Our Story

It started with a phone call.

When Arkia Wade, a Turner Station resident and lifelong community servant, picked up the phone and heard an older neighbor's voice on the other end, the request was simple: could someone take her to a doctor's appointment?

Arkia said yes without hesitation.

What she didn't know was that this woman had already canceled that appointment, not once, but multiple times. Not because she didn't want to go. But because she had run out of options. No ride. No one to call. Nowhere to turn.

That one phone call changed everything.

Out of that single moment of need and one person's willingness to show up, Neighborhood Companions, Inc. was born.

Today, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving adults aged 60 and older across Dundalk, Turner Station, and greater Baltimore County (zip codes 21219–21224). We provide the kind of support that makes the difference between a senior staying connected to their community and slipping into isolation: friendly visits, transportation assistance, companionship, and so much more.

But our roots run even deeper than that first phone call.

Turner Station holds a special place in our hearts. It is one of the few remaining intact African American communities established in Baltimore County in the years after the Civil War and through the era of segregation, a community that has survived, persisted, and thrived through generations of resilience. Our founder's grandfather, Dr. William C. Wade, served as a physician in Turner Station for over 40 years, caring for his neighbors when few others would.

Neighborhood Companions carries his legacy forward, one visit, one ride, one phone call at a time.

Because here's what we know: there are seniors in our community right now who are sitting by the phone, hoping someone will call. Who has canceled appointments they need. Who has gone days without a real conversation. Who needs someone to show up.

Your gift to Neighborhood Companions means we can answer that call.

Every dollar you give goes directly toward connecting isolated seniors with compassionate volunteers who offer not just assistance, but a genuine connection. You're not just funding a program. You're telling an older neighbor: you are not forgotten. You matter. Someone is coming.

It started with one phone call.

With your support, we can answer many more!

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 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 materials to reach more seniors

$25 — Helps with volunteer and internship splendid and appreciation

$50 — Supplies for one B.R.A.I.N Memory Cafe or senior social event

$100 —Supplies and decorations for one Second Sunday Supper

$500 — Help us reach more seniors through senior social events

$1,000 — Helps to support our staff

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!

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