Small Acts, Big Impact

By Ariel Frankel

The following is one of three stories featuring a Monadnock United Way agency written by Ariel Frankel as part of her internship with Monadnock United Way. Her other stories will appear in future issues of The U Review.

Ariel recently received a Bachelor of Arts in English, from Keene State College. Her fondness for the different seasons has Ariel convinced that New England will always be her home.

Monadnock Retired & Senior Volunteer Program/Monadnock Volunteer Center (RSVP/MVC) volunteers, Bob and Carol Hill, a family-oriented couple in their 70s, have been volunteering with the RSVP/MVC for several years. They are dedicated to their family and to helping their neighbors, and are thrilled to give back to the community they call home. For them, the smiles and laughter they share with the people they help is payment enough.

They enjoy spending at least one day a week with Hazel, a 92-year-old woman, trading jokes and stories. Although Hazel’s daughter, Cheryl, has hired a nutritionist, a housekeeper, and a personal companion to keep Hazel living a good quality and healthy life, Hazel was experiencing depression and loneliness. That’s where Kathy Baird, director of the RSVP/MVC, came in. She introduced Hazel and the Hills to each other. Now, all of Hazel’s needs are being met: healthy meals, a clean and functioning house, and of course, the human contact and conversation that helps keep Hazel’s brain active.

Helping Hazel through her depression and loneliness is a work in progress for the Hills, but it’s one they enjoy. Since their first meeting over two years ago, Hazel has really opened up to Carol and Bob. In fact, she gave the Hill’s two-year-old grandson, Miles, a toy dog, and she plays a big part in their family now. When they babysit Miles on Mondays, Hazel has the opportunity to interact with someone much younger, and that only increases the fun she has with the Hills.

When Bob and Carol show up at Hazel’s door, she throws it wide open and greets them with a smile. Bob responds with an even bigger grin and a joke. Carol asks about Hazel’s day, and whether or not she needs anything, every time. For Valentine’s Day, they brought her a box of chocolates that Hazel has to hide under her couch because her nutritionist, Sandy, would not be pleased if she saw that Hazel was deviating from her strictly healthy menu.

Nearly every conversation with Carol and Bob revolves around their family, which means Hazel and Miles are spoken and bragged about equally. It’s heartwarming to hear Carol boast about spending every Monday with little Miles while fussing over Hazel’s chocolate drink. And it’s amusing to hear Bob issue a golfing challenge to Hazel, and ask her for a handicap in the same breath.

The Hills are a great example of how people can make a difference just by helping one person. They show people that things can get better when neighbors take care of and care for each other. All they have to do is spend time talking to neighbors. The rewards of volunteering, as shown by the Hills, by simply hanging out with an elderly community member for an hour a week has, not only a positive impact on Hazel’s life, but also on Bob and Carol’s.

The relationship the Hills now have with Hazel wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the RSVP/MVC and the Neighbors-In-Deed programs pairing volunteers with people who need help or companionship.

Extensive background checks and carefully screening all of its volunteers is one of the greatest expenses of the program. The Monadnock Retired Seniors & Volunteers Program and Monadnock Volunteer Center wouldn’t be able to match up the right people, like Hazel and the Hills, without the financial support of the Monadnock United Way.

To learn more about RSVP/MVC or the Neighbors-In-Deed program, visit www.monadnockvolunteercenter.org.

Monadnock United Way helps fund many agencies and programs in and around the Monadnock Region. One such program is the Monadnock Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and the Monadnock Volunteer Center (RSVP/MVC). Neighbors-In-Deed is one of the programs of RSVP/MVC. Neighbors-in-Deed is a network of volunteers who offer assistance and friendship to elderly persons throughout the region. Thanks to the many volunteers and the funding from Monadnock United Way, the Neighbors-in-Deed program is able to help many of the elderly throughout the Monadnock Region maintain their independence and quality of life.

This is just ONE of the programs funded by Monadnock United Way that is changing lives every day.

Monadnock United Way Holds Community Forums

Recently, Monadnock United Way facilitated several community forums throughout the Region. The primary objective of these forums was to solicit valuable community feedback and help answer the following questions:

• What are the opportunities to address the three foundational issues identified in the recent Community Well-Being Report (economic opportunity, education, and child welfare)?
• Who is needed to help address these issues?
• Where do we start?
• How do we collectively align our region’s resources?

Input gathered from each of these forums will be used to help set a vision for the future.

Collective Impact Opportunity

Large scale social change of complex problems requires an aligned and coordinated effort among all nonprofit, for profit, spiritual, civic, cultural, safety and health organizations, government, business, funders/philanthropists and citizens that make up a community.

Addressing any of the identified areas of need in the Monadnock Region will require each of us to collectively come together to build:

A Common Agenda: All participants must have a shared vision for change including a common understanding of the problem and a joint approach to solving it through agreed upon actions.

Shared Measurement: Data and results must be collected and measured consistently across all participants to ensure that efforts remain aligned and so participants can hold each other accountable.

Mutually Reinforcing Activities: Participant activities must be differentiated while still being coordinated through a mutually reinforcing plan of action.

Continuous Communication: Consistent and open communication is needed across the many players to build trust, assure mutual objectives, and create common motivation.

Backbone Support: Creating and managing collective impact requires a separate organization(s) with skilled staff to serve as the backbone for the entire initiative and coordinate participating organizations and agencies.

Partial funding for the Community Forums was provided by the A. Erland and Hazel N. Goyette Memorial Fund and the Monadnock Challenge Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – Monadnock Region.

MCVP: Celebrating 35 Years of Volunteer Service!

MCVP: Crisis & Prevention Center is proud to celebrate their 35th year providing support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Monadnock Region! This year MCVP is also recognizing the 35 years of volunteer service that have made this milestone possible.

MCVP’s volunteers add an additional $70,000 in value to the organization through their tireless efforts to help break the cycle of violence. On May 30th, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Keene, MCVP was joined by more than 150 community members who pledged their support to help us raise $35,000 in honor of the amazing MCVP volunteers! Sherry Hughes emceed and musical entertainment was provided by David Parker Jazz Quartet. A number of volunteers shared their experiences supporting survivors in the community, whether through pro bono legal services, holiday family program sponsorship, or 25 years on our crisis line!

These community members, and so many others, make it possible for MCVP to keep our programs available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to those in need. MCVP says, “THANK YOU” Special thanks to the 35th Anniversary Key Sponsor, Markem-Imaje, and to additional sponsors C&S Wholesale Grocers, T.J. Maxx, W.S. Badger Company, Silver Direct and Gem Graphics.

Want to pledge your support for our 35th Anniversary? Visit www.firstgiving.com/mcvp to learn more!

MCVP is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Residential Housing Program Closes; Served Those with HIV/AIDS, HCV

The Cleve Jones Wellness House opened in July 2006, an ambitious project of AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region to provide housing for people living with HIV/AIDS and HCV. The agency’s goal was to create a facility that existed as a place of renewal and safe haven for people to address their life issues, access treatment and bring their illnesses under control. It was named in honor of Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and nationally-known equality activist.

The agency’s office was relocated to the facility, a three-story, 1830s house in the village of Gilsum where a maximum of up to seven residents could reside. Over the last seven years, 27 men and women have lived at Wellness House including 12 incarcerated individuals whose release was predicated upon finding an appropriate living situation.

AIDS Services recognizes 25 years of service to people living with HIV/AIDS in 2013. Board Chair Damien Licata said the decision to close Wellness House was the result of months of discussion about how the agency should prepare for the future and move forward. “In 1988, AIDS Services was founded as a community collaborative in order to address the AIDS pandemic. In our 25th year, we have rededicated ourselves to mission by expanding our core work in two primary areas: enhanced HIV prevention, testing and outreach; and an anticipated increase in client caseload as new federal mandates require that all HIV persons must become affiliated with an AIDS service organization in order to access federal benefits.”

Agency Executive Director, Susan MacNeil, commented on the closing of Wellness House. “There is certainly a bittersweet element to this news, but we couldn’t be more proud of the seven years we’ve spent in Gilsum. In fact, five of our six current residents already have plans in place to relocate to their own apartments in Keene by July. This success is the best possible outcome as we celebrate the accomplishments of the agency and residents who have been able to improve the quality of their lives. Daring, big ideas are worth trying and we have learned a great deal during our journey at Wellness House. Without the support of NH Legal Assistance, GLAD and the NH Community Loan Fund, our vision would not have materialized. We remain grateful and don’t regret a minute of our time in Gilsum.”

The agency will continue to provide client case management and educational outreach from its new office space at 17 Dunbar Street, Keene. It will close the housing program known as The Cleve Jones Wellness House by August 31st.

For more information, call Susan MacNeil at 603-357-6855, or email susan.macneil@asmronline.org.

AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region is a Monadnock United Way Agency

Driven to Success

After only a little more than a year as a registered Volunteer Driver for Contoocook Valley Transportation Company, Sue — a resident of Peterborough — has already logged 5349 miles. She has generously given 499 hours of her time and provided 115 trips for several people who needed assistance with transportation to necessary appointments.

Sue’s journey started with a true desire to help people in her community, but also with some concerns that volunteering to drive might not be the best route for her to take. After learning more about the flexibility of the CVTC Volunteer Driver Program — choosing rides which work with a driver’s schedule and the option of mileage reimbursement — she decided to sign up, gas up and hit the road for a trip with her first rider.

Shortly after her first taste of success, Sue came into the office and started signing up for trips on a regular basis. She continues to take the “right” turn and steer further down the road as a CVTC Volunteer Driver.

Recently, Sue apologized for not choosing enough trips for the next week. Since CVTC Drivers choose the rides that work with their schedules, her apology was not at all necessary. The heart and dedication of Sue, along with all other CVTC Volunteer Drivers, continues to be appreciated.

CVTC Volunteer Drivers are the backbone of the non-profit company; without them, CVTC wouldn’t exist! Drivers come from several towns in the Monadnock region. Something they all have in common is the desire to help others. A few drive nearly every day of the week; others drive less frequently as their busy schedules allow. All Volunteer Drivers are truly making a difference in their communities!

CVTC will continue to thrive as more wonderful people with a heart and desire to help their neighbors take the journey to become a Volunteer Driver.

To learn more, call CVTC at 1-877-428-2882, ext. 5, or email Marsha Gibson, Volunteer Driver Program Coordinator: marsha@cvtc-nh.org

CVTC, located in Peterborough, NH, is a nonprofit organization, financially supported by Monadnock United Way, NH Department of Transportation, the Bean Foundation, towns, businesses and individuals. It creates, coordinates and delivers community transportation solutions for the Monadnock Region.

CVTC is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

See related article Give Yourself a Raise!.

Community Garden at Stonewall Farm for MDS Families

MDS Children’s Services and Partners in Health have started a community garden for families served by MDS. Stonewall Farm in west Keene has generously donated the land for this project, as well as compost, water and a shed to store gardening tools.

During May, the land was prepared, the beds put in, and the garden was ready for planting after Memorial Day. On May 30, dozens of folks turned out to help plant, despite the fact that it was one of hottest days of the season. Among vegetables being cultivated are peas, beans, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, onions, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, summer squash and spaghetti squash. Herbs include basil, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, lavender, lemon balm and bee balm.

A portion of the MDS Community garden is dedicated to daisies, cosmos, bachelor buttons, other assorted flowers and lots of sunflowers. Families will use this cutting garden to provide bouquets for area nursing homes, as well as for their own homes.

A number of the families supported by MDS have limited income and struggle with being able to afford fresh vegetables. Many live in apartments and would never have the opportunity to have their own garden. Some families struggle with cooking skills. Setting up this community garden with several dozen families will go a long way to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and provide a free activity that allows families to connect with one another. It’s a great way to enhance the quality of their lives significantly in many ways.

Families who decide to join the project participate in planting and caring for the garden and then receive a portion of the vegetables and flowers grown. They’ll also get simple and healthy recipes for the foods they grow. The commitment is part of a day for the group to prepare and plant the garden, then approximately an hour every other week for garden upkeep.

MDS is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Give Yourself a Raise!

Divide the Ride — Spare the Air — Why Not Carpool?

Did you know in addition to the Volunteer Driver Program, CVTC offers a free online Rideboard? It’s where carpoolers post or seek rides within or through the Monadnock region.

Rideshare listings are comprised of carpoolers commuting to work, school or after-school activities, running errands or going to appointments, attending events, and even rides to the polls to vote! This carpool community is not just about saving money or saving the environment. For carpoolers who cannot drive, it can be a transportation option.

Monadnock Rideshare is also a validation of non-profits supporting for-profit entities, particularly in the “Buy Local” arena. The program has rewarded eligible carpoolers with random drawing prizes donated from local area businesses. Pending prizes and their subsequent awards have been published via eNewsletter, Monadnock Motoring™. The eNewsletter includes links to the donor business website, Facebook page and/or from product images or logos paying-it forward on behalf of the businesses who have donated prizes. Return business or word-of-mouth experiences on the part of the winners is another potential gain for those who have donated, which perpetuates the buy-local cycle.

You can become part of the carpooling community we are building in the Monadnock Region! Register, then post or seek your rides. Be sure to check the Rideboard often to see if anyone is going your way. Carpooling — it’s a trend with benefits!

For more information, visit www.MonadnockRideshare.org

CVTC is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

10th Annual Keene Idol

The 10th Annual Keene IDOL, a community showcase for local performers and fundraiser for AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region, will take place in the function room at McCue’s, Emerald Street, Keene, NH on five consecutive Saturdays; July 20, 27, August 3, 10, and 17. The 2013 judges’ panel includes Ted McGreer, Steve Pro and Jess Lamoreux. Jared Goodell, WKNE evening radio personality, will serve as Emcee. Ian Wilson will provide sound. Cheshire TV will record the event for rebroadcast on Channel 8 serving Keene, Marlborough and Swanzey.

Find event details and watch contestants online at www.keeneonline.com/idol and on Facebook at Keene Idol. Advance tickets $12 per person, $15 at door. Purchase a five-week pass for $50 per person. Advance reservations strongly urged. VISA/Master Card accepted. Non-perishable food items will be collected for The Community Kitchen each week.

Community sponsors include McCue’s, Broadway Cares, Charlesworks, Elegant Settings, Engrave-It, Creative Encounters, Monadnock Radio Group, Steve Pro Land Development Services and Ted’s Shoe and Sport.

For more information about the event, call 603-357-6855 or email susan.macneil@asmronline.org or call. Proceeds benefit AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region, funded in part by Broadway Cares, City of Keene, the Monadnock United Way and many individual supporters.

The Low-Income Taxpayer Project of the Pro Bono Referral Program

Barbara G. H. Stewart, Esq., Project Coordinator

The New Hampshire Bar Association’s Pro Bono Referral Program is supported by the Monadnock United Way. We use the funds to serve indigent families and individuals in the Monadnock area facing a variety of civil legal problems. Some of our clients come to us seeking a defense from an illegal eviction; others have family law issues, a threatened foreclosure, or problems with the IRS. The support of Monadnock United Way is critical in this time of shrinking resources, and Pro Bono is very grateful to all the generous donors out there. This funding helps us make a difference; without it, many of our clients would sink even further into poverty.

Our referral staff works hard to find experienced, volunteer attorneys in the community to help these people in need. For people facing foreclosure or IRS problems, we also have our own, in-house attorneys to represent the clients, advocate for the best resolution possible, and shepherd them through the long, legal process. I have the good fortune to be one of those in-house attorneys, as Coordinator of the Pro Bono Referral Program’s Low-Income Taxpayer Project. As is true in the other Pro Bono projects, I often refer clients to volunteers on our Pro Bono panel, thus greatly increasing the number of needy people we can serve.

The Low-Income Taxpayer Project is a legal aid clinic for people with IRS problems. Sometimes, our clients come to us with disputes about how much tax they owe. These cases may arise when the IRS denies certain credits or deductions, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or unreimbursed employee expenses. Other “liability” cases involve worker misclassification or holding one spouse responsible for the tax debt of the other. Resolution of these cases typically requires a lot of careful documentation.

Most of our clients have a collections issue, whether or not they’re disputing the tax liability. They may have received a Notice of Deficiency or Impending Levy and have no idea how they’re going to pay. For a person living on the margins, garnishment of a minimum-wage paycheck or Social Security payment can be catastrophic. Resolution often begins with a call to the IRS and a plea for a hardship waiver. If there’s no dispute about liability, the end of the case often comes with an offer in compromise, an installment agreement, or some combination of the two.

Our clients come in all shapes and sizes. Some were self-employed and got behind on quarterly tax payments when a debilitating illness or injury struck. Others are dealing with an ex-spouse who violated a divorce decree about who can claim the children. Still more have lost their jobs to the economic downturn, lost their homes to foreclosure, and now face the tax bill for early withdrawal of their retirement account, when they had nothing left to live on.

We are gratified by the support we continue to receive from the Monadnock United Way. When a client tells me, “I can finally sleep at night,” I know we’ve all pulled together to make this possible.

NH Pro Bono is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Community Kitchen Goes Back to the Future!

This painting depicts one of the oldest forms of a welfare system — that of gleaning. Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. Gleaning is mentioned in most of the religious texts known to man (or woman as it is three women here in the painting!).

In the modern world, gleaning is still practiced by groups which distribute the gleaned food to the poor and hungry; in a modern context, this can include the collection of food from supermarkets at the end of the day that would otherwise be thrown away.

The Community Kitchen already has a 7-day a week pick up schedule from supermarkets and restaurants collecting food that would otherwise be aimed for the dumpster.

They are excited to be included in a new statewide program that is creating Gleaning Coordinator positions, linked to agencies who are already collecting and redistributing food in one way or another. Partial funding was available from an anonymous donor through the NH Charitable Foundation and the Program is being organized by Stacy Purslow, UNH Farm to School Coordinator.

It seemed an ideal fit for The Community Kitchen, and they are well into the process of hiring their Coordinator. When in place the Gleaner will liaise with farms within Cheshire County and will be gleaning from farms later this summer.
The Community Kitchen has over 500 families accessing food through their Pantry Program each week and if a larger part of the food they take home was farm fresh vegetables and fruits the benefits would be incredible. The Gleaner will be responsible for recruiting his or her own band of volunteers but this will also give people who work through the week the chance to volunteer — what better way to spend a morning than picking beans or peas with a bunch of friends?

For more information on, or to volunteer for the Gleaning project call Phoebe Bray, Executive Director at The Community Kitchen, 603-352-3200, or email pbray@thecommunitykitchen.onmicrosoft.com.

Painting is The Gleaners by Jean-Francois Millet, painted in 1857.

The Community Kitchen is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Keene Senior Center: “Go for It!”

Fred and Harriet Norris, members of the Keene Senior Center, recently attended the annual the Senior Center’s Wellness Expo at the Keene Recreation Department. As members for the past 17 years, they regularly attend classes and events at the Center… yoga, AIM (Age in Motion), bowling at Yankee Lanes on Fridays, and education programs as they come along.

When asked by new Executive Director, Pegg Monahan,“What would you say to recommend people thinking about the senior center?” Harriet said, “Go for it. It is a good operation, the trips are wonderful, homemade cards are great, and as a knitter, I appreciate the free yarn from the center.”

Both Fred and Harriet are Keene natives. Each lost a spouse in the same year, and lived on the same street and married. Each lived away from Keene for years, and returned. Fred is retired from the US Department of Defense as a teacher and principal in American schools in Europe. Harriet is retired as a legal secretary. Both have a keen interest in keeping healthy intellectually and physically.

The Keene Senior Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Keene Chamber 38th Annual Golf Tournament at Keene Country Club

Support your local Chamber and business community!

The 38th annual Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, July 24th at the Keene Country Club. Registration is $125 per person or $500 per foursome. Registration deadline is July 15 or 144 registrants (36 four-person teams), whichever comes first.

Sign in on July 24th begins at 10:30 AM; 11:00 AM Networking bag lunch; Noon Shotgun start. A buffet dinner and award presentation will follow. Over $2,000 in team and individual prizes! Over $1,200 in raffle prizes! A 50/50 putting contest! Plus a live auction!

For information or to register please visit: www.keenechamber.com/golftournament.html or call the GKCC at 352-1303

SCS Energy Services continues to schedule appointments for Electric Assistance and Neighbor Helping Neighbor.

The Fuel Assistance Program is currently closed.

Please feel free to call the Keene office at 352-7512 or the Claremont office at 542-9528 for additional information.

Thank you!

~ SCS Energy Services Team

Southwestern Community Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

North Walpole Fourth Graders Raise Nearly $750
for the Animals of Monadnock Humane Society

On June 11th, the North Walpole fourth graders presented a check for almost $750 to Michelle Thevenin, Executive Director of Monadnock Humane Society. They collected this money during their year-long penny drive. 34 students visited the MHS Adoption and Learning Center and while they were there they toured the facility and learned all about running a shelter. They also helped to create some toys for the shelter animals.

Agency/Program Wish List

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire
Paper shredder — 352-9536, ext. 106

The Community Kitchen
Delivery drivers to deliver take-home food boxes on Thursday mornings. Depending on the route, it would take 1-2 hours. Volunteers would need their own vehicle and be able to lift about 40 pounds. — 352-3200

Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC)
Volunteer drivers for the Eastern Monadnock region — 877-428-2882, ext. 5

Horse Power Therapeutic Riding at Touchstone Farm
Looking for volunteers for Horse Power Therapeutic Riding Touchstone Farm riding program — Terri, 654-8562

Keene Day Care Center
Washable markers, balls (any kind) — 352-2129

Keene Senior Center
Gardening hand tools for vegetable garden, paper towels, paper napkins, disposable coffee cups, IT volunteer to help with computer problems — 352-5037

MAPS Counseling Services
An acoustic guitar for an adolescent client who comes from a very impoverished background — 355-2244

Monadnock Adult Care Center
Sewing machine — Chris, 5322427

Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency (MPS)
Digital camera, someone to tune our piano, a cloth to cover the piano keys, twin-sized bed linens, towels, wash cloths, bath mat, twin-sized comforter, Nintendo Wii, jelly stretch elastic for jewelry-making — 352-5093

Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention
Personal hygiene kits: toothbrushes, deodorant, travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, lotion, razors and shaving cream — 352-3782

Monadnock Family Services
Baby soaps & lotions, baby food, bottles and toddler cups, teething rings, toilet paper & tissues, blankets, cleaning products, hand sanitizer/antibacterial wipes, utensils, sheets, cereal bowls, sponges, family-oriented DVDs, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, baggies etc., nonperishable food — Ann Foerster, 355-3040

Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center
Keurig coffee machine — Kathy, 357-6893

Phoenix House Keene Center
Bicycle(s) in good working condition, area rugs, towels, percussion
instruments — Mary, 358-4041

The River Center
Garden tools for children and adults, seeds and seedlings for our gardens —
924-6800

The Samaritans, Inc.
Individually packaged snacks and/or beverages, crossword and Sudoku puzzle books — 357-5510

Southwestern Community Services
Plastic sealable totes with lids (large and medium), metal dressers, metal living room furniture, metal or tile tables for kitchen & living room, metal kitchen chairs, energy efficient light bulbs, personal care items, 35-gallon trash bags, twin sheets, new pillows, bath towels — Cathy Thornton, 352-7512, ext. 4295

Winchester Learning Center
Metal Tonka trucks and wagons, large and small — 239-7347