Rest Stops Need Neighborhoods and Neighborhoods Need Rest Stops

Dan and Nancy live about a block and a half from Nightingale. What began for them as a brief chat with Nathan and Tracy as they walked their dog past Nightingale has grown into a strong commitment to helping their neighbors. In those days of uncertainty when Covid hit, Dan came up with the idea of providing meals to Nightingale residents. It seemed a perfect way for them to engage with their new friends, since Dan likes to cook and Covid had forced them to become home bodies. For the past two years they have provided a wholesome home-cooked meal every other Wednesday to roughly 20 people, which they deliver to the camp, ready to eat. Dan says “we think it’s important to provide a hand up rather than a handout.”

Nancy describes Nightingale as “fine neighbors with whom they have a great relationship.” What’s more, she and Dan feel that they get more out of their bi-monthly meal preparation and delivery than the residents do. We doubt the residents would agree.