Neighbor Brigade is a non-profit organization that specializes in mobilizing networks of volunteers to assist residents who are facing sudden crises and need help with day-to-day tasks. Founded by Pam Manikas Washek, a tireless advocate for families in crisis, Neighbor Brigade continues to carry out her mission and services even after her passing in 2012. The organization was initially established as the Wayland Angels by Pam and Jean Seiden, both cancer survivors who wanted to pay forward the kindness they received during their own cancer treatments.

In 2010, Wayland Angels transitioned into Neighbor Brigade. Neighbor Brigade values diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to their mission and aims to provide inclusive services to diverse neighbors across their chapter communities. They are committed to closing the gap in equitable access to health and crisis resources, recognizing the impact it has on individual health outcomes.

The organization is dedicated to continuous improvement and is actively working on deepening their understanding of inclusivity, diversity, and equity within their staff, board, and volunteer leader roles. By fostering a more inclusive and diverse approach, Neighbor Brigade aims to be better equipped to serve their communities. To accomplish this, they are exploring and dismantling any inequities within their policies, systems, programs, and services.

Neighbor Brigade also encourages transparent communication, advocates for diverse leadership, and promotes respectful and accepting interactions among employees. Their primary focus is on engaging with clients, addressing their needs, and ensuring that relevant accommodations based on culture, race, language, gender identification, cognitive and physical abilities, age, and religion are understood and met. Neighbor Brigade welcomes thoughts and ideas from the community on how to further their work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For more information, you can contact Neighbor Brigade through their email or visit their website