FROM SOUP TO SHELTER

In the first half of this fiscal year (July – Dec) we saw a lot of individuals and families in need. During this time we:

• served 6,018 breakfasts
• served 25,562 dinners
• gave out 9,423 diapers
• provided 5,313 nights of shelter
• had 13,049 visits for fresh produce
• gave out 2,020 food bags

All of this was accomplished with your support.

WINE TASTING TIME

Wine gives great pleasure......

                                   Samuel Johnson.

...and what better way to enjoy such pleasure as when you know that by doing so you are supporting the NSK&S? 

Now is the time to get your tickets for our annual wine tasting event. Bring friends and spend a couple of fun hours tasting new wines and sampling scrumptious tidbits while helping support our programs.

We are very pleased that once again M.S. Walker is sponsoring this terrific event for us. We will be at CR Sparks in Bedford on Wednesday, April 16 from 5- 7 PM. Tickets are only $30 and include a Spiegelou stem. Space is limited so check our website at www.nsks.org or call Carol at 889-7770 to reserve your tickets. 100% of the proceeds will go to the NSK&S.

EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY PROGRAM

One of our most important programs is our Employment Advocacy Program. We work to help individuals with resume writing, voice mail, job training, education and finding employment. The goal is to increase people’s chances to become independent of our services. Last year we helped:

• 60 people find jobs
• 22 people go to school or training
• 12 people complete school or training
• 3 people receive their GED. 

This program is funded in part by HUD and in part by private donations. This work provides the foundation many people need to get back on their feet and take care of themselves and their families.

ADVOCACY COLUMN

Want to hear about advocacy issues as they happen? Get on the NSK&S email list to learn about legislation, local concerns, and events. Contact Eileen ateileennsks@verizon.net .

Looking for speakers for your group? Ben Frost is the Director of Public Affairs for NH Housing; he does a concise presentation on Housing Issues in NH – affordability, connections with conservation, and just how much you have to earn to pay for an apartment in southern NH. His phone number is (603) 310-9361 and email at bfrost@nhhfa.org.  

Where do they stand on homelessness and hunger? Three of our 4-member NH congressional delegation is up for re-election in November, 2008. There are also many candidates appearing to challenge these three. Ask them their ideas on creating housing options and solutions for food for our most vulnerable citizens – elders, children, and persons with disabilities, the groups that make up the majority of NSK&S consumers.

Thank you for your efforts! If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Eileen Brady, 889-7770 or eileennsks@verizon.net

                                         - Eileen Brady

RACE SPONSORS

We would also like to thank the rest of our sponsors. At this time, they include:

Action Graphics

Apple Therapy Nashua

BAE Systems

Bear Stearns & Co.

beckonings

College Bound Movers

Law Offices of Welts, White and Fontaine

Levesque Family Dentistry

Major Mail, Inc.

Melanson Heath & Co., P.C.

Nashua Corporation

Nashua YMCA

Performance Rehab, Inc

Print Factory

Ruo & Haschig Realty Inc.

Smith-Weiss, Shepard & Durmer, P.C.

St. Joseph Hospital

The Telegraph

Unity Construction

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

People sometimes ask me who comes to the NSKS for help. There are so many stories of so many folks, but here is one from today: Suzanne * was at the office at 8:30 this morning. (the office opens at 9) It was sleeting and she had wet shoes and socks. She does not have a phone. She was hoping for some bus tickets to get to a job interview. She told me she had hitchhiked the last time. She also said she needed food. I talked to her and her eyes got teary as she told me how tough things were right now and she didn’t know how she could be in this situation. She has a BA but has been working at a local retail store and her hours were just cut back.

I told her she should make an appointment with our employment advocate. He could help her with a resume, voice mail and some job leads. I gave her some bus tickets to get to her interview, although since it was out of Nashua they would only get her part-way. I found her some new dry socks and she dried out her shoes on our heater before she left. I directed her over to Employment Security and gave her the job section of the Telegraph. I told her when we serve meals and to come back this afternoon for fresh produce, bread and a food basket. She left, thanking me for helping and giving her a little hope that things will get better.

As I sat down to finish writing this newsletter I thought about her and hoped she got to her interview safely and was dry and maybe would be employed. I hoped she comes back to get food and whatever other help we can give her. I hoped it would stop sleeting because I knew that would at least improve her day.    - Lisa Christie

                                                  * not her real name

‘EMPTY BOWLS’ THANKS

“Empty Bowls 2008’ was a wonderful success. We are very grateful to Robin Peringer, and the rest of the faculty, students, and community who helped make this a success. The event this year raised almost $6,000 to support our programs. 

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

It’s been an extremely snowy, stormy winter and we would like to take time to acknowledge and thank three of the many volunteer drivers that help us every week.

January - Volunteer of the Month: Jerry Anctil has juggled two scheduled days of perishable pick-ups for us each week, after working his 3^rd shift, full time job. 

February - Volunteer of the Month -   Dave Momenee has Fridays off from his job so he heads over to Nashua from the Milford area to pick up perishables for us. Sometimes he needs to make 2 or 3 trips from the grocers to bring everything back to the Soup Kitchen!

March - Volunteer of the Month: Bud O’Leary drives donations from local establishments to the Soup Kitchen twice a week. Sometimes Bud will need to make several trips in one day to get everything to us. 

We are grateful to these drivers for their time, the use of their vehicles and gasoline, driving in all sorts of crazy weather and physicallycollecting and packing in their vehicles dozens of heavyboxes of perishable donations.  Thank you, gentlemen, for your outstanding service and dedication!                                  - Carol Weeks