It only takes one individual to make a difference, but when many people come together with hope and determination, we can make a brighter tomorrow for all. UNITED IS THE WAY.
Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental human value anyone can act on. You are the reason the people in these stories are thriving today! Your continued support will help ensure that those who are struggling get the necessary services to continue their healing.
Building Bridges: A Journey of Transformation through Play
A first grader in the Hillsboro-Deering Kids Adventures Afterschool Program faced challenges with severe behaviors, such as outbursts, throwing things, and attempting to leave without permission. Through collaboration with school counselors and teachers, a thoughtful plan was developed, leading to a remarkable transformation.
Now, upon arrival, the student finds a special box of Legos just for them. As they build and create with the Legos, they have become more socially engaged, inviting other students to join in the fun. This newfound interest in engineering and Snap Circuits has sparked curiosity and creativity.
The journey has enriched the student's experience and has created a positive ripple effect, uplifting their peers and the dedicated staff around them.
*Kids Adventures Afterschool Program is a member of the Monadnock Region Afterschool Collective.
A NEW BEGINNING: NANCY'S JOURNEY TO SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE
When Nancy called the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP), she was in crisis after being beaten by her husband and feared she had broken ribs. An MCVP Advocate provided critical support during a 30-minute drive to the facility, where they practiced deep breathing and empowered her to share her story. With no safe place to go, Nancy was assessed and welcomed into MCVP’s shelter, the “For Now House,” where she could stay for 3-6 months.
At the shelter, Nancy found strength in connections with others who had faced similar challenges. With ongoing guidance from MCVP’s Shelter Advocate, she crafted an empowerment plan to heal and reclaim her life. MCVP’s Housing First Advocate helped her explore housing options that would pave the way for her new, violence-free future. Thanks to MCVP, Nancy accessed life-changing services and began her inspiring journey to a fresh start.
*Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention is a member of the Cheshire County Emergency Housing Collaborative.
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FROM HOMELESSNESS TO HOPE: MARK AND SALLY'S JOURNEY TO STABLE HOUSING
Mark and Sally's (not their real names) inspiring journey is a powerful testament to the significance of support and the profound impact that even a small act of kindness can have on someone's life.
Mark and Sally are a wonderful example of how determination and community support can transform lives. After facing childhood poverty and the devastating loss of his wife, Mark and his daughter Sally found themselves homeless in June 2023, seeking refuge at Hundred Nights due to overwhelming medical bills and debt. With unwavering hope, Mark expressed his desire for stable housing, sharing, “We only need someone to give us a break.”
Their dream became a reality at the end of the year when a generous donor provided a rental house for them. Mark and Sally's journey inspires us all, illustrating the profound impact that kindness and support can have in overcoming life's challenges.
*Hundred Nights is a member of the Cheshire County Emergency Housing Collaborative.
FINDING CONNECTION AND SUPPORT: AMBER'S JOURNEY
In 2020, Amber and her husband faced profound tragedy with the stillbirth of one of their twin sons while the other spent two months in the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amber described this period as a challenging time, especially with their vulnerable son and the grief of their loss. After a year, she bravely took the step to connect with other parents, though many grief support groups felt unresponsive. A fellow parent then introduced her to the Better Beginnings program at the Grapevine.
“The Grapevine has become my village,” Amber expressed. Here, she found a sanctuary where she could connect with fellow parents while trusting her child to caring adults. The dedicated staff offered vital support, fostering a nonjudgmental atmosphere for her family. Amber encourages others on their journey: “Parenting communities can feel divisive, but the Grapevine is a place that feels safe and full of acceptance."
*The Grapevine is a member of the Monadnock Alliance for Families.