Friends Of Nathaniel Witherell: Supporting a Greenwich Treasure
If you’ve ever had a loved one at the Witherell or visited our beautiful campus, you’ve probably seen the imprint of the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell—the charitable group that raises funds to benefit our residents’ lives.
Funds raised by the Friends touch every corner of our facility, and we’re tremendously grateful for their tireless dedication to Greenwich senior citizens.
Maybe you recovered from an injury in our state-of-the-art short-term rehabilitation facility. Or, you attended a birthday celebration or special event, or spent time in our blooming Friendship Garden in spring. Whatever your experience, chances are the Friends have played a role in enhancing it.
Recently we spoke with Scott Neff, Executive Director of the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell, to find out more about this inspiring group of Greenwich volunteers.
Q: When was the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell established? What is its primary goal?
The Friends of Nathaniel Witherell (FNW) was established in 2007 to raise funds to support The Witherell and enhance the quality of life for its residents. So many Witherell residents have lived and worked in Greenwich – our nurses, first responders, teachers, family members—we felt it was important to do what we could to add to the programs here to make their experience that much better.
Q: What are the most significant achievements of the Friends?
Since the FNW began fundraising in 2007 as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, we’ve raised more than $7.5 million from more than 3,500 donors to support our valuable work. Additionally, FNW secured a $4,490,918 historic tax credit and a $129,156 energy credit for the exclusive benefit of The Nathaniel Witherell. All this enabled the Witherell to construct a new 30,000 square foot short-term rehabilitation center and update, modernize, and expand common areas and resident living areas.
Q: Why are the Friends important to quality of life at the Witherell?
The Friends of Nathaniel Witherell’s Resident Life Fund continues to support many of the activities that enhance the quality of life for our residents and distinguishes the Nathaniel Witherell from other skilled nursing facilities. Funds go toward subscriptions to daily newspapers, monthly resident birthday parties, weekly games, holiday parties and other special events, weekly music and art education programs, resident outings, and financial support for the Greenwich Chaplaincy.
Additionally, the Resident Life Fund covers the annual salary of the Volunteer Coordinator, who manages and coordinates Witherell’s vibrant volunteer services program. Currently, we have 300 active adult and teenage volunteers representing a total of 10,800 hours of service annually—that’s the equivalent of 5 full-time employees! Volunteers provide valuable and important hands-on support for residents in religious services, internal resident transporting, the operation of the beauty salon and gift shop, music therapy, pet therapy, recreation, one-on-one visitation, plant care, kitchen help and other activities. The Friends also funds the cost of two semi-annual volunteer recognition luncheons.
Q: How can people support the work of the Friends?
Donations to the Friends are tax deductible. No matter the amount of the contribution, charitable donations help us enhance the quality of life for the Witherell’s elderly residents. To make a donation, click here.
