History & Impact
Our History
Mobilize Volunteers, Donations in Action, Advocacy
Founded in 2004, Friends of Nathaniel Witherell is the charitable advocate behind one of Greenwich’s most important community institutions, The Nathaniel Witherell.
Through our core initiatives, Friends mobilizes the community to ensure aging adults receive exceptional care, meaningful engagement, and a vibrant quality of life at Greenwich’s municipal skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.
The impact is measurable.
Friends has raised millions of dollars to support resident programs, modernize the facility, and strengthen the campus – including leadership support for the landmark Project Renew Witherell initiative. But the work does not stop at funding.
Every day, Friends activates a robust volunteer program, builds community partnerships, and champions the needs of aging adults, ensuring that The Nathaniel Witherell continues to stand as one of Greenwich’s most trusted and vital institutions for senior care and rehabilitation.
Friends of Nathaniel Witherell does more than support the facility. Friends powers the community that surrounds it.
Friends of Nathaniel Witherell Impact Timeline
Delivering Results Through the Years
Present — Millions Invested
Through the generosity of donors, Friends has raised more than $10+ million to strengthen The Nathaniel Witherell - funding senior programs, equipment, campus improvements, and initiatives that directly enhance care and quality of life.
2025-2026 — Diversified Fundraising
Friends of Nathaniel Witherell secured $5,000 in CDBG funding to support the Musical Evenings Program at The Witherell and $20,000 in state funding for facility improvements. Friends also launched the Music of Memories Garden Party and The Art of Caring Gala, while strengthening partnerships with local senior care organizations to deliver valuable information and resources.
2020–2021 — Protecting Residents During COVID
When the pandemic places extraordinary strain on long-term care communities, Friends steps forward - raising critical funds, supporting staff, and ensuring seniors and veterans who call The Nathaniel Witherell home remain connected through programs and resources during a time of isolation.
2014–2017 — Modernizing the Witherell
Friends leads the public fundraising effort supporting Project Renew Witherell, helping secure philanthropic investment that contributes to the modernization of the campus and the strengthening of rehabilitation services.
2004–2014 — Building the Community Support System
Friends quickly becomes the philanthropic and volunteer engine behind the Witherell—engaging donors, volunteers, and community organizations to strengthen programs that improve residents’ daily lives.
2004 — Friends Is Founded
Friends of Nathaniel Witherell is established as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to raise funds, mobilize volunteers, and advocate for aging adults at The Nathaniel Witherell, Greenwich’s municipal skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.