Employment Opportunity with Monadnock United Way

Director for Resource Development

Monadnock United Way (MUW) is seeking a professional for an outstanding opportunity leading its resource development activities. The Director for Resource Development reports directly to the President and serves as a key member of the Leadership Team.

The primary focus and responsibility is to create expanded revenue streams in support of a strategic plan for sustainability and growth: growth in revenue, growth in donor relationships and growth in business partners.
This person will work strategically and collaboratively with peers in MUW’s operations and collective impact initiatives, to increase the visibility of work in the community and to create new ways of engaging existing and new donors and organizational partners. All fundraising efforts, especially corporate, foundation, and major donor relationships, will be led by the overall MUW goals.

A complete description of the position (PDF) is available by clicking here.

Terry Williams Joins MUW Board

Monadnock United Way announced the addition of Terrence L. Williams (Terry) to their Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting held on February 6, 2014 at Kristin’s Bistro & Bakery in Keene.

Williams is currently President and Chief Operating Officer at Keene Publishing Corp, with responsibilities for the company’s strategic planning; advertising, online and circulation sales; website and digital media; and new product development.

Prior to joining the Sentinel, Williams was president and publisher of the Nashua Telegraph based in Hudson. He also held roles as assistant metro editor and managing editor at The Telegraph, where his career spanned nearly 25 years. He also oversaw McLean Communications Inc., owners of New Hampshire Magazine, New Hampshire Home, Parenting New Hampshire and New Hampshire Business Review.

Williams has been and is active in both civic and professional associations, including board of director terms on the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Nashua Pastoral Care Center (now Front Door Agency), The Adult Learning Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Nashua and Greater Salem, the United Way of Greater Nashua, Great American Downtown and the Salvation Army of Greater Nashua. He served as president or chairman of the board for the Chamber, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Adult Learning Center, Nashua Pastoral Care Center and Great American Downtown.

He was the 2013 recipient of the United Way’s Max Silber Award for Community Service; the Chamber’s 2013 Ronald Krause President’s Award for community service; a co-winner of the 2013 John Sias Award for service to Big Brothers Big Sisters; and the 2013 Journalist of the Year Award from the Nashua Police Athletic League. In 2012, he received Citizen of the Year from the Salvation Army.

Williams is a past president of the New England Newspaper and Press Association; past president of the former New England Associated Press News Editors Association; a member of the Publisher’s Advisory Board for Stars & Stripes newspaper in Washington, DC; and a member of the New England First Amendment Coalition’s executive board.

Williams, who grew up in Springfield, VT, is a 1980 graduate of the University of New Hampshire in Durham with a bachelor’s degree in environmental conservation.

He lives in Amherst, NH, with his wife Julie, a teacher and tutor. They have two grown children, Christopher of Portland, ME, and Heather of Windsor, CT.

AIDS Services Has Relocated

The office of AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region, celebrating 26 years of service in 2014, has relocated to 17 Dunbar Street in Keene.

NEW CONTACT NUMBERS: Office 354-3241 and fax 354-3245.

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

SCS Fuel Assistance Program News

The Fuel Assistance Program is experiencing a high volume of phone calls due to the extreme drop in temperatures throughout the past few weeks. Please leave a message with your contact information if you receive a staff person’s voice mail.

We will continue to take Fuel Assistance applications throughout February, March, and April. We take Electric Assistance applications year-round.

Please feel free to call the Keene (352-7512) or Claremont (542-9528) office if you need to schedule an appointment. We encourage anyone struggling with their fuel and electric costs to consider applying.

The SCS website continues to have up-to-date information on our various programs. Some programs list income guidelines and others have applications available for downloading/printing. Please note: Fuel and Electric Assistance appointments need to be done in person through a scheduled appointment.

Thank you!

~ SCS Energy Staff

Southwestern Community Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

The Success by Six Committee of the Keene and Elm City Rotary Clubs
Has Mini-Grants Available

The Success by Six Committee of the Keene and Elm City Rotary Clubs has mini-grants available to organizations which have programs working with young children to help them start school ready to learn.

All requests meeting the criteria will be considered. (See below.) However, grant requests to further education and training of childcare providers and parents will be given priority.

The closing date for submitting requests is March 1, 2014.

If you are interested in applying, please send a letter by March 1, 2014, with details of your request for a specific project or need to:

Rotary Club of Keene
Attn: Success By Six
PO Box 126
Keene, NH 03431
or  e-mail SBYSIX@gmail.com

SUCCESS BY SIX GRANT REQUEST EVALUATION GUIDELINES

1. Grants will normally be granted for a maximum of $1,000. This amount may be increased if deemed appropriate by a two-thirds majority the committee.
2. Grant requests will only be considered from organizations. Exceptions may be made in unusual cases by a two-thirds vote of the committee.
3. Grants must be for a specific item or program and not part of a general budget. The amount requested must be for the complete cost of the item or program. Exceptions can be made by a two-thirds majority of the committee
4. Grants must be in agreement with the Success By Six mission statement as interpreted by the SBS committee which is: To have all of the children within our Monadnock service area start school ready to learn.
5. The Monadnock service area consists of the following twenty cities and towns:

   1. Alstead
   2. Chesterfield
   3. Fitzwilliam
   4. Gilsum
   5. Harrisville
   6. Hinsdale
   7. Keene
   8. Marlborough
   9. Marlow
   10. Nelson
   11. Richmond
   12. Roxbury
   13. Stoddard
   14. Sullivan
   15. Surry
   16. Swanzey
   17. Troy
   18. Walpole
   19. Westmoreland
   20. Winchester

6. Announcements of the availability of grants will be published semi-annually in September and January.  Grant requests will typically be considered in November and March.
7. Grant requests must be received on or before the published submission deadline.
8. Grant requests will be reviewed and approved or denied by the SBS committee in a timely manner. Approved requests will be submitted to the Rotary Club Board of Directors for final approval at the board meeting immediately subsequent to the SBS committee meeting.
9. The Committee is responsible for communicating with grant requestors including sending checks, letters of awards and/or denial, and gathering follow up information.

News From The River Center

FREE Tax Preparation

Free help is available from IRS certified tax preparers. Your clients could be eligible for tax credits designed to help people with moderate and low incomes.

To schedule an appointment, 924-6800 or email taxes@rivercenter.us.

Safe Sitter Babysitting Course at the Rindge Rec Center

Thursday, March 20, 2014, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Safe Sitter course at the Rindge Rec Center — Thursday, March 20th (professional development day in Jaffrey-Rindge and ConVal districts) from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This all-day course is designed for students ages 11-13. In this one-day program, students will learn basic first aid, how to care for a choking infant, personal safety of the sitter, how to care for children (feeding, diapering, etc.), behavior management, babysitting as a business, and more.

Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. To register, contact the Rindge Rec Center at 899-6847 or got to www.activityreg.com to register online.

$65 fee per student

The River Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

It’s Time to Talk

Statistics show that one in three teens will experience some form of dating abuse, whether physical, emotional, verbal or sexual. The 2013 New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that 14.8% of females had been forced by someone they were dating, in the past 12 months, to do sexual things they did not want to. Teens today are often unclear about what makes a relationship healthy — or unhealthy.

If you have a tween or teen, contact your child’s school and ask if they’re taking part in activities for TDVAPM. Encourage teachers, coaches or youth advocates you know to attend the free “In Their Shoes: Teens & Dating Violence” workshop MCVP is hosting on February12th (see the calendar of events for more details) — parents are welcome, too!

Together we can support teens in building healthy relationships to break the cycles of dating and sexual violence!

MCVP is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Monadnock Family Services 12th Annual Men Who Cook

An absolutely delicious feast prepared by the best local cooks.

Monadnock Family Services will hold its 12th annual fundraiser, Men Who Cook, on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the Zorn Dining Commons at Keene State College. This fabulous event — which has become greatly anticipated each spring in the Monadnock Region — provides an absolutely delicious feast prepared by dozens of our very best local amateur and professional chefs.

Every year, more than 100 men participate and more than 350 community members attend. We are pleased to announce that once again our event will benefit the Monadnock Family Services’ ActingOut program, an improvisational theater program that works to build self-esteem and positive social skills in high school students.

Ticket: $25 for adults; $5 for children 10 and under.

For reservations, call Mary Delisle at 603-283-1561 or email mdelisle@mfs.org. Seating is limited.

Monadnock Family Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

The Keene Senior Center Is An AARP Tax-Aide Location

The Keene Senior Center is one of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide locations this year — helping low-to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to assist you in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance.

The Center is now taking reservations for tax preparation on Mondays starting February 23 through
April 14 from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Contact the Center by calling 603-352-5037.

The Keene Senior Center is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Programs Offered by MAPS Counseling Services

Starting Over
A Service for Couples and Individuals

Starting Over is a service designed to help individuals and couples improve communication and cooperation during a divorce, cope with the emotions that may be overwhelming, find answers to why the marriage is ending, and begin the healing process to a new and secure life. When young children are involved, Starting Over may help you to be effective and caring parents after the divorce.

Starting Over is directed by Stephanie Kimber, LCMHC, a specialist in post-divorce recovery. Stephanie may be reached for referrals or for more information at MAPS Counseling Services (Keene) at 603-355-2244 x8264.

Oasis Program for Pain

For Patients

Living with Chronic Pain is a challenge. When you have pain with depression, it may be overwhelming. Depression magnifies pain and makes it more difficult to cope with the challenges of daily living. If you have chronic pain and depression, you are not alone.

For Medical Practitioners

You, better than anyone, understand the challenges of helping patients with chronic pain, with or without concomitant anxiety or depression. Despite advances in pain management, many patients continue to experience pain and debilitation. Oasis Program for Pain is available to offer additional solutions for your chronic pain patient.

Oasis Program for Pain is directed by Adele Michaelides Thomas, MA, LCMHC, NCC, a specialist in Chronic Pain management. Adele may be reached for referrals at MAPS Counseling Services (Keene) at 603-355-2244 x8302 or e-mail at amichaelides@mapsnh.org for more information.

Solutions for Men
A Counseling Service for Men of all Ages

Solutions for Men is a service that understands how to best help men find the answers they are looking for. Sean Flemming is a former business owner and a licensed mental health counselor with a strong background in Solution Focused therapy, Cognitive-Behavior therapy and substance abuse counseling. Sean understands the importance of finding clear, measurable goals and the steps necessary to reach them. Sean’s approach to therapy empowers men to build on their strengths and to take with them new skills to help cope with future problems.

Sean Flemming, MA, LCMHC has offices in both our Keene and Peterborough Offices. He may be reached for a referral at 603-355-2244, x8308 or by email at sflemming@mapsnh.org. Sean accepts most insurance plans and has a sliding fee for self-pay clients.

Child & Adolescent Services

MAPS Counseling Services also offers a range of child, adolescent, and family services designed to support clients through difficult times. Licensed child and adolescent therapists are available at both MAPS locations. To schedule an appointment, call 603-355-2244 and select option #2. Most insurance plans are accepted. A sliding fee
scale is available for families with no health insurance.

MAPS Counseling Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Low-Income Taxpayer Project Continues to Grow

Most of the figures from 2013 are now in, and they reveal a steady growth in the Low-Income Taxpayer Project. The clinic opened sixty-nine cases in 2013, up from forty-three for the previous year. Similarly, the value of donated time from LITP volunteers has increased from $63,114.28 in 2012 to $83,104.66 for 2013. (The 2013 figure might increase, as quarterly reports continue to trickle in.) These “in-kind” donations are especially important for the life of the clinic, because they can be counted in the tally of required matching funds for its chief grant, from the Internal Revenue Service.

Much of this growth can be attributed to a surge in outreach activities in 2012 and early 2013. More and more, our low-income friends and neighbors are learning that there is a place to go for help when facing trouble with the IRS. Please help spread the word even further; the LITP can always make room for more people in need.

For more information, contact Barbara G. Heggie, Esq.,Coordinator, Low-Income Taxpayer Project Assistant, Pro Bono Placement at bheggie@nhbar.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Fulfills Terms of Department of Justice Grant

In December 2013, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) won a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Justice to support mentoring of high-risk, juvenile justice involved youth. BBBS successfully met the terms of the grant and are pleased to report to the MUW community three of our stories. The names are fictitious, stories real.

Little Sister Amy, 16, and Big Sister Heather, 70.
Prior to meeting Heather, Amy described herself as defiant, disrespectful, and out of control. She lives with her disabled father and has been arrested and expelled from school for use of drugs and alcohol. Heather is a mother, grandmother, and music teacher. She has extensive experience with children of all ages. Heather allows Amy to be herself and brings a calming energy to the friendship. Amy received community service as part of her probation. Heather and Amy decided that the community service could be accomplished by Amy joining Heather at church to prepare the weekly meal for the congregation. This activity has proven a positive one for Amy as it allows her to be surrounded by positive and kind people. Heather has encouraged Amy to attend school and has helped her to see how important an education is. She is making new friends and is receiving good grades.

Chad, 15, and Steve, 24.
Chad is an autistic high school student who was coerced by peers into breaking into a home. Chad committed the breaking an entering in an effort to gain acceptance from his peers. Chad is bullied often and has trouble following the rules at school; he was referred by the school to BBBS as a high risk student that would benefit from a Big Brother mentor. Steve is a recent college graduate and was an excellent student-athlete. While at college he was a residential advisor which allowed him to manage peer to peer conflicts. Working as an RA also gave Steve experience with helping students out with problems. Chad and Steve have enjoyed hiking, skateboarding, and dining out. Steve sees a gradual change and improvement in Chad now that there is a trusted adult role model in his life.

Sam, 12, and Evan, 20.
Sam’s parents are divorced and their conflict has negatively affected Sam. Sam is small for his age and he shows signs of insecurity when interacting with others. He has been stealing from his parents and from classmates. Evan is a Keene State student and volunteered to become a Big Brother interested in helping kids in trouble — Sam is exactly the kind of child he wanted to help. Evan and Sam have enjoyed playing board games, cooking, and going on walks together. Evan has allowed Sam to share his feelings and thoughts, and they have been able to establish trust in their relationship. Evan has decided to hold Sam accountable for his actions and as a result the stealing has stopped.

Three high-risk, juvenile-justice involved children now have hopeful outlooks because of their trusted mentors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire is a Monadnock United Way Agency.

Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center Receives Gift from Masons

Monadnock RSVP Volunteer Center has received a gift of $700 from the Jerusalem Lodge #104 of Free and Accepted Masons for its signature program, America Reads, a national literacy program that helps children in kindergarten through third grade become proficient readers.

“We are delighted by this gift and grateful to Jerusalem Lodge #104 for their partnership and support to improve educational outcomes in our community,” says Katharine Baird, Director of Monadnock RSVP.“The donation from the Masons will ensure that children who are tutored in America Reads will be exposed to high quality, age-appropriate books that will reinforce reading and writing concepts and promote a love of reading.”

Freemasonry is the oldest Fraternity in the world and has a long history in Keene, dating back to 1789 when the Rising Sun Lodge #3 was constituted by the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. Later, the Social Friends Lodge #42 and the Lodge of the Temple were formed, which merged into the Jerusalem Lodge in 1990. One of the many tenants of Freemasonry is charity and every year the Keene Masons contribute thousands of dollars within Cheshire County. This year, in addition to Monadnock RSVP, program donations were made to Joy’s Network at Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Keene Cancer Center, the Keene Historical Society and the Civil Air Patrol. Other donations are made to needy, educational and civic organizations

Monadnock RSVP, a Senior Corps program funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, engages more than 300 older adults in meaningful service opportunities at 45 non-profit and public organizations in the Monadnock Region. Through partner agencies and programs, community members who are the most vulnerable and at-risk receive the support and assistance they need to meet their basic human needs, increase their ability to succeed in their personal goals and have a quality of life that spans generationally with the help of RSVP volunteers Monadnock RSVP is sponsored by Monadnock Family Services, a Monadnock United Way Agency.

CVTC Announces New Directors to the Board

At the Annual Meeting of Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC) held in November at Monadnock Community Hospital, Ken Geraghty, Chair of the Board of Directors announced the addition of two new members to the Board. Nancy Barisano, new Chief Information Officer at Monadnock Community Hospital and Robin Boyd who manages the Harry Gregg Foundation and also writes and edits many Crotched Mountain Foundation publications. They join Corrado Paramithiotti, who joined the Board in January 2013. Paramithiotti is Director of Facilities, Planning and Operations at Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. Officers for the coming year are Ken Geraghty, Chair; Sam Lafortune, Vice Chair; Matt Waitkins, Treasurer; and Missy Taylor, Secretary.

CVTC creates, coordinates and delivers transportation solutions for the Monadnock region. Founded in 2008 and based in Peterborough, CVTC serves thirteen towns — Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Francestown, Greenfield, Greenville, Hancock, Jaffrey, New Ipswich, Peterborough, Rindge, Sharon, and Temple. The Volunteer Driver Program provides rides for citizens that have no other transportation options to medical appointments, social service agencies and grocery shopping. Rides are provided by volunteer drivers, at no charge. Monadnock Rideshare features an on line Rideboard where residents of the entire region can register to provide a ride or look for a ride to work, shopping, sporting or cultural events or long-distance trips, with the ultimate goal of making carpooling a transportation resource for this rural area.

For more information call toll-free 1-877-428-2882 and visit the website at www.cvtc-nh.org.

CVTC is a not-for-profit organization that is supported with funding from Monadnock United Way, Federal Transportation Administration through the NH Department of Transportation, municipalities, foundations, businesses and individual donations.

Monadnock United Way On Cheshire TV

Watch Cheshire TV Channel 8 (Time Warner Cable) every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and see how our partner agencies, donors, volunteers, and corporate partners LIVE UNITED!

Can’t watch it on Wednesdays, or you are not a Time Warner subscriber, episodes are posted on the Monadnock United Way YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/monadnockunitedway).

Also, on the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m., be sure to listen to Sound-Off with Chris Coates and Greg Parent on WKBK Radio (1290 AM of 104.1 FM) — a Monadnock United Way partner agency will be on the air discussing their agency and programs. Eric Snare from ActingOut will be the guest on February 15, 2014.

How do you LIVE UNITED? Email LiveUnited@muw.org and tell us. If your story is read on the TV show you’ll win a LIVE UNITED t-shirt!

All schedules are subject to change without notice.

Agency/Program Wish List

AIDS Services for the Monadnock Region
Vertical locking 4-drawer file cabinet — 354-3241

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western New Hampshire
L-shaped office desk — 352-9536, ext. 106

Hundred Nights
Heat-and-eat meals, cereal, fresh fruit, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, sugar, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine products, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, gently used warm clothing, boots, and long underwear — 352-5197

Keene Senior Center
Computers (Windows 7 or newer), new electric treadmills for the gym, craft supplies for the craft room, seasonal donations for the Center's Thrift Shop — 352-5037

Monadnock Adult Care Center
Sewing machine — Chris, 532-2427

Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency (MPS)
Clock radio, small safe, pillows/pillowcases, wii fit/wii sport — 352-5093

Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention
Toilet paper, paper towels, household cleaning supplies (kitchen spray, bathroom cleaner, window cleaner, etc.) —
352-3782

Monadnock Family Services
Three or four small couches to use in their Therapy Offices— Sandy Jones, 283-1655

Monadnock United Way
10-12 conference room chairs — Marianne, 352-4209

The River Center
Acrylic craft paint (in bright colors), copy paper, toilet paper, Kleenex, liquid hand soap refills, ground coffee, playhouse, shed, a working vacuum— 924-6800

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

Southwestern Community Services: Housing Stabilization Services
Large plastic sealable totes with lids, twin sheets, blankets , pillows and bath/hand towels; personal care items, gas cards — Cathy Thornton, 352-7512, ext. 4295

Southwestern Community Services: Energy Services
Any donations to Fuel Assistance, Electric Assistance, or Weatherization provides 100% direct assistance to clients in the form of preventing electric disconnects, providing emergency fuel deliveries, etc. — Keene, 352-7512 or
Claremont, 542-9528

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