Neighbors Helping Neighbors

What is the origin of the Fish movement?

The Fish movement began in England in 1961, under the leadership of Rev. Derek Eastman, pastor of an Anglican church in Old Headington, and Dr. Donald Richards, a layman. It was born in a burst of conviction by both pastor and people that one on the prime causes of our time’s malaise has been the rapid decline of old-fashioned neighborliness – of caring about others. Challenged by the co-founders to get their religion off its seat and onto its feet, the parishioners came up with the Fish idea.

Volunteers for specific services were recruited from among parishioners; and a card carrying the fish symbol and the instruction, “If you need help of any kind, put me in your window,” was distributed to every home in the village. Each block had a street warden, identified by a metal fish mounted on his gate or door. A card in the window signaled to any passers-by that a neighbor was in some sort of distress which, reported to the warden, would set him into immediate action.

News of this unique way of expressing Christian concern for others spread rapidly throughout Britain, then to West Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, South Africa, Japan and the Cameroons. The idea crossed the Atlantic with William Turpin, a friend of the Rev. Robert Lee Howell, of the Church of the Good Shepherd in West Springfield, Mass. Howell promptly proposed it to his congregation. Flyers carrying the fish symbol, the telephone number of an answering service, and a list of Fish services were distributed by his church to West Springfield’s 7000 homes during the fall of 1964. The flyer said: “The Fish is simply a group of Christian people who wish to express their love and concern for their neighbors. There is no charge for any service we provide; you will never be asked to listen to any lecture. When you call the Fish number, a 24-hour answering service will put you in touch immediately with a volunteer eager to help.”

Soon after its formation in West Springfield, the Fish took on its present ecumenical character as other churches, joined in its sponsorship. Though nobody knows the exact number, since there is no central clearinghouse, more than 100 chapters are thought to be operating in the United States today (1969).

Above is an excerpt from the Readers’ Digest article “A Friendly Neighbor Called Fish” (January 1969)

What is the history of FISH of Laurel, Inc./Elizabeth House?
  To be added.

What is the purpose of FISH of Laurel, Inc./Elizabeth House?

FISH is a nonprofit all-volunteer organization, which has a meal kitchen and a food pantry at Elizabeth House (308 Gorman Avenue).

The meal kitchen staff serve a hot meal every evening and provide a brown bag lunch to each client for the next day.

The food pantry provides groceries to families and singles that have the facilities to prepare a meal and who qualify for assistance.

The 24-hour hot line answering service provides a connection to FISH/Elizabeth House for emergency service requests.

What services did FISH of Laurel, Inc./Elizabeth House provide in Fiscal Year 2010-2011?

The annual report will be posted as soon as it is finalized.

What is the SHARE Project? How can I participate?

The SHARE Food Network is a self-help and resource exchange. It enables anyone who is doing community service to buy approximately $40.00 of groceries for approximately $20.00. This is a perfect way to stretch financial donations made to Elizabeth House. Buy groceries through the SHARE Project and donate them to Elizabeth House or designate that your financial donation be used to buy groceries through the SHARE Project. FISH will then use the donation to buy groceries through the SHARE Project. For more information visit the SHARE web site at www.sharedc.org; or call 301-864-3115 or 1-800-217-4273.

Any suggestions for the perfect grocery bag?

With so many food selections available, the possibilities for a perfect grocery bag donation are endless. A very nutritional suggestion offered by Harvest for the Hungry programs is listed below:

• 2 cans of hearty soup, stew or chili
• 2 cans of tuna, chicken, salmon or luncheon meat
• 1 can of fruit
• 1 can of 100 percent pure fruit juice
• 1 can of vegetables
• 1 can of tomato or pasta sauce
• 1 canned meal
• 1 can of beans
• 1 can of evaporated milk

In addition to these items, boxed pasta, couscous, or rice are good meal stretchers, while being nutritious, too.

How do I get to Elizabeth House?

From Route I-95:

From I-95, exit at Rt. 198 E, go approximately 2.1 miles, pass Thomas Avenue on the right (one block before U.S. Route 1), and turn right onto the driveway between Elizabeth House and the Chinese restaurant. Elizabeth House (beige house at 308 Gorman Avenue) is between a small Chinese restaurant (at Thomas Avenue) and an Exxon gas station (corner of U.S. Route 1 and MD Route 198 E).

Note: Gorman Avenue is MD Route 198 E. Show map to Elizabeth House.

From U.S. Route 1 (northbound):

At traffic signal at intersection with Cherry Lane westbound, turn left. Drive one block to 4th Street and turn right. After three 4-way stop signs, turn right at traffic signal onto MD Route 198 E (Gorman Avenue), pass Thomas Avenue on the right (one block before U.S. Route 1), and turn right onto the driveway between Elizabeth House and the Chinese restaurant. Elizabeth House (beige house at 308 Gorman Avenue) is between a small Chinese restaurant (at Thomas Avenue) and an Exxon gas station (corner of U.S. Route 1 and MD Route 198 E).

Note: Gorman Avenue is MD Route 198 E. Show map to Elizabeth House.

What is the Good Samaritan Law?

The State of Maryland has enacted the Good Samaritan Law (Maryland Annotated Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, Section 5-634) that protects people or businesses that donate food to nonprofit organizations. It states in part:

"Unless the act or omission amounts to gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct, a person is not civilly liable for any act or omission that affects the nature, age, condition or packaging of donated food if the person in good faith: (1) Donates food for use or distribution by a nonprofit corporation, organization or association".