Our Mission
GNG strengthens communities by creating, sharing and supporting opportunities that have a positive social and environmental impact.
How We Began
Good Neighbors Group, now a 501c3, came together initially in 2006 through conversations among three women about both the need and abundance in their community.
What We Do
Where We're Going
Executive Director
Julie Shay
“Good Neighbors allows me to help grow a community of people and partners who value and prioritize caring for one another and our environment. “
Board Of Directors
...and why they are committed to GNG
Mike Vakas, GNG-Eastern Shore
“So I can make our Maryland community better than I found it“.
Christine Joyce
“I think making the world a better place is just in my DNA. The mission and partnerships with GNG allow me to help where it really matters. If I can do my part to make our community a better more sustainable place to live, that makes me happy“.
Debra Saltz
“I’m proud to join Good Neighbors Group to help bridge the gap between community need and local abundance. I believe in the power of ‘neighbor-led’ success and am excited to contribute to a more thoughtful, sustainable community“.
Wendy Preslan
“Good Neighbors Group is what was missing from being able to truly do the work that I had envisioned for Stitches of Kindness. Building stronger more sustainable communities is a common goal we both have and I am excited for all the amazing possibilities.“
Recent Past Board Members
Chris Myers
Margaret Hardy
Volunteers
...and why they volunteer to help GNG
Deb Hoffman,
Blood Drive Organizer
“The best part about GNG is to join, all you need is a heart. Neighbors helping neighbors. It’s a simple concept that has had an enormous impact in our community.“
Robin Ward,
Graphic Designer
“I’ve always been someone who feels great joy when helping and giving to others and volunteering with GNG is a natural extension of that. As a single mom of a daughter with cerebral palsy, it’s my life’s mission to make every day the best it can be for her. “
Lynda Wilkinson,
Blood Drive Organizer
“Good Neighbors’ role as liaison makes so much sense; collaborating with other organizations benefits everyone.“
Kathie Hamlett,
S(o)uper Bowl Coordinator
“The GNG offers many different opportunities and ways to volunteer to meet anyone’s availability and ability. I love the people that I get to meet when volunteering. Volunteering offers a tangible way to make a troubled world a better place.”
Susan Painter,
Social Media Manager
“I just think that everyone thinks of environmental and societal change as being monstrously huge or someone else’s worry but…I think it starts with each of us doing what we can.”
Roger Moss,
Website Developer
“Love doing what I do even more when it is working on websites and helping my community at the same time.“
Susan Minnemeyer,
Rogue Gardeners lead
“Good Neighbors helps strengthen our connection to nature in our neighborhoods, at local businesses and in our community.“