Neighbors Helping Neighbors was established in 1999 as a way for Henrico County residents to support their neighbors in Woodman West and Hope Village Apartments, two local Section 8 public housing complexes. Leslie Baker and Amy Foy, who participated in the program for years, took the helm about eight years ago and expanded the program to include literacy promotion along with Christmas gift assistance. They established an official nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) and renamed the organization, Glen Allen Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The mission is to provide literacy support and educational materials throughout the year as well as support parents with gift purchases for their children during the Christmas season.
Each Christmas season, with the help of 50-60 volunteers and around 200 sponsors, the program serves approximately 350 children in about 150 families. In addition to the Christmas program, GANHN collects games and books throughout the year and provides a fall and spring activity fair for the communities. GANHN’s Christmas and seasonal activity fairs allow for families to feel the love and support of a community while promoting education and wellness. Leslie and Amy have always shared a vision of involving their family in local service and GANHN has been a wonderful way to serve locally and see the value of communities supporting one another.
Leslie and Amy have been friends for almost 20 years and share a lot in common. They have both been married for more than two decades, have three children, and are individual business owners. Leslie is an educator, married to Dan, and owns LB Educational Services which provides high school juniors and seniors with test prep coaching for college entrance exams and assistance with the college application process. Amy is a pediatric nurse practitioner, married to Randy, and owns Clarity Health Solutions, a pediatric behavioral and mental health practice. Leslie and Amy value the family unit and recognize the importance of community.