![]() | What Neighbors Can DoA good neighborhood doesn’t just happen.It takes stewardship and a desire to form relationships to keep people on good terms and the neighborhood safe for families and kids. As a neighbor, you may not know the people next door or across the street as well as you might like, but your proximity to them makes you one of the closest people available when help is needed. Part of creating a good neighborhood—and a safe one—is getting to know the people living near you and looking out for one another. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to support parents and promote a safe neighborhood for children. |
Being surrounded by a positive community group can help children and families develop strong, nurturing relationships. This is important because having positive relationships helps counterbalance the negative effects on the brain and development that occur when a child experiences toxic stress caused by neglect or abuse. In turn, this increases the likelihood that children will be able to achieve their potential and become productive citizens. Here are some ways you can contribute to positive community groups and develop relationships in your community.
No single action makes a person a good neighbor—it’s a series of actions, big and small, that build a stable network between individuals and families in a given area. Here are examples of what you can do to build your neighborhood community.
There are many organizations in the community that need support or community participation. Here are a few examples:
Share resources with neighboring families who may need assistance—here are some options:
There are many ways that you can help advocate for the well-being of children and families, but here are some examples:
Learn how to support a survivor of abuse, neglect or domestic violence by checking out the resources at Lutheran Community Services.
If you believe domestic violence is occurring at a neighbor’s residence, you can find resources at YWCA or The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233.