The Women's Fund of New Hampshire

VICTORY STORY 1: The Upper Room – A Family Resource Center, Derry, NH GED PREP Program

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to creating educational programs and services, which strengthen individuals, families and the community. The center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. There are no barriers, income guidelines or geographic limitations to participation.

Read about what Brenda Guggisberg, Case Manager, GED PREP Class, had to say about a recent GED PREP class at the Upper Room.

“We had 12 students start the program. This group was very attentive and on task during class time, and had a wonderful rapport with one another and the staff. At the completion of the course nine students were still attending class and participating. Seven students tested in December, ALL passed the GED exam. One student is continuing with GED prep, and we have connected him with Vocational Rehab services through Compass Youth. Another student is testing the first week of February as her picture ID was lost the day prior to the test. This is a major success for the students."

Where they are now:

4 are working full time.
1 is already away at Culinary School.
1 is going in to the Coast Guard.
1 is attending NHCTC beginning in March.
1 has enrolled with Northern Essex Community College for music.
1 is enrolling in St. Joseph’s nursing school.
1 is having a child.
1 student is taking a gap year as he was only 16 and he will be applying to Full Sail College in Florida for Film Directing.

This group was very motivated and excited about post GED plans and they utilized the support the program offered as a way to get them to the next step!”

What the students have to say about the program:

“This GED program has been helpful to me in many ways. It has not only helped me gain the skills and knowledge needed to complete the GED, but also has provided me with information on several different options that will be available to me once I have completed the GED.”
This program provides a relaxed and easy to learn environment which seems to work for everyone. I am happy to be a part of the class, and would recommend it to anyone with hopes of achieving their GED.” Tim E.

“The GED has helped push me to find out what I want to be when I grow up. If I never came here I’d probably be working at a fast food restaurant for the rest of my life. Now I can do what I always wanted to be, which is a fire man.” Jesse C.

“This GED program has helped me, the kindness of the environment. The teachers here are willing to help you in any way you might need to be helped. If I didn’t have a ride they’d arrange one for me. This program has also helped me plan my future life, better than I could.” Lisa D.

VICTORY STORY 2: Heartbreakers Club

Heartbreakers Club, one of a number of programs and activities offered by the FRIENDS Project of Portsmouth High School in collaboration with Phillips Exeter Academy, is a group of young women ages 15-30 who participate in social activities twice per month.

We’d like you to hear what they have to say about their program in their own words...

“We have had another great year at Heartbreakers! The program runs from October through May, while Phillips Exeter Academy is in session. We have almost 40 girls and young women who participate regularly. About 15 of these participants live in the community and have disabilities. The PEA students do a great job planning activities on campus. These activities include Yoga, dance, Halloween Trick or Treating, scavenger hunts, sundae party, dinner, “girls night” (hair, nails), crafts and more. It is really a great group of girls and women – everyone gets along superbly and has a great time.”

VICTORY STORY 3: AIR (Arts in Reach)

Quote from Allison, Age 16 (name changed)

"I was looking for an unforgettable experience and something to do for the summer. My aunt told me about an art program, Summer AIR, that she thought I’d really like. I was going into eighth grade when I first started with AIR. I’m now a junior in high school and still going strong with the program. I’ve done Summer AIR, February break AIR, and Picture Poets. Throughout my years with AIR, I have gained so much self-esteem and I’ve gained friends that I still to this day to hang out with.

AIR workshops are something to look forward to each time we meet. We have so much fun and learn so much from each other. It may sound cliché, but without AIR, I’m not sure where I’d be today. I don’t regret anything; I’m so blessed to be a part of such an amazing program. I’ve loved every moment, so thank you to all who have been a part of my experience and to all who made this experience possible." You’ve made me who I am today.

VICTORY STORY 4: Danbury Community Center

Located in a white, steepled building that used to be a Baptist church, The Danbury Community Center sits facing the center of their small and rurally isolated town. The Danbury Community Center’s mission is to promote community spirit through greater socialization within their facility, the community and beyond. The center’s purpose is to serve the needs of the community through offering childcare, health and human services, educational, social, recreational and athletic activities. They are committed to offering this range of quality programs locally for young and old alike. They believe that if women and girls are strong and independent, they can help mold town policies to be supportive of women, families and children.

By giving girls and women a chance to share and learn in a safe environment, Danbury Community Center seeks to expand education about nutrition and parenting and create opportunities for leadership in girls and teens. They believe that education about parenting and nutrition will help mothers make better choices for themselves and their families and change the culture of the community.

In an effort to change multigenerational community needs around health and wellness and lack of leadership skills of women the Danbury Community Center offers nutrition workshops for women; book and cook club for teen girls; girl power hour leadership club for grades 1-5; teen adventure summer program; “Spa Ma” wellness and respect annual activity; and preschool parent education breakfasts.

WFNH provided funding of $5,000 in 2007 to support this important program.

VICTORY STORY 5: Child and Family Services of Manchester, NH Transitional Living program (TLP)

The following two stories are from Child and Family Services of Manchester, NH, and their Transitional Living program (TLP). TLP offers employment readiness training, resume and interviewing skills workshops, job shadowing experiences, self-esteem art therapy groups, child care vouchers, financial literacy groups, and self-esteem building courses offered through Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN). These two young women (names changed and stock photos displayed) are rebuilding their lives with the help of the Transitional Living program and look forward to brighter futures for themselves and their children.

WFNH provided funding of $4,600 in 2007 to support this important program.

	Shelley is fairly new to the Transitional Living program (TLP) but is already showing much promise. Currently she is attending classes at the local Adult Education office and will test for her GED in just a few weeks. Her teacher, as well as the case workers at TLP, feel she will have no problem passing the exam. Currently Shelley is 8 months pregnant and parenting her 4 year old daughter Dinah. Dinah is now attending a local child care program and doing quite well. Shelley and her child came to TLP as a result of being homeless from domestic violence. Shelley’s life has been nomadic and full of instability and unhealthy relationships. Shelley feels she can’t parent a new baby and is planning on giving the baby she is carrying up for adoption.
She has been reading through profiles of prospective adoptive parents and has chosen a young couple who are financially and emotionally stable. Shelley is confident this is the right decision for herself as well as the baby. During the final months of her pregnancy Shelley will volunteer through the NH Employment Program. She will also attend summer classes at WREN to increase her computer and communications skills. Once the baby is born, she will find full-time employment while she continues to build the skills needed to secure permanent housing for herself and Dinah. Eventually Shelley would like to go on to receive a degree in early childhood education.
	Anne, a 19 year old homeless mom with an active one year old son, came to TLP in January 2006 and has been quite successful overall. Anne and her baby were homeless after being evicted. The baby’s father was in jail and minimally involved. Anne had dropped out of high school but had a good work history. While at TLP Anne passed her GED, attended computer classes, and participated in the classes offered to our program participants through WREN. Anne has worked closely with her employment counselor and was able to volunteer at Child and Family Services.
Recently, Anne and her son transitioned out of TLP and moved back to her hometown in order to be closer to her family. Anne would like to get her degree in human services; she considers it her opportunity to give back to society. She met with our local Workforce Investment Act representative to learn about education opportunities and looks forward to beginning the application process for the fall semester at New Hampshire Community Technical College.

VICTORY STORY 6: Project RISE (Redirection of Individuals through Supportive Education)

WFNH provided funding of $5,000 in 2007 to support Project RISE, Redirection of Individuals through Supportive Education. This program provides personal and academic support services and financial assistance for single parents and displaced homemakers who are scholarship students at NH Technical Community College. Three women (names changed and stock photos used), recipients of education funding through Project RISE, share their success and appreciation in their own words.

Margaret: “My situation is that of a single Mom with 4 children to raise, and circumstantially little overall support. Three of them are now on their own and my 17 year old finishes high school next year. My dream of becoming a teacher has always remained in my heart, but the ability to achieve that goal with 4 children to send to college seemed out of reach. When I took the leap of faith and enrolled as a student at NHTCT, I had no idea of the overall support I would be receiving from the dedicated educators here…

At this time I am in training for my first teaching job, at the Antrim Girls Shelter, which is a residential facility for teenage girls who need help. It is programs like these that give hope to dreams really do come true.”

Penny: “Without Project Rise I would be unable to fund my own education as a single parent because I would only be able to attend school part time so I could work full time. Being a part time student considerably lowers your access to financial aid of all types. The support that Project Rise has given me offers me the ability to world part time to provide for my family and attend school in a full time program…

In striving to use the fund I have been given to the best of my ability I have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, become an active student senate member on the executive board and have just been invited to Phi Theta Kappa. The education I am receiving with help from Project Rise has put a light at the end of my tunnel. In a few short years I will be able to hold a respectable, professional position and provide for my family on my own. I would like to thank you again and the Project Rise Program for helping my son and I through this very difficult time in our lives. You have provided us the opportunity and support to bounce back from life's unanticipated events.”

Tessa: "Project Rise has been instrumental in helping me to achieve my goals academically… With the financial support of Project Rise I have completed all my prerequisites for applying to the Dental Hygiene program at NHTI. I have a very good chance of getting accepted. I will also have an Associates degree under my belt by the time I leave NHCTC. Not bad for a single parent of a 12 year old autistic child and a 3 year old.”

Project RISE is just one of the programs the Women's Fund of New Hampshire supports with your donation dollars. WFNH focuses on programs which address lack of childcare and elder care, at-risk teenagers and young adults, homelessness, abuse, low wages, lack of healthcare, and job training.

VICTORY STORY 7: WINGS Program at WREN (Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network)

WINGS provides workshops in arts and education programs that provide girls with opportunities for self-discovery, empowerment, building self-esteem, creative expression and opening up new life possibilities. WFNH provided funding of $5,000 in 2007 to support this important program.

The story below, entitled Former WINGS Girl Flies!, was written by Thea Dickerman.

I was a scrawny, tiny, awkward brunette when I first came to WREN. Although I am no longer scrawny or tiny, I am still an awkward brunette and I have come to know WREN exceedingly well. I first started attending WREN through the WINGS programs during those years. I remember attending two of the massage therapy sessions a shaman session, silk painting, jewelry making henna tattooing, and the clothing swap.

I remember those sessions so vividly, an odd occurrence for me. I remember the fantastic feeling of having my back massaged. I remember tossing salt on to my dreadful silk painting, the ridiculously heavy earrings I made, and my unfortunately blurred henna tattoos. I remember the peaceful feelings I had after the shaman session, especially because we had the chance to yell loudly. My favorite time was at the clothing swap when I received a pair of fantastic turquoise and purple tie-dyed overalls that were far too big for my tiny frame.

I enjoyed coming to WREN and doing different things. But as I grew older, I drifted apart from WREN. I do not know when I stopped attending WINGS events, but somehow WREN drifted out of my sphere. I would stop in the store often, looking at the jewelry and soaps, contemplating Christmas and birthday presents, and oftentimes buying gifts here. My reconnection happened when I was seventeen and a senior at Profile High School. It was about a week before homecoming and I was out soliciting donations from local businesses to raffle off to raise money for the student council. I cam into WREN and nervously began to speak to the woman seated at the front desk. WREN did indeed donate to Profile. In speaking with Katy, the woman at the desk, she mentioned WREN’s urgent need for volunteers. I spoke right up, saying, “I’ll volunteer!” I thing I must have shocked Katy, because I know I shocked myself. Although I have been trying to find a volunteer spot for several years, it had never occurred to me to try WREN. Katy signed me up right away, and every Wednesday I came in after school and stayed until 5, when Katy would drive me home.

May life was a little busy for my senior year, what with dance three times a week, school, volunteering, dram, college applications, and work, but I enjoyed it. I worked at WREN for many months and managed to meet two amazing women. Katy Curnyn, my boss, was immediately relaxed and funny. After only knowing her for a few weeks, I could already joke with her. Natalie Woodroofe was kind and funny as well, and I recently discovered a fellow Isabel Allende fan in her. I volunteered at WREN throughout my senior year, occasionally missing a Wednesday. I learned many new things volunteering. Most of my summer jobs had involved far more labor, and at WREN I learned what it would be like to work in an office. I found I enjoyed it, or at least parts of it. I do not like licking envelopes.

In June, when I began to think about summer jobs, Katy asked me if I wanted to work in the store. I immediately said, “yes.” Although I will be attending UNH in the fall, I hope that WREN will remain a sizable part of my life. At the very least, I will buy Christmas presents here.