toast. The food was delicious but the love served up at that table would remain in my heart forever. That was my first experience of “neighbors as family” but not the last.
Neighbors have always been important to me, and to this day, many of my best friends live within blocks of my home. I met them during walks, talking across the fence, or getting the mail. I still long for the connection to my family of origin, many of whom have passed, and I miss my only sister who lives across the country. But my heart is warmed by the presence of my adopted or created family—the neighbors and the friends I’ve met.
When I was a child living in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Saturdays were very special to me. At age five, while my parents slumbered till ten, I woke up early, ran out the back door, and headed down a small path to our neighbor’s house. I could smell the bacon within a few steps. In less than a minute, I was standing outside the screen door to their kitchen, staring inside.
They turned to me without surprise as I said what I always said, “I’m starved.” Mary Jo opened the door, picked me up in her arms, put me in the captain’s chair at the head of the table, and fixed me a special plate of bacon, eggs, and toast. The food was delicious but the love served up at that table would remain in my heart forever. That was my first experience of “neighbors as family” but not the last.
Neighbors have always been important to me, and to this day, many of my best friends live within blocks of my home. I met them during walks, talking across the fence, or getting the mail. I still long for the connection to my family of origin, many of whom have passed, and I miss my only sister who lives across the country. But my heart is warmed by the presence of my adopted or created family—the neighbors and the friends I’ve met.
Three things inspired me to write this book. First, the love and support of my family of origin and my grandmother. I couldn’t have had a better childhood and felt love around the dinner table. Second, the love and support of my beloved husband Roy. Finally, the support of my neighbors and friends. They filled a missing piece in my heart when my family was gone or unavailable. They became my “second” or “adopted family.”
How to Get Involved…
Tell us your story!
How did your neighbor become family? How did you meet? What was the initial conversation? Who initiated the connection? How has the relationship changed you?
Use the form below to submit your story!
Make a Donation!
While we establish our online donation capabilities, if you’d like to make a monetary donation or would like to inquire more about getting involved, please contact founder, Barbara Burton at [email protected].
The mission of NAF is to connect people who are alone and without family to their neighbors, who desire to connect and provide love to these individuals. There are too many people among us—many in our own neighborhoods– who are alone and without family. My desire is the bridge that gap and provide a vehicle for neighbors to reach out to these individuals. There are many types of families: our family of origin, our families of marriage or partnerships, our families of friends, and our “neighbors as family.” My vision is to create an organization that closes the door of loneliness for individuals and opens the door to love, through a connection with neighbors. NAF will offer a way to create a new family where there was none—among caring and loving neighbors.
With this vision and mission, we are currently in the process of completing the establishment of the non-profit. The future is yet to be determined, however, we are considering an online community, a book, a documentary and possibly community events.
Your contribution is greatly appreciated and with your form submission,
we’ll be sure to keep in touch as the organization develops and grows.
All submissions are confidential. If your story is chosen to be used in any of our upcoming publications or outreach programs, we will contact you.
Copyright © 2024, Neighbors As Family / Barbara Burton ~ All Rights Reserved
Neighbors As Family is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law. EIN# 99-4436350