Neighborhood Companions Inc

Our mission is to empower older adults in our community, fostering independence, dignity, and joyful living. We are a beacon of hope, by “creating a village” that loves and supports our neighbors. Neighborhood Companions Inc is an organization that “moves at the speed of trust” because we believe that trust is the foundation of all relationships.

Our vision: Every older adult in our community can live independently, and feel safe, valued, and loved.

Our Story

It started with a phone call.

When Arkia Wade, a Turner Station resident and lifelong community servant, received a call from an older neighbor asking for a simple ride to a doctor's appointment, she said yes without hesitation. What she didn't know was that this woman had already canceled that appointment multiple times. She had simply run out of options.That moment became Neighborhood Companions, Inc.

Today, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving adults aged 60 and older across Dundalk, Turner Station, and greater Baltimore County (zip codes 21219-21224). Turner Station holds a special place in our hearts, it is one of the few remaining intact African American communities established in Baltimore County after the Civil War and during segregation. Our founder's grandfather, Dr. William C. Wade, served as a physician in this community for over 40 years. We carry his legacy of service forward.

Our free, volunteer-powered services include:

Transportation ~ Safe, reliable rides to medical appointments and errands

Companionship ~ One-on-one friendly visits for seniors facing isolation

Second Sunday Suppers ~ A free, warm meal and community fellowship every 2nd Sunday of the month

B.R.A.I.N. (Building Resilient Aging Inclusive Neighborhoods) Memory Cafes ~ Brain health discussions & workshops, tai-chi and creative engagement activities

Senior Socials ~ Themed events including bingo nights, paint-and-sips, and more

A few testimonials:

"Thank you for a delicious meal and the opportunity to fellowship with some amazing seniors." -Juanita Barnett, NCI event attendee

"I have been to 2 of the 3 events held thus far and truly enjoyed the food, fun, and fellowship." -Valerie Winston, NCI event attendee

Our goal: $1,000 in 30 days

Every dollar goes directly toward our programs:

Transportation
Volunteer appreciation efforts (splendid)
Second Sunday Supper Caterter
Event supplies and decorations
Entertainment (jazz quartet)
B.R.A.I.N Memory Cafes
Senior Socials
Outreach to seniors who don't yet know we exist

Just 20 people giving $50 each gets us there. Can you be one of them?

Your gift makes this possible:

$10 — helps cover printed outreach materials to reach more seniors

$25 — gas reimbursement for a volunteer driver's monthly rides

$50 — supplies for one Sunday Supper or senior social event

$100 — one month of companionship for an isolated senior

$250 — helps us reach brand-new seniors who need us most

Arkia left a 23-year healthcare career on Juneteenth 2023 to build this organization full time. Trusted supporters including Kaiser Permanente and the Maryland Department of Aging have recognized our work. But it is neighbors like you who make it all possible.

Donate today. Help us answer the next phone call!

neighborhoodcompanions.org | 443-376-7102 | director@ncompanion.org

It Started With One Phone Call. Help Us Answer Many More!

By Neighborhood Companions Inc

It Started With One Phone Call. Help Us Answer Many More!

Join us in raising $1,000 in 30 days, for seniors in Dundalk and Turner Station age at home with dignity, connection, and community.