Westport, CT - The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a new community partnership to inspire connection among residents of all ages through phone calls.
“Hello, Neighbor” was conceived by Westporter Navida Greifenberger, who recognized the value of conversation in the time of COVID-19 isolation, particularly as Westporters grapple with physical distancing and their natural instinct for social connection.
“I wanted to create a way for Westporters to connect and support one another because it became clear to me that the only way to combat loneliness is to engage with others,” said Greifenberger.
Selectwoman Melissa Kane enthusiastically connected the dots for the program, working with Greifenberger and the Department of Human Services to explore practical ways to inspire town-wide community involvement.
In partnership with DHS and the Westport Police Department, “Hello, Neighbor” has evolved into a social movement that invites participation from a cross-section of residents of all ages to foster connections that may not have otherwise been achieved.
“We are excited to have put together a program that doesn’t differentiate between the Volunteer and the beneficiary. Everyone wins when a connection is made, and our lives and our community become richer as a result of making new friends, mentors, and confidantes,” said Kane.
Greifenberger, who has also created a local COVID-19 Information Facebook group, hopes that “Hello, Neighbor” brings Westporters back to a time of personal connection before social media became the primary means of communication.
“The concept is simple; to create a phone network that offers a warm connection between caring neighbors,” said Greifenberger. “Social media is a wonderful and important tool for people to communicate, but it doesn’t compare to the comfort of hearing a voice at the end of the phone.”
Director of DHS Elaine Daignault said, “I think participants will get far more out of a weekly conversation with a neighbor than they may anticipate. It’s not so much about the content of the conversations but the impact ‘showing up’ for one another. Being present IS the present!”
She added, “In the absence of our active face-to-face community hubs, a program like “Hello, Neighbor” will be essential to our mental health in the days ahead.”
Organizers note that there is no differentiation between participants. They are providing a matching service for residents to safely reach out to another person who may share interests or hobbies but may not have otherwise had occasion to get to know each other. Social connections are essential to the health and wellbeing of the community. This program is accessible to everyone, so it is the ultimate leveler for those that may be limited in their ability to get out and volunteer.
“Hello, Neighbor” is excited to invite people to do their part and likely grow as a result. Greifenberger, Kane, and Daignault stress that volunteer participants don’t need any particular skill set to get involved. The only prerequisite is to complete the form and commit to establishing a mutually agreed upon call schedule with your matched neighbor.
Kane stated, “Westport is a community of caring, interesting, and resourceful people. The ‘Hello, Neighbor’ program offers us an opportunity to help each other. To reach out to combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness that many of us are experiencing and positively impact our community in countless ways.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER:
To Volunteer as a caller or recipient for the program, click here.
Questions?: Email helloneighbor@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5037
Westport. Caring. Community. Connection.
