By Lois R. Shea, Senior Writer and Communications Officer |
The latest issue of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Purpose newsletter — which showcases the heroic work of New Hampshire’s nonprofit sector during extraordinary times — is available online, with hard copies arriving in mailboxes soon.
In our cover story, we meet the farmers of Fresh Start Farms, a project of the Organization for Immigrant and Refugee Success, who are helping to feed our communities: Growing fresh, healthy produce and finding ways to get it to people who especially need it — including elders and struggling families.
Download and read the full PDF version of Purpose where you will also find stories about:
- New Hampshire nonprofits’ heroic response to the COVID pandemic,
- How the YWCA has been working to eliminate racism and empower women for a century,
- How generous people are responding to help communities in need,
- New Hampshire’s first Spanish-language news service,
And so much more.
Thanks for reading.
Read Purpose Fall/Winter 2020 (PDF)
Related Stories
A NH for All: Connections, conversations, inspiration
We were so excited to welcome more than 500 people to five community events this fall to celebrate “A New Hampshire for All.” New connections were made, new ideas and collaborations sparked, old connections rekindled. We are grateful to everyone who joined us. See below for photos, videos and links to transcripts of the remarks of our guest speakers.
Leading with respect, dignity and compassion for people experiencing homelessness
Our greatest challenge continues to be reducing the stigma about people experiencing homelessness. People become homeless for many reasons such as a lack of affordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse disorders, catastrophic illness, natural disasters, unemployment, or working low-wage jobs. They are individuals of all ages, colors, and abilities. They are all human beings, worthy of respect, dignity, and compassion.
Advancing mental health care to strengthen community
A community mental health center is a private not-for-profit with a public mission. We provide a core array of services to the general public — like emergency crisis services — and the treatments and programs that kids or adults need should they have a disabling mental health condition. We do things that no other healthcare provider can do.
Collaboration at the heart of mission
Vital Communities’ mission is to engage people, organizations, and communities to create equitable solutions to our region’s challenges. We are not just an organization, we are a movement with collaboration at the heart of our work. We believe in the strength of our communities and the catalytic effect that occurs when diverse minds unite for a shared purpose.
Pride builds community, belonging
When LGBTQ people can feel safe, they can become part of the larger community, which is better for everyone. When we feel we belong, and know this can be home, that we want to stay here, or to move here, we will fight for that sense of place, and we fight for each other. And because of that, we all thrive together.
Speaking up for North Country children and families
"A New Hampshire for All" means that we need all voices from all corners to truly move forward.
Data and research to inform, make a difference
As the executive director of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute — a nonpartisan, independent policy research nonprofit organization — and a father to two young children, I spend a considerable amount of my professional and personal life thinking about how decisions made in Concord affect lives in communities across this state.
Thriving through mentorship and the arts
Kimball Jenkins is a community arts center which utilizes the tools of the creative economy to foster healing and growth for New Hampshire in order to secure a more inclusive and fulfilling future for our peoples. We are redefining what the arts can truly do for our neighborhoods.
Address individual needs – and build systemic equity
When I was asked to come and chat about what it looks like for New Hampshire to be a New Hampshire for all, where everyone belongs, I was excited because if you know me, you will know I have a lot to say on that topic — because we are not there just yet.
Helping people in recovery thrive
It’s not enough to simply serve those in recovery, we need to also identify the people who use drugs in our community and listen to their trauma, meet them where they dream and do so with compassion, radical acceptance and dignity.
Building an environmental justice movement in New Hampshire
Many individuals in low-income and marginalized communities are burdened with environmental issues they did not create. Furthermore, they are being denied the environmental benefits that they deserve.
Maui Strong Fund activated by Hawai’i Community Foundation
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation has activated its Maui Strong Fund to support residents affected by the wildfires in Maui. At least 36 people have died in the blazes. One hundred percent of the funds donated into the Maui Strong Fund will be distributed for community needs.