Past Topics.
Seniors
Giving Cycle 20010-2011
In our fifth giving cycle, the group chose to focus on seniors’ issues, specifically “providing non-medical support to help at-risk seniors age with dignity in their homes”. Throughout this cycle, our members repeatedly heard about the rapidly growing senior population in NH and the need to "change the face of aging" in our Seacoast community. We understand that we cannot afford to ignore the lack of coordinated care for our frail elderly; the time is now to focus significant energy and attention to create the systems change needed to adequately care for this population. The Giving Circle's Active members were inspired by both the short-term, direct service provided by Seniors Count and by the long-term implications that the program can have on our approach to caring for our seniors. We believe that our group has an opportunity to significantly transform the lives of so many of our most vulnerable community members by supporting Seniors Count.
In May of 2011, we selected RCA's Seniors Count Program (http://www.rcaction.org/) as our nonprofit gift recipient! Rockingham Community Action is a community action agency located in Portsmouth whose mission is to alleviate and prevent poverty, and to promote self-reliance for individuals and families who are struggling. Their mission is achieved by providing people with tools and resources to help them overcome economic hardship through advocacy and the effective delivery of comprehensive services, in collaboration with individuals, families, and other community partners.
Women and Economic Security
Giving Cycle 2009-2010
In our fourth giving cycle, the group chose to focus on women's issues, specifically women's economic security. We learned that many obstacles come between women and their financial stability: the decline in higher wage jobs; the increase in housing and health care costs; and the lack of access to transportation and affordable childcare. Through our giving, we aimed to help single mothers and/or working mothers overcome one or more of these obstacles.
In June of 2010, we selected More Than Wheels (formerly Bonnie CLAC) as our gift recipient. Our group was struck by the key role transportation plays in a woman's ability to gain financial stability. More Than Wheels provides individuals with access to reliable, affordable transportation through one-on-one intensive coaching and financial fitness training. The organization helps low-income clients, 70% of whom are women, improve their personal financial skills and credit ratings before purchasing an affordable, reliable and fuel-efficient car. Our group's gift will support outreach to prospective female clients in our community and a Matching Savings Program for low-income women on the Seacoast. All funds donated in excess of $20K will provide general operating support restricted to the Seacoast region.
Children at Risk
Giving Cycle 2008-2009
During our third giving cycle, we learned about the many challenges facing young people in our community, and grew passionate about the opportunity to invest in programs that prevent risky behavior among youth ages 11 %uFFFD 18 years. Research shows that between the hours of 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, there are not only higher rates of teen suicide, drug /alcohol use, and sexual activity, but there is also an increase in the number of 911 calls made regarding adolescents.
In June of 2009, we selected New Heights to be our gift recipient. Founded by Seacoast Mental Health Center in 1987, New Heights is an after-school and vacation program that annually serves over 500 middle and high school students, providing risk-prevention and confidence-building activities designed to help them make a successful transition to adulthood. Giving Circle members and supporters donated over $42,000 to New Heights; our dollars served as general operating support and supported New Heights' Junior Staff Program, a mentoring track that places older adolescents in leadership positions to facilitate daily activities and to serve as accessible and positive role models to the younger participants.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Giving Cycle 2007-2008
In our second giving cycle, members chose to focus on affordable housing and homelessness. In our community, thousands of local families, many with young children, have experienced periods of homelessness. In fact, the average age of a homeless person in New Hampshire is nine years old. Through our study of this issue we learned that substance abuse, mental health disorders, and lack of access to basic primary health care often compound the challenge of finding affordable housing. To help combat this problem, the Giving Circle selected Families First's Health Care for the Homeless Program to receive its 2008 gift. This program serves our community's most vulnerable residents, offering them immediate relief from medical problems and helping them to rebuild their lives. With our members' gifts and those of friends, we provided over $21,000 to enable Families First to hire a part-time care coordinator for the Health Care for the Homeless Program. For more information, visit www.familiesfirstseacoast.org.
Environment on the Seacoast
Giving Cycle 2006-2007
The Giving Circle selected the environment as the focus of its first cycle of giving. This decision reflected our new awareness that environmental stewardship can be a human justice issue and that topics such as climate change, land conservation, and water quality are both urgent and local. We selected the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) to receive our first gift. With member contributions and the generosity of friends and neighbors, our gift grew to nearly $10,000. These funds have helped CLF pursue strategic ways to protect the Great Bay Estuary, a critically important natural treasure that is at risk of collapse. For more information, visit www.clf.org.
