Greetings!
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| September 2013 | |
Mark Your Calendar: DAY OF CARING ------------ |
In This Issue: THE 2013-2014
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The guest on “The Dan Mitchell Morning Show” at 8:10 am Wednesday, September 18th will be Wink Faulkner, General Campaign Chair for this year’s annual Monadnock United Way campaign. WKBK regularly features a Monadnock United Way agency on the third Wednesday of each month. |
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Now through October:
The Cheshire County Conservation District is partnering with The Farmers Market of Keene to expand access of farm fresh fruits and vegetables to seniors, parents and other food-insecure community members who are eligible for federal SNAP benefits with a program that doubles the first $10 of benefits spent on locally produced food at market. This expands the direct sales of the farms integral to our community while making healthy farm-fresh produce available and affordable for those in our community who are most at-risk for developing preventable diseases affected by poor nutrition. It‘s easy to use our SNAP benefits at the market:
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Monadnock United Way Announces Pacesetter Companies Eight area businesses will be ‘setting the pace’ by conducting their company United Way campaigns before the official campaign kickoff. They begin their campaigns in mid-summer and jump-start the annual campaign by building momentum so other area businesses and organizations can build upon their success. According to Wink Faulkner, this year's Monadnock United Way General Campaign Chair, “The Pacesetter companies, along with some early leadership donors, typically account for about 25% of the total dollars raised, so it's a great motivating force for the rest of the campaign. The success and excitement generated by the activities of these Pacesetters will help inspire other organizations to follow their lead when running their own campaigns.” This year’s eight Pacesetters are: C&S Wholesale Grocers, City of Keene, Clark-Mortenson Agency, ES3 LLC, The Melanson Company, Monadnock Community Hospital, Southwestern Community Services and Timken. These Pacesetter businesses demonstrate leadership by encouraging employee participation in our community and providing generous financial support to help ‘set the pace’ during the annual Monadnock United Way campaign. The 2013-2014 campaign goal is $2,270,399. The money raised during the campaign will help fund 44 human service programs throughout the Monadnock Region. The official Campaign Kick-Off is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Keene Country Club. Join us, and “Be Part of the Magic!”
The official Campaign Kickoff is Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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The SCS Fuel Assistance Program is moving right along! We have almost 1,000 applications taken at this point with several hundred appointments booked out. Anyone interested in applying for Fuel Assistance or Electric Assistance is welcome to contact one of our offices (Keene: 352-7512, Claremont: 542-9528) to schedule an appointment. We will be holding a few evening hours for our households who are employed during the day, particularly out of town, and would have a difficult time coming in during regular business hours without having to take time off from work. Simply mention having an interest and the reason why evening hours would work best and we will do our best to accommodate the request. Also, if you live in the towns of Jaffrey, Troy, Alstead, Winchester, or Hinsdale, you can also let the person on the phone know that you would like to be seen in your own town. We will be providing outreach days for the towns listed. The Fuel Assistance appointment is also an opportunity to connect to the Weatherization Program. Simply inform the intake worker that there is an interest in Weatherization and the household name will be placed on our wait list. The Fuel Assistance application can double as a Weatherization application as well. Please contact either SCS office (Keene: 352-7512, Claremont: 542-9528) to be connected to a team member from any of our energy programs! Thank you! ~ Energy Services/Energy Conservation Staff SCS is a Monadnock United Way Agency |
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By Katie Gardella A mighty wind of change is blowing through the nonprofit world these days. A few months ago, GuideStar, BBB Wise Giving, and Charity Navigator signed an open letter to donors discouraging the use of the overhead ratio (dollars spent on administrative and fundraising expenses) as an effective tool to determine nonprofit efficiency. For years, donors — encouraged by the practices of large grant makers — relied on overhead ratios to determine which nonprofits were well-run and worthy of their support. This latest push by three very big nonprofit watchdog groups hopefully signals the end to this unwise and unhealthy practice. So what does this mean for your organization? It means that you can take a larger view of your organization — a more holistic view about its long term health. It means you will no longer have to starve your infrastructure to receive grant money and large donations from individuals. I’m sure many of you have been hesitant to upgrade your IT systems or hire a new marketing person, or, heaven forefend, give your hard working staff a raise — all because you were concerned about that blasted pie chart you have to make for the annual report showing what percentage of dollars goes to administration and what percentage goes to programming. I encourage you to join the conversation and start educating your donors about the negative effects of the overhead myth. Teach your donors to rate your nonprofit’s efficiency through far more relevant factors: transparency, governance, leadership and results. Then make sure you report back to donors on all four factors — in e-newsletters, direct mail campaigns, phone conversations and on-line. Start spreading the word! For more information, please see www.overheadmyth.com. Katie Gardella is Founder and President of Prosper Fundraising Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in major gifts, board and staff development, and development planning. Please visit www.prosperfundraising.com for more information and free resources. |
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2013 Nonprofit Leadership Summit — ALL IN: Owning Our Future
This year’s theme: “Owning our Future” will engage us in a discussion about the future of the NH Nonprofit Sector and how, through shared leadership, we can have greater impact on the lives of people and health of communities. At the Summit, several very powerful questions about the changes needed in the sector will be tackled and we learn more about the Shared Leadership Model, which is transforming communities. The Healthy Monadnock 2020 Project will be showcased (see story below). Author of the book Everybody Leads, Paul Schmitz will keynote at the Summit and leads a fascinating discussion of how inspire leadership on every level. We will ask questions such as: “As a sector, are we ready to shift from modest goals and isolated approaches to bolder goals, shared by many, which are harder to achieve, but tackle the root of social problems and result in transformational change?” “What changes need to occur in the nonprofit sector to meet the magnitude and complexity of the challenges facing NH people and our communities?” “What is the identity of the sector is it in need of a new framing? If so — what is it?” These are tough but important questions that require everyone’s involvement. You are pivotal to the discussion and we hope you will be part of the day. Register here: www.nhnonprofits.org. Scholarships are available. Healthy Monadnock 2020 Featured Speakers at Nonprofit Leadership Summit
The day will focus on the need for our communities to think big, and have the courage to take on ambitious goals. Healthy Monadnock 2020 will talk about what they’ve learned along the way. See you there! |
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CVTC Hosts Bus Trip to New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC) is taking reservations for a day trip to the 38th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, NH. Immerse yourself in the largest Scottish festival in the Northeast and the largest cultural festival in New Hampshire on Sunday, September 22nd, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The 31-passenger coach bus (not accessible) will stop at two locations to pick up and drop off riders: Thomas Transportation, Rt. 12, in Swanzey, NH at 7:15 AM and at Peterborough Plaza, Rt. 101, at 7:45 AM. The bus will arrive at the festival around 10:00 AM and will have on-site parking. The bus will depart at 5:00 PM. The cost of the trip is $66 for adults (15 years and older) and $37 for children, 14 years and younger. Included in the price is the round-trip ticket, event admission, and service & handling fees. Pre-payment is by credit card, check or cash. Tickets are non-refundable. An accessible transportation alternative is available upon request. To make your reservations, call 1-877-428-2882, ext. 4, today. CVTC creates, coordinates and delivers transportation solutions for the Monadnock Region, through the Volunteer Driver Program and Monadnock Rideshare. “Why Not Carpool?” CVTC is a proud Monadnock United Way Partner Agency. Offices are located at 375 Jaffrey Road (Rt. 202) in Peterborough, NH. Visit the CVTC web site at www.cvtc-nh.org. |
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2013 Women Building Community Luncheon
Keynote Speaker, Lynne Twist, is a global activist, fundraiser, and author of The Soul of Money.
For more information and to register, visit www.wfnh.org. This program is generously sponsored by Citizens Bank |
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The Community Kitchen Benefits from Unique Gift of Shoes — Thanks to a Generous Eight-Year-Old's Birthday Request At The Community Kitchen we are constantly and pleasantly surprised by the community in which we are located! In a roundabout way (via Ted McGreer then via Kathy at MUW) we heard from Beth Truman that her daughter, Sophia, had asked the guests coming to her 8th birthday party to bring gently used children’s shoes in lieu of traditional gifts. This photo shows a selection of the shoes received.
Thank you Sophia! ~ From The Community Kitchen The Community Kitchen is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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Healthy Monadnock — 4th Annual Champions Celebration!
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Let’s Work Together to Keep Kids Safe! MCVP is pleased to announce that they have launched a program to educate adults — parents and teachers — on how to recognize warning signs of child sexual abuse and how to prevent it by supporting healthy sexual growth and development among children, ages 3 to 8. This program is a unique training that provides information regarding normal, healthy development, skills on how to redirect concerning behaviors and how to support youth that may have already experienced abuse.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Tuesday, October 15th: Wear Purple for DVAM! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and purple is the color to symbolize support for survivors On Tuesday, October 15th, wear a purple sweater, scarf, tie, socks — or whatever you can find! Get your colleagues to join you in wearing purple on this day, too Give out a prize for the person who best displays their ‘purple support!’ You can also invite MCVP to one of your staff meetings or lunches during October to provide information about our programs and services and how individuals can show their support year round to end domestic violence in the Monadnock Region. Call 352-3844 and ask to speak with someone about getting involved for DVAM! Also, visit the MCVP website’s Calendar of Events page to learn about other programs going on during DVAM! MCVP: Crisis & Prevention Center is the local crisis center for the Monadnock Region, providing free & confidential support services for survivors of domestic & sexual violence and stalking, and prevention education programs in local schools and community organizations. MCVP is a Monadnock United Way Agency. |
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News From the River Center: a Family and Community Resource Center
On August 26, The River Center hosted for their third year, Tidy Trims, a free back to school hair cutting event. This year, 12 area hair stylists and barbers from 6 salons from 5 towns volunteered their time and talent to give free haircuts to school age children.
We have a number of Parenting Classes starting up the week of September 16. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning parenting groups meet from 9:30-11:30 at The River Center at 46 Concord St. in Peterborough. Wednesday and Thursday mornings will include a children’s enrichment program for children ages infant through 5 years. Wednesday afternoons we host a play group for parents and infants from 1:00-2:30. On Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 the Farm to Table program for parents and children meets at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Peterborough to cook together with locally grown foods. Friday mornings a parenting group meets at the United Church of Jaffrey from 9:30-11:30. Our Early Home Support program is here for at risk pregnant women and their babies. Our home visitor works with women in their homes to support them through their pregnancy and during their baby’s first year. Safe Sitter babysitting class returns on Saturday, October 5. This all-day course is for 11-13 year olds who want to learn about being the best babysitter they can be. The course covers safety, age appropriate activities, how to run your business, and basic first aid. On October 15 and November 5 from 7:30-8:30 we invite you to join us for our on-line webinar entitled “From Pampers to Potty”. If you know someone with young children, please encourage them to sign up for this webinar, purposefully designed to be accessible to young parents after their children’s bedtime. October 8 from 12:00-3:00 PM we are hosting a workshop entitled “When Money Gets in the Way” for social workers and other human service providers to increase their skills in helping their clients with money management. Topics will include dealing with financial crisis, basic budgeting, credit, understanding taxes, and managing money through the holiday period. November 16 from 9:00 AM-noon, please join our panel of experts for a discussion on “Special Education: Working Together to Support Children and Their Families”. This event is for parents and educators supporting children who learn and grow differently. Discussion will include making the most of resources for information, support and collaboration. For retirees or soon to be retirees, we are planning an Evening with the Experts in October to discuss various aspects of retirement, such as health and fitness, volunteering opportunities, and fun. Please watch for more details in the coming weeks. Don’t forget that you can call us anytime to meet with our Employment Specialist for help in your job search, make an appointment for money coaching, or get help in connecting with community resources that you or your family needs. We are here to help you. There are lots of ways to connect for you and your family. For more information on any of our programs, please go to our website at www.rivercenter.us, call us at 924-6800 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Thank you. Margaret Nelson The River Center is a Monadncok United Way Agency. |
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire The Community Kitchen Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC) Horse Power Therapeutic Riding at Touchstone Farm Keene Day Care Center Keene Senior Center MAPS Counseling Services Monadnock Adult Care Center Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency (MPS) Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention Monadnock Family Services Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center Phoenix House Keene Center The River Center The Samaritans, Inc.
Southwestern Community Services Energy Services Winchester Learning Center |
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| Monadnock United Way | 23 Center Street | Keene, New Hampshire 03431 | 603-352-4209 | |
| © Monadnock United Way | |
September on WKBK…
On Friday, September 20th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, leaders will gather from across the state for the annual Nonprofit Leadership Summit, hosted by the NH Center for Nonprofits.
Healthy Monadnock 2020 representatives Linda Rubin and Rudy Fedrizzi have been invited to share the lessons in Healthy Monadnock 2020’s plan to make the Monadnock Region the healthiest in the country by 2020 in front of the 300-plus nonprofit leaders expected at the annual Nonprofit Leadership Summit.
Spend a full day taking in traditional and contemporary music, competitions in highland dance, piping & drumming and pipe bands, ethnic food, beverages and merchandise. Research your heritage with over 70 clans and societies. Special events this year include the International Gathering of Drum Majors and the World Heavy Event (Athletics) Championships. To find out more about the festival go to 
In collaboration with the United Ways of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Women’s Fund would like to cordially invite you to attend the Women Building Community Luncheon with Lynne Twist.
We accept clothes at the Kitchen and make them available to clients of both our Pantry and Hot Meal Programs. With the new school year here, shoes are an unwanted additional expense.
Studies show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual abuse/assault before the age 18. The Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development program, will help us build a community where youth are safe and supported. MCVP also offers a program working directly with children ages 3 to 8, called Care for Kids (C4K). C4K is a six-session program that builds protective factors in youth — or, the things kids need to stay safe! If you’d like any information on either programs, or would like to schedule workshops for your staff or students, please call MCVP at 352-3844, ext. 203, and ask for Becky. 
Free back to school haircuts, fire wood, parenting classes and retirement. These are just a few of the things happening at The River Center: a Family and Community Resource Center serving all the towns of the Eastern Monadnock Region.
A number of volunteers have been cutting, splitting, hauling, and stacking fire wood in our back shed. There are about 40 cords of wood drying and ready to go for distribution to households in our region needing supplemental wood for heating. For more information on donating wood or receiving firewood, call The River Center.
Southwestern Community Services