Giving Matters

Upper Valley Educators Institute Prepares Teachers For Their Careers

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Professionals who dream of changing careers and becoming teachers have been doing so with the help of the Upper Valley Educators Institute since 1969.

Harbor Homes Supports Homeless Vets

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

When Matt Milbourn, a veteran of the first Persian Gulf War, found himself unexpectedly made homeless, Harbor Homes was there for him.

In addition to operating a homeless shelter, Harbor Homes also manages a reintegration program, offering services, healthcare, and education to homeless veterans and their families. Matt earned his CphT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) through the program, and now teaches computer education and life skills classes at Harbor Homes.

Finding Friends And Mentors Through Big Brothers Big Sisters

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 04 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Alliance of New Hampshire matches kids with caring mentors.

Lexi was matched with her "big sister" Sarah Danforth, and the two regularly spend time together. Lexi’s three sisters each have "big sisters," too. Sometimes, all eight of them get together--for a swim, for a cookout, for a game night.

Danforth joined the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program because she wanted to enable her match to see and do things she may not have an opportunity to otherwise.

Granite United Way's 2-1-1 Connects People and Services

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

The Granite United Way's 2-1-1 New Hampshire service is a directory assistance of services available in the state. It puts those in need in touch with the services that can help.

Cassie called 2-1-1 for help with disability rights when she ran into trouble with her housing arrangement. Her landlord had issued an eviction notice after she acquired a dog, because her lease forbids pets from the building. But Cassie's dog isn't a pet; she's a psychiatric service dog that provided therapeutic assistance.

Keene Community Kitchen Teaches Nutrition And Creative Cooking

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Some years ago, Maria Dichtelmiller found herself unable to buy food and living in a shelter. She went to The Community Kitchen in Keene, a local food pantry.

Young Soloist Advances Career With Symphony NH

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Symphony NH, the granite state's oldest professional orchestra, invited 16-year-old harpist Crystal Napoli to solo at two of their performances; an opportunity that is the stuff of dreams for young classical musicians.

Lakes Region Community Services Draws Up Blueprints For Families Coping With Autism

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Lakes Region Community Services helps children with autism and their families through their early intervention program and autism center. Christian Lapierre was 15 months old when his mom, Denise, realized something was wrong and called Lakes Region Community Services.

Keeping History Alive At The Fells

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 04:09:00 +0000

Getting Kids Excited About Science On The Seacoast

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

At the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point in Rye, visitors learn about the science and beauty of marine life and the Gulf of Maine. Myra Sallet is a 13-year-old volunteer who particularly likes working with younger kids who come to explore.

Apple Hill Brings Together Musicians From Around The World

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:10:00 +0000

The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music brings musicians from around the globe to tiny Nelson, New Hampshire. They learn and share chamber music, and come to understand one another’s cultures and perspectives. Amelia Perron talks about her experience there.

'Families First' Makes Health Care Affordable

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 05:02:00 +0000

The Families First Health and Support Center is a community health center that provides services regardless of ability to pay. Sue and Kellie are a mother and daughter who have received health care services at the center.

Homeless Single Moms Have A Place To Stay In Strafford

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:33:00 +0000

The Homeless Center for Strafford County provides seasonal overnight shelter to single women and families. Almost half the people staying in the shelter are children – nearly all under five years old. Susan Ford directs the shelter and understands her clients’ first-hand.

Managing Forest Land With Help From Monadnock Conservancy

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Jack Calhoun and his siblings donated the 310-acre Calhoun Family Forest to the Monadnock Conservancy. They wanted the tract to be managed as their parents had managed it -- as a sustainable timber resource, for public use, education and conservation.

The Palace Theatre Brings Art To Kids, And Vice-Versa

Person: Deborah Schachter — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

In addition to staging plays and concerts, The Palace Theater runs educational and cultural programs to engage community in the performing arts. Rebecca Gosselin is 12. She has participated in the Palace’s youth theatre programs for four years.

SeaCare Health Services Help the Uninsured in NH

Deborah Schachter — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Dana Trahan was uninsured when she started to lose her vision, but did not realize that this was the result of a brain tumor. SeaCare Health Services helped her get the care and treatment she needed – quickly.

Dana: I would be watching my son’s baseball games and I really felt as if I needed to keep blinking my eyes to get focused on him, so I thought it made sense to have my eyes checked. Knowing that I didn’t have the health insurance, it was important to me to figure out a way to make this an affordable experience, and that brought me to SeaCare.