History of Good Neighbor VillageBecoming "A Wonderful Place to Live"
Located in Henrico County, Good Neighbor Village is a non-profit residential community for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.
From day one, we have provided a safe, caring and empowering environment where residents can thrive and feel their very best, all while maintaining their independence.
Our history is woven into our community. We would not be where we are today without the many families who have stepped up to support our mission and vision and keep our facilities available for those who need them most.
Building a Strong FoundationHow Good Neighbor Village began
The idea of Good Neighbor Village was conceived by three loving mothers: Joyce Clay, Inez Russel, and Sandra P. Thompson.
- They loved their children more than anything in the world.
- They were each the parent of a child with intellectual disabilities and were not sure what to do when they could no longer care for them.
Good Neighbor Village was born out of this mutual concern and incorporated in 1987. Ever since, the community has supported families in similar positions, wanting the best for their adult family members with intellectual disabilities.
Everything we do today is guided by our mission to help and support our residents, but we also understand the important role that families play in the lives of our residents. That is why we work closely with families to make residency at Good Neighbor Village as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Our board members, directors, and staff all have various experiences and interests, as well as a common love for Good Neighbor Village and our residents, which has prepared them to work with the families of residents.
It Takes a Village
The founders knew they would need the help and support of others to bring their vision to life, so they created a list of services needed, such as locating land, constructing residential homes, staffing qualified caregivers, and so much more. With the help of a newly founded Board to manage and oversee a large list of tasks, they got to work.
The parents shared a similar vision: a residential community where their children could thrive with the appropriate support programs. Since that time, Good Neighbor Village has grown into a nurturing and supportive community that meets both the physical and intellectual needs of our residents. With a total, so far, of three houses on forty-three acres, architectural plans for up to six more houses, and administration offices, Good Neighbor Village has a strong foundation built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. At the start of Good Neighbor Village, our founders were of mixed religious backgrounds. They elected not to identify Good Neighbor Village with any one denomination, believing that such a label might have the potential to hinder their growth.
By being non-denominational, residents and support could come from all different belief systems. Today, we have residents who are Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, Catholic and more, and support has come from almost every denomination in the community, as well as from community organizations, individuals and foundations, in the form of grants, cash, in-kind donations, parties, meals, activities, time volunteered, gifts for the residents, and so much more.
Our founders made a commitment that as long as the Lord would supply residents and money, they would keep the place open and would run it in a way that would honor Him. Thirty-seven years later, we are still in business and operating in the same way.
Good Neighbor Village has added new amenities as well as significant expansions on some of our Cottages to provide more space for residents and respite visitors, and we plan to continue expanding in the near future.