Neighbors Together, formerly Tricounty Family Ministries, celebrates 40 years of serving the Lowcountry this year. The nonprofit has made some big changes in the past couple of years; this year it officially purchased the building from which it operates on the corner of Cosgrove and Rivers avenues, 2105 Cosgrove Avenue, and in 2021 the organization changed its name to Neighbors Together.
The name change is one that board of directors officer Erin Fisher said reflects the organization’s mission: “We wanted a name that was broader and really demonstrated the dignity that we want to provide to people we’re serving. ‘Neighbors’ encompassed that and really focused on the people right there in the community where we reside.”
As for the location? Well, it’s hard to underscore the importance of a consistent location for needs to be met — and with Neighbors Together located across from a busy bus station and near the Department of Social Services, the building on Cosgrove is easily accessible for people in need.
Fisher noted that the organization pays attention to who needs assistance and how they arrive; for example those who come on bus or by bike probably need a quick and easy way to transport goods. “It impacts the way we pack our groceries and how we bag things,” she said. “We need to be able to serve people who are somewhat transient.”
Last year, the nonprofit served 36,869 community members with services that range from meals to case management to rent and utility assistance.
In that same time period, Neighbors Together served meals to 31,946 visitors at the organization’s location at 2105 Cosgrove Ave. And while donations are always appreciated, Fisher said the organization could really use more volunteers, especially during lunch serving hours, Monday through Thursday.
Fisher said Neighbors Together welcomes families to volunteer; her 11-year-old daughter has helped run the entry table before. “It’s a very welcoming place and we love to have families. People can stock groceries, cook in the kitchen or help with our clothing area,” she said.
Neighbors Together hosts its annual holiday event, Christmas Together, on Dec. 16, which serves as a coat and holiday meal distribution event as well as a seasonal celebration, with food from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, live music, yard games and stockings for kids.
While most attendees pre-register for this particular event, the organization could still use donations of time, money and goods this holiday season — and year round. Head to Neighbors Together’s Amazon wishlist (accessible through its website) to see what some of the nonprofit’s top needs are.
Sign up to volunteer for kitchen prep, meal serving and grocery distribution online at neighborstogethersc.org.
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