By Lois R. Shea, Senior Writer and Communications Officer | The Charitable Foundation is working in conjunction with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the Community College System of New Hampshire and the Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges to make free job-training available to people who receive SNAP benefits. The program makes it possible for people to receive training for professional licensing or accreditation in a variety of fields through Manchester Community College. Tuition and fees are covered by federal USDA funds. Charitable Foundation funding is helping reduce barriers for these students by covering the supplies or other things necessary for them to get this education – from stethoscopes or work boots to car repairs so they can get to classes. So far, 15 people have received licenses or certificates at Manchester Community College and another 45 are pursuing professional credentials. The coalition of partners hopes to broaden the project to other community colleges statewide. For the full story on these efforts, read this report from New Hampshire Public Radio. Related Stories NH Business Review 2024 Charitable Giving Guide now available New Hampshire Business Review’s 2024 Charitable Giving Guide encourages people to support the nonprofits that make the New Hampshire community better for all. Louise Tillotson teaching Fellowship paused for 2024 Foundation staff will be working with past fellowship recipients, plus other North Country educators and nonprofit partners to align the program with the Tillotson Fund’s vision and principles, and determine the structure of the fellowship going forward. 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.
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