Good Friends Will Catch You When All Other Safety Nets Fail

Like a good friend, this nonprofit supports those in need in New Hanover County 

By Vera Wilson

To paraphrase native son James Taylor, we could all use a friend when we're down and troubled. And that helping hand for many in New Hanover County is the nonprofit organization Good Friends. 

Their stated mission is simple: to assist those who are still in need when all other resources have been exhausted. They help the folks that, oftentimes through no fault of their own, have hit a rough spot. It could be a single mom who had to be hospitalized and missed two weeks of work so she can't pay this month's rent, or a father who can't afford to repair the car which he uses to get to work. A domestic violence victim may need help paying for a security deposit to secure housing, or an elderly man might not be able to afford eyeglasses. 

“We like to think of ourselves as a net to catch you if you fall, a bridge to get you from one place to the next,” says Nina McLean, founder and Life Director.

The organization works closely with the New Hanover County DSS and a wide network of local groups and professionals who refer those in need to Good Friends after a vetting process that meets Good Friends' guidelines for giving. 

“Applications are screened before they get to us, but we'll ask questions,” says Dawn Mann, the group's distribution chairperson and Department of Social Services (DSS) liaison. 

Per their website, they are looking for families who can maintain their expenses after their assistance. The gifts are intended to be one-time only, although, after a two-year period, you may reapply. Gifts are limited to $500 (there are exceptions that must be approved by an executive board member), and recipients must be New Hanover County residents. Although the recipient can be receiving government help, assistance of the type requested cannot be available from any other government entity.

“We really have the wisdom and discernment and prayerfully look at what we need to do,” adds McLean.

“We do things that nobody else does. But if we know another organization that can help them, we'll refer them there or we'll partner with them,” adds Mann. “It behooves us to have friends all over the city in terms of social workers and those in the medical field.”

They work closely with other nonprofits such as A Safe Place, a nonprofit that helps victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking, MedNorth Health Center, and The Healing Place, an alcohol and drug treatment center. 

A distinct advantage of Good Friends is their ability to get the funds out fast, meaning they can respond to emergency situations. 

“We turn over usually within 48 hours,” says Mann.

Except for a part-time administrator, Good Friends is entirely run by volunteers. Their annual luncheon fundraiser has become a cherished holiday tradition for many New Hanover County women who gather every December to break bread, learn about the good works that the nonprofit has done throughout the year, and lean into the spirt of giving. The first lunch was held at Bridge Tender; now they hold it at the convention center to accommodate the hundreds of guests that attend. The luncheon differs from similar fundraisers in that the lunch is free.

“It's so nice to be able to say to your guests, I'm inviting you, there's no cost to you, so whatever you give goes 100% to the community,” says Kelly Pittman, Board President.

The lunch served is modest to keep costs down, and the food and venue are paid for with the group's membership dues. A highlight of the event is seeing several local officials like Mayor Bill Saffo dressed in Santa Claus suits, moving from table to table. Their most recent luncheon raised over $72,000, but the organization accepts donations year-round.

Good Friends is modeled after a men's organization in Charlotte known as Good Fellows. (McLean's father was a member.) When some women wanted to get involved, the suggestion was made that they start their own group, with the thought being more money would be raised that way. So in 1987, the Charlotte Good Friends organization was launched, and Wilmington followed in their footsteps in 1997. There is a similar Good Friends in Charleston, South Carolina. 

This year, Pittman says the group has worked hard on taking a look at their strategies, such as who they seek out to be board members and trying to connect their membership campaign with their fundraising campaign. 

“Membership is really important because the more members we have, the greater reach we have, and that's critical for us to be able to continue to do what we do,” she says. 

For more information about Good Friends and their annual luncheon to be held December 11, to make a donation, or to become a member, please visit goodfriendsofwilmington.org.