 COMMUNITIES TOGETHER INC At Fort Washington Manor, a senior independent living community in Prince George’s County, something powerful happened this year: neighbors began truly seeing one another. Through Communities Together’s Neighbor Up program, residents participated in our Live, Love, and Learn Project—a Story Corps–inspired initiative that invited seniors to sit with one another, ask meaningful questions about life, and record their stories for future generations. The oral histories our residents shared helped achieve one of the Neighbor Up program’s goals: bringing neighbors together to get to know and appreciate each other. Over the course of ten months, as they progressed through the Neighbor Up program, 20 residents participated in interviews, sharing memories of love, loss, joy, struggle, and resilience. For many, this was the first time they were asked to reflect on their life story—and the first time someone truly listened. “You are giving me a chance to thank my mother for everything she did for us.” — Celestine, Fort Washington Manor resident For residents who often experience social isolation and limited family connections, the impact was profound. Social isolation is a primary cause of ill health among seniors. Participants in our Neighbor Up program described the experience as fulfilling and meaningful. They got to know neighbors they had lived alongside for years but never truly knew. Many asked for their recordings to be shared with family members—preserving stories they feared might otherwise be lost. Beyond storytelling, the project strengthened the entire community. Residents learned to trust one another with their stories, gained confidence communicating with their peers, and developed pride in both their individual and collective histories. This is the heart of Neighbor Up: supporting residents to build connections, gain agency, and work together to improve their community. Funded by the Prince George’s County Local Development Council and guided by the Communities Together staff, this project reminded residents of a simple but powerful truth: their lives and stories matter, and their voices belong at the center of community life. Your generosity makes programs like this possible. A year-end gift to Communities Together helps seniors feel seen, heard, and connected—and ensures that more residents can build community, reduce isolation, and lead change where they live. Will you make a gift today to help us continue investing in connection, dignity, and belonging? Give Here Thank you for believing in the power of neighbors—and the stories that bring them together. In appreciation, The Communities Together Team |
At Fort Washington Manor, a senior independent living community in Prince George’s County, something powerful happened this year: neighbors began truly seeing one another. Through Communities Together’s Neighbor Up program, residents participated in our Live, Love, and Learn Project—a Story Corps–inspired initiative that invited seniors to sit with one another, ask meaningful questions about life, and record their stories for future generations. The oral histories our residents shared helped achieve one of the Neighbor Up program’s goals: bringing neighbors together to get to know and appreciate each other. Over the course of ten months, as they progressed through the Neighbor Up program, 20 residents participated in interviews, sharing memories of love, loss, joy, struggle, and resilience. For many, this was the first time they were asked to reflect on their life story—and the first time someone truly listened. |
| “You are giving me a chance to thank my mother for everything she did for us.” — Celestine, Fort Washington Manor resident |
| For residents who often experience social isolation and limited family connections, the impact was profound. Social isolation is a primary cause of ill health among seniors. Participants in our Neighbor Up program described the experience as fulfilling and meaningful. They got to know neighbors they had lived alongside for years but never truly knew. Many asked for their recordings to be shared with family members—preserving stories they feared might otherwise be lost. Beyond storytelling, the project strengthened the entire community. Residents learned to trust one another with their stories, gained confidence communicating with their peers, and developed pride in both their individual and collective histories. This is the heart of Neighbor Up: supporting residents to build connections, gain agency, and work together to improve their community. Funded by the Prince George’s County Local Development Council and guided by the Communities Together staff, this project reminded residents of a simple but powerful truth: their lives and stories matter, and their voices belong at the center of community life. Your generosity makes programs like this possible. A year-end gift to Communities Together helps seniors feel seen, heard, and connected—and ensures that more residents can build community, reduce isolation, and lead change where they live. Will you make a gift today to help us continue investing in connection, dignity, and belonging? |
| Thank you for believing in the power of neighbors—and the stories that bring them together. In appreciation, The Communities Together Team |