About Us
 Alton and Gwen Peters are the founders of San Jose Neighbors That Care, Inc. They first became aware of families in need while they were caring for nine foster children.
One discouraged father said, "It's so hard to get back up again once you've gotten down."
In 1975, Gwen began sharing food with the parent of her foster children, to help them "get back up again".
Before long, grocery stores noticed how much food Gwen was buying and offered her discounts on products. It seemed the more she shared from her own pantry, the more she had to share. With access to so much food, Alton and Gwen joined up with a non-profit program to obtain much needed volunteers.
The Peters enlisted the help of other people who had retired early and put them to work finding sources of food, and packing and distributing food to needy families. WIth twenty-three interviewers on hand, they were able to get at the core of so many needy individuals. Soon they had an organization that had 53 volunteers and was recognized as one of the best run programs in Nothern California. With this success, they received awards and commendations.
"Your efforts in fighting hunger have proven beneficial not only to the residents of East San Jose, but to all of us." -- Susan Hammer, Former Mayor of San Jose
"It gives me great pleasure to once again, commend you for your tireless commitment to our community. Your many years of dedication and service have made a significant difference for all of the people in our area." -- Norman Y. Mineta
With the desire to reach into the heart of San Jose's really poverty stricken, the Peters left their volunteer positions as directors of this program. They gathered together a board of directors that had a lifetime history of caring for the poor and formed an all volunteer, charitable, non-profit organization named, San Jose Neighbors That Care, Inc.
| 
