Together we thrive: In our community

Here are just a few examples of what happens in New Hampshire communities when people give, and work, together:

• Outdoor connection. The Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust in Franconia helps people make meaningful connection with the outdoors by protecting land in the North Country and hosting gatherings for learning, connecting and exploring in the natural world.
• A year of service in a Manchester school. City Year volunteers spend a year working with young people on everything from leadership development to reading and math to baseball. “City Years” act as mentors and coaches invested in young people’s success. Dozens of volunteers work in five elementary schools in Manchester, helping children to thrive — and gaining life-changing experience.
• Much more than soup. The Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter provides food, emergency shelter and a wide range of supportive services for people in Greater Nashua. Its backpack program collects new backpacks and school supplies for children whose families are living on low wages, staying in its shelters or coming to the soup kitchen for food.

Young dancers at MoCo Arts (courtesy photo)

• Opportunities for all our kids. The Keene Housing Kids Collaborative helps kids who live in subsidized housing to thrive and build the foundation to be successful adults. The Collaborative works with partners — like MoCo Arts — to provide kids with access to opportunities for learning, community building — and joy.
• Almost a century of quality craft. For more than 90 years, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen has promoted the work of artists and artisans from all over the state. Its annual Craftsmen’s Fair, held at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury in August, features the juried work of hundreds of league members plus workshops and demonstrations — and draws some 20,000 visitors.
• Pets provide company and joy. The Upper Valley Humane Society in Enfield provides traditional animal sheltering and adoption as well as services to help people keep pets at home and out of the shelter. The shelter has seen increased demand at its pet food pantry, increased calls from people re-homing pets and more abandoned animals.
• Health care for all. The Lovering Health Center of Greenfield provides confidential, comprehensive and accurate sexual and reproductive health information and services to all in a supportive environment, and advocates for the right of everyone to maintain freedom and choices regarding sexual and reproductive health.