What began as a Facebook group during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into one of Newton’s most active mutual aid networks. 

Founded in 2020 by four women in Newton who recognized the need for neighbor-to-neighbor support, Newton Neighbors, originally called Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors, started with simple but impactful acts of kindness: delivering food, picking up prescriptions, and fulfilling any other requests from residents who needed help. 

After transitioning to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021, the group has gathered nearly 9,000 Facebook members, and continues to provide support to those in need within Newton. 

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Susan Paley, president of Newton Neighbors. “The community has been so generous in meeting the needs that we’ve stated.”

As a lifelong Newton resident, Paley’s ties to the city run deep—she’s served on multiple nonprofit boards including the Newton Cultural Alliance and the Rotary Club of Newton, as well as senior vice president of Community Relations for the Village Bank, Newton’s only Community Bank. Her commitment to local outreach stems from the belief that community care begins at home. 

“We all care about global issues,” said Paley. “But it starts right at home, and that’s where I like to put my time in.”

As the city’s needs have shifted post-pandemic, so has Newton Neighbors’ focus. Paley highlighted food insecurity as a key priority, especially considering uncertainty around government programs such as SNAP. The group works closely alongside the Centre Street and Newton food pantries, and provides food pantry deliveries for homebound recipients. 

The nonprofit also works in partnership with the City of Newton’s Department of Health and Human Services. Before launching any new initiative, Paley and fellow board members consult city social workers to see what families need. Board members can also pitch ideas. 

“If you have a passion, if you think of a need that you feel needs to be addressed, propose it at a team meeting,” Paley said. “The catch is, if you have an idea, you better be prepared to lead it.”

This model has allowed for successful programs to come to fruition, such as the recent bike drive. Newton Neighbors collected nearly 30 bikes for kids ranging from kindergarten to high school, complete with helmets and locks. 

“We have someone on our board who got them up to speed safety wise, you know, cleaned them up if they needed air in the tires,” said Paley. “Within the next couple of weeks, all these bikes are going to go out to new homes.”

Susan Paley of the local nonprofit Newton Neighbors hands out rainbow floral leis at Newton’s Celebration of Queer Culture on June 28, 2025. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

The effects of Newton Neighbors are not just in what they give, but also how they give it. According to Paley, respect and maintaining dignity are key cornerstones of the nonprofit’s mission, especially when dealing directly with families.

This is evident in one of Paley’s favorite outreach efforts: the annual Mother’s Day diaper drive. This year, the group distributed over 57,000 diapers in four hours across two Newton locations. It is a rare instance where volunteers get to see the immediate impact of their efforts, while still keeping dignity intact. 

“We always try to make sure that it becomes like a cheerful event, not, you know, ‘Oh, I’m going to get something free, and I feel a little ashamed,’ right?” said Paley. “So we always make sure that we have snacks for the kids and parents, and we also have roses for the moms, because it’s the beautiful Mother’s Day.”

While Newton Neighbors has grown immensely since its creation, Paley pointed to a period of reflection for the organization. With talks about possible expansion, questions still remain to be answered. 

“Can we continue to grow?” she said. “Do we have the support, the volunteer support, to continue to add initiatives? Do we ever move to the point where we do have someone paid that directs these initiatives?” 

In the meantime, Newton Neighbors is continuing to give back with efforts such as the upcoming school supply drive. Anytime from now until August 4 donations of new or gently used backpacks, graphing calculators, and more can be dropped off at the Village Bank, Fulfilled Goods, or the Auburndale Community Library. More about the initiative can be found on Newton Neighbors’ website. 

“We’ve been having a lot of requests for those from the city social workers,” said Paley in regards to the requested items for the drive.

Whether it’s summer camp funding for children, gathering grocery store gift card donations for Thanksgiving in memory of beloved volunteer Bruce Wilson, or cleaning the city’s community fridge, the aim of the group remains constant. 

“Our mission is respect and a real feeling of community,” she said. “We’re all in this together.”