A Real Non-Profit Organization
Spawned from a Fiction Novel

The Neighbors as Family concept is introduced by Skyler, the protagonist in the contemporary fiction novel, A Walk Down Rushville, written by author Barbara Burton. Skyler faced depression, loneliness, and estrangement from her family of origin but finds love, acceptance, and connection with the neighbors around her.

The character’s journey inspired Barbara to make the organization real. Today, the Neighbors as Family Foundation is designed to connect people who are without a family for a variety of reasons to their neighbors, who want to become their “created” or “adopted” family. The organization promotes community celebrations that connect lonely individuals to neighbors through events and gatherings. It also provides a platform where individuals in their newly “created” families can share stories, photos, and testimonials about how their lives have been changed by these relationships.

“The NAF concept came to me in a dream state while I was writing the book. I wanted my character to be able to make a difference in the world, to make a contribution in some way. As she moved away from depression and grief and embraced the love of her neighbors around her, the idea came to her that an organization could encourage those without a family to connect with neighbors—thus, the concept was born in the story. Then, I made a decision to make it real and establish a nonprofit.”

– Barbara Burton, Author

The vision of this organization is simply:
Because of neighbors, no individual needs to be without a family.

The Novel that Started It All

A Walk Down Rushville is a book that explores the meaning of family—both the family of origin and the “adopted or created” family. It’s the story of one woman’s journey to free herself from the pain of her abusive birth family and embrace the love and support of neighbors—her ‘adopted family.’

Separation from family is a sad reality. On the west coast alone, only half the adult population live near their extended families. The result for many is loneliness, now considered a disease that contributes to health issues. A Walk Down Rushville, set in California, North Carolina, and Italy, follows forty-nine year-old Skyler as she deals with loneliness, separation from loved ones, redefining the meaning of family, and recreating a support system based on love.

Skyler is a reclusive, lonely and depressed woman living in a small home in southern California. She takes walks with her black lab at night to find peace and clarity and to escape thoughts of her abusive family and the death of her husband. One late night, during her regular walk down Rushville Street, she observes a murder in progress. Her life takes a turn when she looks into the eyes of the assailant.

Skyler’s “walk” parallels many of our own…
Including the author herself.

Author’s Note

When I was a child living in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Saturdays were very special to me. At age five, while my parents slumbered till ten, I woke up early, ran out the back door, and headed down a small path to our neighbor’s house. I could smell the bacon within a few steps. In less than a minute, I was standing outside the screen door to their kitchen, staring inside.

They turned to me without surprise as I said what I always said, “I’m starved.” Mary Jo opened the door, picked me up in her arms, put me in the captain’s chair at the head of the table, and fixed me a special plate of bacon, eggs, and toast. The food was delicious but the love served up at that table would remain in my heart forever. That was my first experience of “neighbors as family” but not the last.

Neighbors have always been important to me, and to this day, many of my best friends live within blocks of my home. I met them during walks, talking across the fence, or getting the mail. I still long for the connection to my family of origin, many of whom have passed, and I miss my only sister who lives across the country. But my heart is warmed by the presence of my adopted or created family—the neighbors and the friends I’ve met.

Three things inspired me to write this book. First, the love and support of my family of origin and my grandmother. I couldn’t have had a better childhood and felt love around the dinner table. Second, the love and support of my beloved husband Roy. Finally, the support of my neighbors and friends. They filled a missing piece in my heart when my family was gone or unavailable. They became my “second” or “adopted family.”

That’s the author’s story…
What’s yours?