Quick Links
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Register Now to Support the Friends Program

Saturday, April 22nd from 11:30am-1:30pm
Yoga Class, book reading, and book signing at Blossom Yoga & Wellness with donations  
to benefit the 
Youth Mentoring Program. 


Saturday, June 23rd at 8am
10K road race during Concord Market Days with 50% of proceeds to benefit the Friends Program.  Registration opens March 1st.
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If your business would like to be a sponsor of the Capital City Classic Race, contact Laura Scott for more information. 
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Free AARP Tax Assistance

With assistance from the Friends RSVP Program volunteers, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers over 50 years old.
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For more information and locations 
for free tax assistance, click here
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Funding Received

Thank you to Eastern Bank for your support of our Youth Mentoring Program.


Thank you to Associated Grocers of New England for your support of the Friends Program.
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Spring is Coming

Even though it may be hard to believe that Spring is coming, it really is.  Along with Spring comes more outside activity, yard work and clothes that have been hidden away for months.  

Time to check out the new Bone Builders  class schedule  to help you get ready for Spring.   Classes are designed for those 55+ and are FREE.
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Shop at Rite Aid to Support the Youth Mentoring Program

Enroll in 
KidCents  and your in-store & online purchases at Rite Aid will be rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. Your change can go to our Youth Mentoring Program and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children.
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We Want YOU!

Do you want to support the Friends Program by getting more involved? Are you interested in seniors having meaningful opportunities to volunteer in their community?
 
If yes, we are looking for volunteers to serve on the RSVP Advisory Committee, which provides input and advise to staff and Board of Trustee members on the RSVP Program.

If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, contact Susan Smith, Senior Programs Director, for more information. 
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Matching Gifts

Did you know that many employers will increase the impact of your generous gift by matching all or a portion of your charitable contribution to the Friends Program? In some cases, companies may match retirees' donations, too.
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Check out the   list of known companies in NH that match employee donations and see if your company is listed.  Increase the impact of your giving today!
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Help Us Spread the Word About Friends

Do you belong to a neighborhood group, service organization, or workplace giving collaborative?  If so, we would love to be a guest speaker at an upcoming meeting to let others know what the Friends Program does.   Contact us if interested. 
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Youth Mentoring Orientations

Make a difference in the life of a Merrimack County young person and be a mentor. The first step is attending an orientation that will introduce you to our program and outline what's involved. 

Upcoming orientation:
Tuesday, March 13th
Thursday, April 19th

Orientations are from 4:30-7pm at the Friends Program office, 202 North State Street, Concord.

Step up and step in to help a needy child. 
Call 228-0108 for more info.  
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Support the Friends Program when you Shop
 
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchase  from  AmazonSmile to the Friends Program so shop away.
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Seeking Donations

If you have table cloths (cloth, solid colors, all sizes) laying around your home that are not being used, we would love to take them off your hands.  We use these at workshops and outreach events to present the organization in a positive and professional manner.  

Contact us if you would like to make a donation.  Thank you!
March 2018
Senior Programs NH Legislative
 Breakfast

On February 13th, the Friends Senior Programs hosted a Legislative Breakfast at the State House.  The purpose of this event was to let our Foster Grandparent and RSVP volunteers share their stories about why they volunteer and what they see as the importance of these programs.
There were a large number of local Representatives and Senators, as well as an Executive Councilor, at the event talking with our senior volunteers and staff members. 

Thank you to Senators Birdsell and D'Allesandro and Representatives Wallner, MacKay, Cahill, and Grassie for co-sponsoring this event.

Thank you to the following refreshment donors: The Works Bakery Cafe, Panera Bread, Shaws and Senator Regina Birdsell.
Emergency Housing Program 
Success Stories

It is becasue of supporters like you that we are able to share stories of success.  These stories highlight hard work and hope for former residents like Alison Colandia and her children.

"In my most dark and difficult time in my life (going thru a divorce),one phone call to Friends Emergency Housing helped me thru it all. The staff was so helpful and caring for my kids and I that I will be so ever grateful for. Some days started off a bit unhappy and not looking like things will change with talking to the staff and always stayed positive and with a smile was able to make it thru the day. I owe it all to them and the program"  
 
Thank you for supporting the Emergency Housing Program with financial donations, items from our wish list and MyRegistry, and donating your time and talents to serve our residents.
Thank You to Our
2018 Lead Sponsor

The Friends Program would like to thank Merrimack County Savings Bank for being the 2018 Lead Sponsor for the Friends Program.  

"Merrimack County Savings Bank has been privileged to support the Friends Program over many years, and we'll continue to advocate for the very important work they do. The Friends Program has been an exceptional resource for our community, as they create meaningful opportunities for seniors, children and at-risk youth. The Bank was founded on the principle of service to others, and we gladly stand behind the Friends Program, who have served as a wonderful example for us all."

Philip Emma
President Merrimack County Savings Bank
 
Vote Now!

Vote by March 23rd to help the Foster Grandparent and RSVP Programs win $500. It just takes a minute to support these Programs.

 
Supporting A Healthy Child 

In February, Friends Program staff, volunteers and community partners enjoyed a class on the social/emotional development of young children.  April Campbell M.Ed., ECMPWT, presented theory and strategies for caring for and about children and supporting a healthy childhood.  
 
We thank the Concord School District for their support in facilitating this learning opportunity.  
Board of Trustees Welcomes   

The Friends Program is pleased to announce that Gail Barba has joined the Board of Trustees.

Gail is has lived in New Hampshire since 1973 in the North Country and more recently, in Concord. Gail has always been active in the community serving on a succession of committees and boards and volunteering to work on behalf of children and those in need.

Read more here.

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RSVP Volunteers Needed

Are you over 55+ and looking for a way to give back in your community?  Do you want to make new friends while making a difference?  Do you have time and talent that you want to share with others?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should volunteer with the Friends Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  You do not have to be retired to volunteer, its just a name after all.

We are looking for volunteers to help provide rides and companionship to frail and home-bound seniors,  serve those in need at local food banks and soup kitchens, and lend a helping hand at local non-profits with office and administrative assistance.

Contact us by email or phone (228-0139) for more information or to sign-up to get invovled.  
 
Thank you to the following highlighted 2018 Business Sponsors
   












Friends Program | 202 North State Street | Concord, NH 03301
  (603) 228-1193 | lscott@friendsprogram.org |