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Sponsor Spotlight
Support for the Friends Program is derived from many sources including grants and contributions from generous individuals like you. Also key to sustaining our services is support from community-minded businesses like the ones listed here.
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Friends Emergency Housing Benefits from $2,500 Rotary Grant
The Friends Program appreciates support from the Concord Rotary Club to help fund renovations to the Friends Emergency Housing Program shelter.
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Lincoln Financial Foundation Supports Friends Emergency Housing & Youth Mentoring
Support from Lincoln Financial's charitable foundation is helping the Friends Program transition N.H. homeless families into permanent housing. Read more
In addition, LFG provided $2,000 in sponsorship support for Friends Youth Mentoring. With $9,500 in total support, we are grateful for LFG's cross-program commitment to our efforts to build relationships and restore hope.
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Franklin Savings Bank Awards $2,500 to Match Local Youth with Mentors
Support from FSB will focus on supporting youth in need from Boscawen, Franklin, Penacook, Salisbury, and surrounding towns. Read more
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Granite Investment Advisors Donates $2,000 to Friends Youth Mentoring
Support from Granite Investment Advisors will provide vital project management and operational support to match Merrimack County youth with mentors.
___________________________________ Support from the Alexander Eastman Foundation helps Friends RSVP fight osteoporosis in the greater Derry region through Bone Builder exercise sessions.
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Read on. I welcome you to be inspired.
Sincerely,
Jerry Madden
Executive Director
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Paska Yen (center), shown here with her daughters, was named by Governor Maggie Hassen as one of her "Unsung Heroes" during a recent ceremony at the Capitol building in Concord. Pictured here, left to right, are are Jane, Anek, Paska (mother), Ennosen, and Leah. Jane completed the mentoring program last year; her three sisters are all currently matched with one-to-one mentors who are helping them acculturate to a new homeland.
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Mother of Four Junior Friends Named Governor's "Unsung Hero"
Paska Yen is a profile in courage. She came to Concord 13 years ago as a refugee from war-torn Sudan having overcome so much. Paska's courage helped her four daughters find a new future in a new land. She was one of several parents celebrated last month by Gov. Maggie Hassan in Concord.
Paska has supported her daughters' education, advocated for their future, and supported their opportunities in the community. All while working full-time. Paska is studying for the citizen exam. Her daughters have achieved citizenship. Paska is proud that her daughters have achieved this status.
Three of her daughters - Anek, Ennosen, and Leah - are currently matched with Friends mentors. Her oldest, Jane, completed the program last year and is currently enrolled at NHTI. Jane's goal is to become a nurse and continue her education with dreams of becoming a surgeon.
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Catching up with a Former Emergency Housing Client
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Former Emergency Housing client Crystal after signing her apartment lease last summer.
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She's now working full-time as an LNA at a nursing home. Having worked with counseling staff at Emergency Housing, Crystal learned the importance of budgeting. This has allowed her to afford a reliable vehicle. Her first-grade daughter is thriving and is enrolled in her elementary's afterschool program. And Crystal's upgraded to a better apartment. The one she leased upon transitioning from our facility was a one-bedroom unit. She and her daughter now live in a two-bedroom apartment in a better neighborhood.
Full Emergency Housing Program Page
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Friends RSVP Caregivers: "It's a Way to Give Back"
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New Friends RSVP Caregiver Sandy Squires (right) with Program Coordinator Carolyn Rich.
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Last summer, local resident Sandy Squires underwent a total knee replacement and couldn't drive for six weeks. Her daughter, who lives in Florida, researched local resources on the Web and contacted the Friends RSVP Caregiver program to see if a volunteer driver could bring Sandy to doctor's appointments.
Since then, Sandy's undergone an eye procedure. She sees great now, but her vision was temporarily impaired. Once again, a Friends Caregiver was there to help.
Now she wants to pay it forward and has joined the Friends Caregivers as a volunteer driver.
"It's a great way to give back," Sandy said.
"The Friends were there for me and now I can be there for someone. It makes you feel like you're helping your fellow person."
We need more drivers like Sandy. Call 228-7615 to get involved.
Full Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Page
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The Friends Program is seeking folks 55 and up to volunteer in schools and day cares. If you or a caring senior you know want to help children learn and grow, call us today! 1-800-536-1193.
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Seniors...Want to Make a Difference in a Child's Life in Your Community?
Highlights of this wonderful program include:
- By volunteering in a local elementary or preschool you'll mentor and support children while building meaningful relationships with students and other adults in your community.
- Income-eligible seniors receive a grant-funded, tax-free stipend that doesn't affect Social Security benefits or any other assistance.
- Encouraging a children to reach their goals gives you a sense of purpose and gives them the confidence and the comfort of a caring adult.
The Friends Program coordinates the only Foster Grandparent Program in New Hampshire and we have openings in many communities! Maybe your hometown school is one of them! For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent Volunteer please call 1-800-536-1193 or visit our Web site.
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Funds raised from the Concord Mom Prom - the Capital's premiere girls' night out - will advance our efforts to match local at-risk youth with volunteer mentors. The May 15 gala is a great time for a great cause.
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Concord Mom Prom Proceeds to Benefit Friends Youth Mentoring
Ladies! Ladies! Ladies! Here's your chance to get all glammed up and dance the night away - all for a great cause!
After an on-line vote, Friends Youth Mentoring was named the beneficiary of the 3rd Annual Concord Mom Prom, which will take place on Friday, May 15 at Concord's Holiday Inn. Tickets are $40 and available at OutFITters on South Main Street or online.
What's quickly become the Capital's premiere girls' night out, the Concord Mom Prom is part of a growing national movement. Women don old prom dresses, wedding gowns, or even those formal outfits that were worn just once for a special one-time occasion. Then they get together for a gala affair to benefit a charitable cause.
Despite the name, the Mom Prom isn't just for moms - all fun-loving women over 18 are welcome. (Sorry - no boys allowed). Last year's Mom Prom sold out, so get your tickets soon. For more information, call 731-7725 or send an e-mail.
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 From the Mentoring Mailbag
We love to hear from the people whose lives are touched by the efforts of our volunteers. Below is an excerpt from a letter we received from Karen, the mother of a girl in our Youth Mentoring Program. Her daughter, Lily, is enrolled in the Boys and Girls Club in Suncook where she meets weekly with her mentor Megan, a student at Pembroke Academy.
"Dear Friends Program, we are truly blessed to have you in our lives."
"As a single mother, I try my best to provide for my daughters and advocate constantly! The Friends Program helps me do that! [Program Coordinator] Susanne and [mentor] Megan are a Godsend! Thank you for all that you do for our family!"
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 Proceeds from Granite State Ringers Concert to Benefit Homeless Families at Friends Emergency Housing
For more information about the Granite State Ringers, visit their Web site.
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 Save the Date: 18th Annual Friends Golf Tourney...Monday, Sept. 14
Believe it or not, someday all of this snow will be gone, and it'll be time to start thinking about golf. So save the date - Monday, Sept. 14 - that's when we'll be holding our 18th annual charity golf tournament to support efforts to match at-risk youth with volunteer mentors. We'll be back at the exclusive Concord Country Club.
Join us for one of the few chances you might get to play this remarkable course! In the meantime, enjoy some sunny photos from our outing last September.
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Friends Program | 202 North State Street | Concord, NH 03301
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Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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