listen-community-services

Spring Newsletter 2026

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:04:13 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

GIVE A CHILD THE GIFT OF CAMP THIS SUMMER!

Thanks to a matching gift from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation and an anonymous donor, your donation will be doubled up to a total of $25,000.

Download PDF Version

ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY

Summer Camp Scholarship Program

Because of you, 168 local children attended 34 local camps last summer.

When she received the news that both of her sons, ages 7 and 8, received summer camp scholarships through LISTEN, Sheila was thrilled.

“My boys had been asking to go to camp and were ECSTATIC when they found out they were going,” Sheila says. “It was a great experience. During their three weeks at Canaan Elementary’s summer program, they spent time outside, played games, tie dyed shirts, created other arts and crafts, and even did things like seed planting.”

Sheila is the main breadwinner in their family because her husband is unable to work due to a disability. Affording camp on top of essential bills is cost prohibitive for them, and LISTEN scholarships make it possible for both boys to attend.

“It’s such a blessing. My kids get to have fun and be away from screens. I’m grateful to the community for supporting this program. Every little bit helps.”

FOOD, HEATING, HOUSING ASSISTANCE & MORE

Core Services at LISTEN

Your support enables us to provide basic needs assistance to more than 8,000 people annually.

Food Pantry

Located at 60 Hanover Street in Lebanon, the Pantry is open five days a week to all community members. Visitors can access one week of groceries—fresh produce, pantry items, and personal care products. Last year, the Pantry served 4,932 people.

Community Dining Hall

Located at 42 Maple Street in White River Junction, the Dining Hall serves lunch and dinner to 150+ people five days a week. More than 20 volunteer cook teams participate. Last year, we served 38,113 home-cooked meals.

H eating Helpers

This program provides small grants—typically around $400—to help fill fuel tanks, prevent disconnection, and avoid evictions. We assisted 1,507 community members last year.

Housing Helpers

Housing expenses often stand between low-income neighbors’ safety and security. Housing Helpers offers small grants, available once every five years, to cover housing related costs. Last year, we

served 759 people.

Thrift Store Gift Cards

LISTEN distributed $215,181 in Thrift Store Gift Cards last year to 1,408 families, enabling clients to select much-needed clothing and housewares at no cost.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

What is Service Coordination?

Personalized support helps LISTEN clients meet their goals.

Many in our community know LISTEN for the programs that help keep Upper Valley neighbors warm, fed, and housed. What’s less widely known is the foundational program that makes so much of this work possible:

Service Coordination Defined

Sometimes called case management—or simply problem solving—LISTEN Service Coordinators meet one-on-one with community members seeking assistance to understand the challenges they are facing and help them meet their goals.

More Than Quick Fixes

Service Coordinators work with clients to build trust, cultivate relationships, and seek deeper understanding—all aimed at supporting long-term independence.

Flexibility Is Key

As a 501(c)(3), LISTEN is not restricted by federal, state, or city eligibility requirements. This flexibility allows staff to assist individuals who may not qualify for government programs or who need additional support to meet their basic needs.

Rising Need and More Complex Cases

Service coordination hours provided by staff have increased nearly 40% over last year due to the sustained, rising need in our community and increasingly complicated cases.

Where You Come In

How are we able to meet this growing need? One beautiful word: YOU! Thanks to generous donations from the community, we are here to help.

“Service Coordinators are the heartbeat of LISTEN—where compassion meets expertise. They lead with unwavering empathy and navigate complex community and federal systems with deep knowledge and skill.”

 Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Executive Director

Collaborative Problem Solving

Tina’s Story

Without support from LISTEN, Tina says that she would most definitely be facing homelessness right now. Instead, she has an apartment, a stable job at Dartmouth College, and a routine that helps her stay connected and on track.

Tina met Jessica—her Service Coordinator and LISTEN’s Community Health Worker—when she was struggling to manage her medications after she was diagnosed with cancer. Together, they made a schedule for Tina that helped her follow her treatment plan and feel more confident managing her care.

Jessica also resolved a major communication barrier, by providing Tina with a reliable track phone and phone plan. Now Tina is equipped to contact her doctors and employer, and reach out for assistance when she needs it.

With Jessica’s guidance, Tina was even able to access resources she didn’t know existed. When she experienced the devastating loss of her boyfriend, Tina was able to apply for funds from the town she lived in to help pay for his funeral expenses.

“Jessica is truly amazing. I can’t thank her and LISTEN enough for the help they have given me,” Tina says. “They’ve been such a great support system.”

NEED ASSISTANCE OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?

If you need support or know a community member who might benefit from LISTEN’s services, please call our main office at (603) 448-4553

AN INSIDE GLIMPSE

Service Coordinators

in Action

In a typical one-on-one meeting, clients request help with tasks like these:

Apply for SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Complete housing applications for landlords, Twin Pines, or others.
Discuss supporting a child’s needs through LISTEN’s summer camp, school supplies, or holiday gift programs.
Review weekly progress on a client’s service plan—a comprehensive road map to address their unique needs.
Secure a Housing Helpers grant to cover a security deposit or help pay late rent or mortgage.
Brainstorm solutions for communication challenges, like lack of a phone.
Request federal funding from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Acquire a Thrift Store Gift Card for clothing and household items.
Request a Heating Helpers grant to pay a back balance, make a fuel delivery, or help with utility bills to avoid service disconnection.
Facilitate connections with other social service agencies and support.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LISTEN

Who makes our work possible? YOU DO!
Did you know that 65% of LISTEN’s program funding comes from contributions made by individuals, organizations, businesses, and through grants? The remaining 35% comes from Thrift Store revenue. In other words, you are an essential LISTEN partner.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

David and Barbara’s Story

David and Barbara say that supporting LISTEN’s Summer Camp Scholarship Program is a no-brainer.

“My support of the Summer Camp Scholarship Program at LISTEN comes from my recognition of the impact of my personal camp experiences on my development as an adolescent,” David says. “Both my parents and Barbara’s parents greatly valued the benefits of summer camp with respect to the accumulation of skills and interpersonal relationships important to meeting the demands of the adult world.”

Camp runs deep in the family. Barbara recounts how her parents met as teens at a summer camp dance in upstate New York and that she, her three daughters, and two grandchildren returned to the same camp her mother loved. David spent four years at a camp in southern New Hampshire, and he has the stories to prove it—like the time he was tasked with keeping a campfire going overnight and was terrified by the sudden, unforgettable shriek of a screech owl. It haunts him to this day!

Now that their own children are grown, Barbara and David, who celebrated 56 years of marriage in March, give back by providing children in the Upper Valley with the opportunity to experience camp.

David, who served on the LISTEN Board of Directors for 25 years, says he has always been impressed with LISTEN’s focus on the local community. “In essence, LISTEN is the community.” We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Barbara and David!

Board of Directors

Kristi Lenart-Rikert, Executive Director

April Harkness, Chair, Hartland, VT

Melissa Robinson, Vice Chair, Lebanon, NH

Julie E. Findley, Secretary, Lebanon, NH

Dick Green, Treasurer, Hanover, NH

Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon, NH

Dawnlynn Marston, Croydon, NH

Valerie Nevel, Lebanon, NH

Shawn Nichols, Grantham, NH

Nancy Sansevere, Lebanon, NH

Andrew Steele, Hanover, NH

Ken Wells, West Lebanon, NH

Interested in volunteering at LISTEN?

Visit our get involved page or contact Marcy at marcy@listencs.org .

Fall Newsletter 2025

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:18:05 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

Download PDF Version

From the Executive Director

Together, we meet the moment

Over the past year, LISTEN supported 8,377 neighbors in New Hampshire and Vermont—an increase of more than 900 from the year before, and more than double the number we reached just five years ago. With basic costs soaring and public assistance declining, people are turning to LISTEN for help in record numbers.

As winter approaches, the stakes are higher. For people living paycheck to paycheck, the change in seasons brings the impossible choice of heating their home, paying for rent, or putting food on the table. No one should have to make that decision.

At LISTEN, we respond with care, resourcefulness, and a deep belief in what’s possible when our community comes together. Your generosity turns that care into action—mobilizing food, heating assistance, housing support, and other vital resources to help neighbors rebuild and thrive.

This season of giving, will you meet the moment with us? 100% of your gift stays here in the Upper Valley, ensuring help arrives when and

where it’s needed most.

Thank you for standing with your neighbors and with LISTEN. Together, we can make sure no one faces these challenges alone.

Your Donation Matters...

Last year, YOU helped LISTEN provide:

Community Dinners

Home-cooked meals

for the community

H eating Helpers

Individuals with heat

and electricity to stay warm during the winter

Housing Helpers

People the safety and security of housing

Service Coordination

Households with service coordination for basic needs

Food Pantry

Pounds of produce and goods at our Pantry

Thrift Stores

$215,181

In Thrift Store gift cards for essential clothing and home goods

Summer Camps

Children with the opportunity to attend summer camp

Thank you so much for getting my heat turned back on. I was out of work for a bit with bills piling up. You saved me and my kids, and we will pass your kindness forward. - Emily

Food Assistance

“The fridge was empty.”

Charles left his job this year to care full-time for his wife, who is living with dementia. Living on a fixed income, they now rely on LISTEN’s Community Dining Hall for a few meals each week. “Bills are tight. This helps makes it possible to meet our health care costs.”

LISTEN responds with two open doors: our Community Dining Hall in White River Junction, serving free lunches and dinners on weekdays, and our Food Pantry in Lebanon, where anyone in the region can pick up groceries once a week.

In 2026, more than 5,000 local families will rely on LISTEN’s Food Pantry, and 1,000 meals will be served each week in our Dining Hall, with the need increasing

as local food programs are cut.

Hunger is closer than we think:

1 in 8 Upper Valley

neighbors faces hunger

each day.

Heating Assistance

“Our electricity was shut off.”

When Evelyn reached out, the nights were already dipping below freezing. With a grant from LISTEN, her family no longer worries about their pipes bursting. “We don’t have to be scared now. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.”

For neighbors facing rising energy costs—especially seniors and families with children—losing heat or air conditioning can be life-threatening. LISTEN’s utility assistance is a vital safety net, keeping them safe.

In 2026, state and federal heating aid is expected to shrink, even as local demand rises beyond the $212,000 LISTEN provided in grants last year. Your donation today will help to meet this challenge.

20% of people in Vermont and New Hampshire report falling behind on at least one energy bill in the last 12 months.

Housing Assistance

“We’ll be homeless soon.”

When a rent increase forced single mom Jordan and her children to leave their home, they feared ending up in their car. With help from our Service Coordinator, they found a safe, affordable place to

live. “We are so grateful.”

LISTEN helps neighbors avoid eviction and homelessness. Our staff provides one-on-one support, guiding individuals and families

through challenges and connecting them with resources to secure housing.

In 2026, the Upper Valley’s tight housing market will continue to leave many neighbors without affordable options . LISTEN expects to provide more than $220,000 in housing assistance to help families facing financial hardship.

There is a shortage of 36,000 affordable and available rental homes

for extremely low-income

renters in VT and NH.

The Upper Valley Needs You

Together, We Can Do More!

These are uncertain times—filled with questions, worries, and what-ifs. That’s where our volunteers come in. They are a lifeline, offering care and connection when it’s needed most. Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, your time makes all the difference. Here’s where you can help:

Food Pantry

Stock shelves, assist visitors, and unload deliveries

Community Dinners

Prepare meals, serve at mealtimes, and help clean up

Thrift Stores

Sort clothes, housewares, and more

Everyone is welcome — come on your own or

bring family, friends, or colleagues!

Thank you

to all our amazing volunteers in 2025!

1,061 people donated 26,237 hours of

service across our Thrift Stores, Food

Pantry, Dining Hall and more.

Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Executive Director, Sharon, VT

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Ken Wells , Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness , Vice Chair, Hartland, VT

Richard Green , Secretary, Hanover, NH

Julie Findley , Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Lynne Goodwin , Lebanon, NH

Dawnlynn Marston , Croydon, NH

Valerie Nevel , Lebanon, NH

Melissa Robinson , Lebanon, NH

The need is now—and so is our response.

For more than 50 years, LISTEN has been on the front lines, providing vital support to Upper Valley neighbors. Today, more neighbors than ever are turning to us for help with life’s most basic needs. Your gift today means immediate relief when it matters most. 100% of your generosity stays here in our community, giving your neighbors the chance to achieve stability.

2025 Annual Impact Report

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:04:38 GMT

September 2025

Dear Friends,

I'm so glad to share LISTEN's 2025 Impact Report with you.

This past year our community came together to help 8,377 neighbors facing hardship. From food and heating assistance to support for housing and other essential needs, your generosity made all the difference.

Every meal, every warm home, and every caring conversation was possible because people like you believe in showing up for one another.

Thank you for building a stronger, more compassionate Upper Valley.

Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Executive Director

2025 Annual Impact Report

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Building a stronger Upper Valley community where all our neighbors can live and thrive.

At LISTEN, our community’s strength truly shines. Every day, through our programs and Thrift Stores, we come together to support each other. The demand for essential services like food, housing, and utility assistance is higher than ever, but your generosity continues to make a positive impact.

In these uncertain times, LISTEN remains committed to helping those in need. As our neighbors face increasing challenges, your support ensures that LISTEN will always be here to provide assistance. Thank you.

Spring Newsletter 2025

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:09:04 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

Download PDF Version

From the Executive Director

New beginnings and continued commitment

Dear Frie nds,

I’m filled with gratitude to be part of LISTEN Community Services, an organization with a rich history of service and deep impact in the Upper Valley. Since stepping into my new role, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you—clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners—who embody the heart and soul of our mission. Like the arrival of spring, your generosity and care bring life and hope to our work .

At LISTEN, we believe in the power of community . It’s this shared strength that allows us to grow, adapt, and meet the evolving needs around us. Whether providing warm meals, fresh groceries, essential services, or creating welcoming spaces for all, everything we do is rooted in the connections we build together.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to cultivate new opportunities. With your continued support, we will build a brighter, more connected Upper Valley .

Thank you for being part of this community and for all you do to help us grow. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!

Summer Camp, Here We Come!

Upper Valley children and families benefit from LISTEN Summer Camp Scholarships

Thanks to people like you, 216 children ages 6-14 in the Upper Valley received need-based summer camp scholarships through LISTEN in 2024. Just as many—or more!—will head to camp this summer!

“Camp offered my child daily socialization, as well as exercise. It also provided us with peace of mind knowing he wasn’t home alone or in front of a screen all day. It had a very positive impact on our family. Thank you so much!“ – Local Parent

Will you join us and give a local child the gift of summer camp?

The Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation will double your gift up to a total of $20,000 to provide financial assistance in 2025.

Thank you!

See you at LISTEN’s special thrifting events in 2025!

Watch for more info on Facebook

Friday, May 2

Mother’s Day &

Prom Event

Friday, June 6

Father’s Day &

Graduation Event

Friday, June 27

Fourth of july Event

Friday, August 1

Bac k-to-School Event

Books, Records, and Second Chances

at the Miracle Mile Thrift Store

Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our volunteers, sustainability is thriving at LISTEN. Two recent efforts at the Miracle Mile Thrift Store in Lebanon—focused on books and musical records—are giving pre-loved items a second life while supporting our mission to feed, house, and warm our Upper Valley neighbors.

In December 2024, LISTEN unveiled The Linda Douville Book Nook , a cozy and beautifully curated space that celebrates Linda’s seven years of service and the spirit of volunteerism. “This feels like an important part of my legacy,” Linda shared. “I’m leaving a piece of me behind.”

What began as a single table of books has blossomed into a vibrant room featuring over 100 indexed categories, vintage finds, and even a community “wish list” that helps readers track down specific titles. All made possible by a dedicated team of 16 volunteers. This special space also honors the legacy of Duncan Syme, who was one of the very first volunteers to re-envision our book department.

Just around the corner, music lovers will discover another hidden gem—a newly expanded section of vinyl LPs and CDs , lovingly organized by longtime radio personality and new volunteer Bob Sherman. After years of browsing records at LISTEN, Bob saw an opportunity to help curate and catalog the collection, enhancing both shopper experience and sales. “It’s amazing how much time and care the volunteers put in,” Bob

says. “That kind of firepower really supports the mission.”

Every book, record, and helping hand fuels the work we do— and we’re grateful for the volunteers who make it possible. Stop by soon and explore these unique treasures for yourself!

Volunteer Spotlight:

Gerri and Geof

– Serving with Heart and Purpose

Thinking about volunteering with LISTEN Community Services? Take a cue from Gerri and Geof. They’ve brought warmth, compassion, and purpose to every shift—serving in our Food Pantry and with St. Thomas Episcopal Church’s Community Dinner Hall team.

Geof, a Deacon with the Episcopal Church, and Gerri were inspired to volunteer by their daughter Ellen, who also works at the pantry. “It is really important to give back to our community,” they shared. “There are a lot of people hurting right now. It’s too easy to shut your eyes to what goes on outside of your own circle. At a time when government services are at risk—if we don’t help, who will?”

In addition to their hands-on service, Gerri and Geof are financial donors. “We are delighted to donate by writing a check,” they say, “but volunteering provides us with another special way to feel connected to people.”

Their message to others? “Just try it on. This flexible opportunity is truly designed to allow you to put in as much time as you are comfortable with—it’s easy to sign up.”

Thank you, Gerri and Geof, for sharing your time, heart, and spirit with our community. You inspire us all to serve with purpose.

Our Volunteers,Our Heroes!

The need in the Upper Valley has never been greater. Many of our neighbors are facing difficult choices—between heating their homes, buying food, paying rent, or affording medication. Thanks to you, our dedicated volunteers, no one must face these challenges alone.

At LISTEN, we see the power of community in action, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you.

Join Us—Make an Impact!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back? We need your help! Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, your support makes all the difference.

Food Pantry

Stock shelves, assist visitors, and unload deliveries

Community Dinners

Prepare meals, serve at mealtimes, and help clean up

Thrift Stores

Sort clothes, housewares, and more

Volunteering is easy! Sign up today at listen.volunteerhub.com and find the right opportunity for you. Everyone is welcome—

come on your own or bring family, friends, or colleagues!

Thank you

to all our amazing volunteers in 2024!

861 total volunteers

donated 17,546 hours across

our thrift stores, food pantry,

dining hall, and more

Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Executive Director, Sharon, VT

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Ken Wells , Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness , Vice Chair, Hartland, VT

Richard Green , Secretary, Hanover, NH

Julie Findley , Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Nick Clark , Thetford, VT

Lynne Goodwin , Lebanon, NH

Dawnlynn Marston , Croydon, NH

Valerie Nevel , Lebanon, NH

Melissa Robinson , Lebanon, NH

You make hope possible.

For over 50 years, LISTEN has been a lifeline for those facing hardship. Today, the need for food, housing, and utility assistance is greater than ever. Your generosity directly supports neighbors in need, offering stability in their toughest moments. Join us in strengthening our community—because together, we make a difference.

Best Second Hand Clothing Store in the Upper Valley

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 01:13:10 GMT

LISTEN Community Services and Thrift Stores was honored to receive recognition from the Valley News and Upper Valley Business Alliance Reader’s Choice Awards as winners of the Best Secondhand Clothing Store and a finalist for the Best Home Decor Store!

This recognition reflects the incredible support from our community and the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteers. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our neighbors who voted for LISTEN and continue to shop at our stores. Your support helps us fund vital programs and services, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need throughout the Upper Valley.

“This award is a testament to the diligence and commitment of our thrift store staff and volunteers,” said Karen Stone, LISTEN Community Services Retail Director. “We are so honored to receive the recognition from the community.”

Every time you choose to shop at LISTEN, you can find unique and quality items, while also playing a crucial role in supporting community services right here in the Upper Valley. Your contributions help us expand our outreach and ensure that our community members have access to essential resources.

Over the past year, store purchases have significantly enhanced our services, directly benefiting the Upper Valley community. Over this past year, with your support, LISTEN:

Served 36,338 home-cooked meals in the Community Dining Hall.
Assisted 1,590 individuals with heating and electricity bills.
Supported 401 families to successfully secure or maintain housing.
Distributed 338,272 pounds of fresh produce and pantry staples to 4,470 people.
Provided $179,260 in thrift store vouchers to 1,210 families.
Gave 216 children scholarships to attend the summer camp of their choosing.
Helped 1,503 households with service coordination for basic needs.

Thank you to the 40,000 neighbors who voted in this year's Reader’s Choice Awards. We are grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to continuing to meet the critical needs of our neighbors while welcoming shoppers into the Best Secondhand Clothing Store in the community!

Fall Newsletter 2024

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 06:00:01 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

LISTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER FALL 2024

Download PDF Version

Dear Friends,

As 2024 ends, all of us at LISTEN want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for our community’s support this year. Thanks to your generosity, you have helped 7,469 of your neighbors who are experiencing hardship.

It’s been difficult to see the rising costs of living force more of our Upper Valley neighbors to seek help. While inflation is finally easing, the sharp price increases from the past have left a lasting impact.

LISTEN is addressing critical needs at levels we’ve never seen in the Upper Valley. Many are facing tough choices between heating their homes, buying food, paying rent, or affording medication.

To put that in perspective, LISTEN is currently serving 81% more people than during the peak of the 2020 pandemic shutdown.

During this season of giving, will you join us in helping your neighbors? Your donation directly turns compassion into action, providing essential resources for those struggling to make ends meet. 100% of your gift helps Upper Valley families move forward, rebuild, and thrive.

We’re deeply thankful for this community. Your kindness makes a difference every day.

Sincerely,

Your Donation Matters...

Last year, YOU helped LISTEN provide:

Home-cooked meals prepared by over 40 volunteer cook teams

Individuals assisted with winter heat and electricity bills

Families supported to successfully secure or maintain housing

Households that received service coordination for basic needs

People who received 338,272 pounds of produce and shelf-stable pantry goods

Families provided with thrift store vouchers totaling $179,260 for clothing and home goods

Children given the opportunity to attend summer camp

"Have I ever made a choice between bills and buying groceries? As a senior with a fixed income, I face this situation every month. Thanks to LISTEN, I have nutritious food and can get by." – Betty

Food Assistance

Helen reduced her work hours to care for her aging mother while raising her two kids. After stretching her food budget as far as possible, she turned to LISTEN’s Food Pantry for support. “This helps tremendously. We use everything we can get.”

It has been another record-breaking year with increasing demand for groceries at LISTEN. Visits to our Food Pantry reached an all-time high of 12,756 in 2024. Additionally, we serve 100 free dinners nightly at our Community Dinner Hall in White River Junction.

Heating Assistance

When Roger, a veteran with chronic health issues, faced a large debt to his electric company, LISTEN stepped in. We prevented his service from being disconnected and guided him in applying for state assistance.

For Upper Valley neighbors struggling to pay their energy bills, especially seniors and families with young children, losing heat or air conditioning can be life-threatening. LISTEN’s Heating Helpers program is a vital safety net, helping keep our community safe year-round.

Housing Assistance

When single dad Tom faced a costly dental emergency and couldn’t afford both the bill and his family’s rent, LISTEN was there. We covered part of his rent, ensuring that Tom and his son stayed in their home before the school year began.

While the housing crisis in the Upper Valley persists, LISTEN is dedicated to preventing neighbors from facing distress and homelessness. Staff offer personalized support, helping individuals and families navigate challenges and connect with resources to keep them in their homes.

How You Can Help

Our Upper Valley neighbors who volunteer their time at LISTEN are essential partners in serving

our community. Please join us! We are looking for vital assistance such as:

Food Pantry

Stocking shelves, assisting visitors,

and unloading deliveries

Community Dinners

Preparing food, serving at mealtimes, cleaning the kitchen and dining hall

Thrift Stores

Sorting clothes, housewares,

and more

Signing up is easy – visit listen.volunteerhub.com to register and find opportunities for you.

Everyone is welcome! Come alone or with your family, colleagues, or other small group.

Thank you

to all our amazing volunteers in 2024!

861 total volunteers

donated 17,546 hours across

our thrift stores, food pantry,

dining hall, and more

Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Interim Executive Director, Sharon, VT

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Ken Wells , Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness , Vice Chair, Hartland, VT

Richard Green , Secretary, Hanover, NH

Julie Findley , Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Nick Clark , Thetford, VT

Lynne Goodwin , Lebanon, NH

Steve Monteverdi , Wilmot, NH

Valerie Nevel , Lebanon, NH

We can be present in someone’s hardest moments because of YOU.

For over fifty years, LISTEN has been at the forefront of providing essential support to those facing hardship. Today, the need for assistance with food, housing, and utilities is greater than ever. When you give to LISTEN, you are directly supporting your neighbors. Please join us and invest in your commu nity.

2024 Annual Impact Report

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:00:01 GMT

September 2024

“LISTEN is a resource that allowed me to continue a healthy life. Consider your mission accomplished.” -Josh (Lebanon, NH)

Dear Friends,

We’re thrilled to share our Annual Impact Report with you! Thanks to your generosity in 2024, LISTEN Community Services met the critical needs of Upper Valley neighbors like Josh. With the dedicated efforts of our staff, volunteers, and donors, we have significantly enhanced the well-being, strength, and resiliency of so many within our community.

As we reflect on your past year of impact, we are energized to continue our vital work. In the year ahead, we will uphold our steadfast dedication to our core values: Community, Partnership, Resourcefulness, and Sustainability.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for stepping up during this time of growing need. With your help, all our neighbors will live and thrive.

With warm regards,

Ken Wells

Board Chair

2024 Annual Impact Report

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Building a stronger Upper Valley community where all our neighbors can live and thrive.

Spring Newsletter 2024

Thu, 30 May 2024 17:40:27 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

LISTEN SPRING Newsletter

Download PDF Version

As a non-profit, LISTEN’s mission is powered by the generosity of donors like you in addition to purchases made in our three Thrift Stores by our Upper Valley neighbors. LISTEN is proud to serve 26 communities across the Upper Valley through low-barrier social service programs. Some of the ways we offer assistance to local individuals and families are:

Food Assistance – LISTEN operates a food pantry and provides nutritious meals in a community dining room for those facing food insecurity.

Housing Support – LISTEN provides programs and services to address homelessness and housing instability and rental assistance.

Fuel and Utility Assistance – LISTEN financially supports individuals with heat and electricity assistance to stay warm in the winter.

Thrift Stores – LISTEN operates three thrift stores and sells over 1 million items annually.

Support and Advocacy – LISTEN offers case management, advocacy/guidance, and referral services to connect individuals with additional resources and support systems.

For over 50 years, LISTEN’s mission has been fueled by the unwavering dedication of the Upper Valley community to help create a better future for all our neighbors. Together, we are creating a kinder and more resilient Upper Valley.

Thank you for continuing to choose LISTEN.

Each summer, LISTEN provides need-based scholarships for kids across the Upper Valley to attend summer camps. In 2023, donations from our community meant that 186 kids were able to meet new friends, stay active, try new things, and make memories at a summer camp of their choice.

One mom says, “Thanks to LISTEN, my daughter had her first camp experience and it was one she will never forget. She learned so many new skills like swimming, ceramics, and baking. Most importantly, she left feeling more confident and sure of herself. We are so incredibly grateful to our community for making this possible for her!”

Will you join us this year and make a gift to support our local kids with need-based summer camp scholarships? Thanks to a generous matching gift from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation, your gift will have DOUBLE the impact!

Thank you, Upper Valley neighbors, for making this summer of fun and personal growth for local kids possible by donating online here .

Meet our Service Coordinator,

Georgia Hanchett-Dean!

Since 2015, Georgia has been a vital member of our team of service coordinators, who work with families to help them find resources when they are in financial hardship. She’s famous for her big smile and her warm, hearty “Oh, hi!” to everyone who walks in our door.

Last month, Martha (age 70), called Georgia because she had been living in her car for several months, and had just found an apartment in Enfield, NH. Her new landlord said she needed to get the first month’s rent and security deposit to him in the next 24 hours or else she would lose the apartment. She didn’t have quite enough saved on her own. Thanks to the community’s support for LISTEN’s Housing Helpers program, Georgia was able to pay for the rest of it to make sure that Martha could secure the apartment and get a roof over her head.

Wave hello to your neighbor,

Charlie Chapman!

Several years ago, Charlie was newly retired and looking for ways to give back to his community. Inspired by his mother’s lifelong dedication to helping her neighbors, he started transporting Fresh Rescue donations from local grocery stores to LISTEN’s Food Pantry. These donations include produce and bread, which Charlie helps to save from becoming food waste.

During the pandemic, LISTEN began partnering with RSVP Chore Corps - an AmeriCorps Seniors program of the Grafton County Senior Citizens’ Council - to deliver groceries from our Food Pantry to homebound community members. Charlie was one of the first volunteers to offer his support to the initiative. Over three years later, he continues to donate his time every week delivering Food Pantry orders. These groceries are a lifeline for folks who could not otherwise access the food they need.

Charlie’s favorite part of volunteering? Connecting with the seniors he serves: “There’s one gentleman that’s entirely homebound. He tells me that I’m the only person he sees other than the mailman all week long. I always make sure to have some kind of dessert for him.”

Thank you, Charlie, for making our neighbors’ weeks a little bit sweeter with your kindness!

Lunch is served!

LISTEN dining hall, located at 42 Maple Street, now serves takeout lunches. Thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers who serve 30-45 lunches daily. Interested in volunteering? Contact us at 603-448-4553, email Dining Hall Manager Larry Lowndes at larry@listencs.org, or visit our website – listencs.org for volunteer opportunities.

Did you know?

LISTEN operates three thrift stores and sells over 1 million items annually.

387 Miracle Mile, Lebanon, NH 03766
236 Rte. 4, Canaan, NH 03741
42 Maple St., White River Junction, VT 05001

LISTEN annually recycles and upcycles over 240 tons of textiles, 100 tons of books, and over 50 tons of hard goods.

LISTEN gives out over 2,100 vouchers/gift cards for people in need. In 2023, LISTEN gave away $176,000 in free clothing and housewares to over 1,200 families.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American annually throws away over 80 pounds of textiles.

Only about 15% of used clothes and textiles in the US gets reused or recycled. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 85% of used clothes and textiles head straight to the landfill or incinerator. When you shop or donate to LISTEN, you help decrease the number of new garments created.

A visit to LISTEN reduces waste, protects human, plant, and animal life, and creates funds to help our neighbors with basic needs such as food, housing, and heating assistance.

Ruth Emery

Ruth Emery has been an integral part of the LISTEN team for nearly the organization’s entire history, starting as a volunteer in 1974 during her teenage years. Over time, Emery transitioned to working in the sorting center at the Miracle Mile thrift store, a role she finds fulfilling and creative, especially in organizing the sale events cherished by LISTEN shoppers.

Emery appreciates the familial atmosphere fostered by LISTEN, noting, “It’s very family-oriented; we’re connected in a lot of ways,” she said. Emery takes the agency’s success to heart, “I care so very much for everything we do and the way we help the public,” she stated. “How it’s grown so much over the years. It’s amazing; I have grown with it.” Ruth Emery and team members like her make LISTEN a special place to work every day.

Come by our freshly renovated Canaan store!

Improvements include expanded floor space, new flooring, heating/AC, painted walls/ceilings, and a foyer.

236 Rte. 4, Canaan, NH 03741

There is a reason that your neighbors receive vital help from LISTEN: caring and committed people like you.

Volunteer Appreciation Month 2024

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:02:31 GMT

LISTEN celebrates all of our amazing volunteers!

Since 1972, LISTEN volunteers like you have made meaningful impact and positive change in the Upper Valley. From serving warm meals in the Dining Hall to creating a welcoming space for Thrift Store shoppers, you all shine bright as helpers in our community.

Since last April, 795 dedicated volunteers have donated an astounding 15,780 hours of service with LISTEN!

What better way to celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Month than catching up with volunteers from across LISTEN’s programs and Thrift Stores? Below are stories from neighbors like you who donate their time and share their skills in service to our community!

“What a great project!”

Your neighbor John is helping to bring new life to the physical media displays at LISTEN’s Miracle Mile Thrift Store. When John first volunteered, he noticed that the DVDs, LPs, and CDs for sale were not easily accessible to customers. His solution? Build new shelves on which physical media could be browsed by genre! In collaboration with LISTEN staff, he also installed a monitor to play movies while families shop. What keeps him coming back? The people! John shares: “I’m just some guy showing up. But everyone right from the start has been just so supportive of what I’m doing.”

“There’s something for everyone to do.”

After moving to the Upper Valley, Natalie and her son Colin chose to volunteer in LISTEN’s Food Pantry because it was an “obvious place where [they] could come and help out.” While Colin loves organizing donations, Natalie finds joy chatting with Pantry guests. She reflects that “it’s fun to recognize familiar faces and see how everyone’s week has been.” Natalie shares that she and Colin can’t wait to build even more community connections through volunteer service. For this volunteer duo, LISTEN is a “kind and friendly place to be.”

“I feel better when I’m here.”

If you’ve ever volunteered in LISTEN’s Community Dining Hall, then you know our neighbor Roger! Roger is a dedicated, longtime volunteer. Nearly every weekday, he donates his time to the Community Dining Hall, helping to make sure all of the cooking equipment is clean for the next meal service. Roger shares that it’s the people and the community that keep him coming back. LISTEN’s Assistant Community Meals Manager Sherise reflects that LISTEN couldn’t make nearly as much of an impact without volunteers like Roger: “Roger brings a smile to all our guests and volunteers who come into the Dining Hall. Everyone knows him by name!”

“It’s nice to know that I can help out people.”

Several years ago, your neighbor Charlie was newly retired and looking for ways to give back. Inspired by his mother’s lifelong dedication to helping her community, he started transporting Fresh Rescue donations from local grocery stores to LISTEN’s Food Pantry. These donations include produce and bread, which Charlie helps to save from becoming food waste.

During the pandemic, LISTEN began partnering with RSVP Chore Corps - an AmeriCorps Seniors program of the Grafton County Senior Citizens’ Council - to deliver groceries from our Food Pantry to homebound community members. Charlie was one of the first volunteers to support this initiative. Over three years later, he continues to donate his time every week delivering Food Pantry orders. One of his favorite parts of volunteering is making sure his weekly deliveries always include “some kind of dessert” to make his neighbors’ days a little sweeter.

“We come to be of service and to be part of the community.”

Our neighbors from the Hanover Friends Meeting have collectively volunteered with LISTEN’s Community Dinner Program for over 20 years! Their Volunteer Cook Team brings such joy to the LISTEN kitchen, as they help with everything from food preparation to meal service. (We have to say, their meatloaf is the BEST!) For Tom, a regular volunteer with Hanover Friends, “the people and the staff who work in the [LISTEN] kitchen have been like family.” One thing they’d want folks to know about LISTEN’s Community Dinners? Longtime volunteer Patty shares that these meals are “a meaningful way to bring people together.”

“It gives me great joy.”

Your neighbor Patrick loves volunteering in LISTEN’s Miracle Mile Thrift Store! His favorite part? Helping to organize, straighten, and sort the merchandise - especially the puzzles and games. (Patrick shares that listening to good tunes in the store is also a bonus of volunteering!) One reason he continues to donate his time each week is the knowledge that he’s “helping people who shop here find everything.” When not making LISTEN a more joyful place, Patrick likes participating in theater productions at Zack’s Place. This year, he’s starring in a production of Peter Pan. From your friends here at LISTEN: “Break a leg, Pat!”

“It’s the highlight of my week!”

Every week, students from the Mount Prospect Academy help to make LISTEN’s Miracle Mile Thrift Store an even more welcoming place. In addition to preparing products for the sales floor, these students graciously go out of their way to greet and assist customers. One student reflects that volunteering with LISTEN helps them to learn transferable job skills. For another student, LISTEN is a place where they know that they can “feel good” and “help people.” When not volunteering with LISTEN, these Mount Prospect Academy students enjoy spending time outdoors, creating music, and volunteering with local food assistance programs.

Team LISTEN knows that volunteers impact continues year-round.

Thank you, volunteers!

Fall Newsletter 2023

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:24:34 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

LISTEN FALL Newsletter

Download PDF Version

Dear Friends,

Every day, LISTEN Community Services supports the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families. This has been our strength for over 50 years now. We are helping a record number of community members today, including 6,828 people in 2023.

The reality is there is no pause button for our neighbors in the Upper Valley who are in crisis. Requests to LISTEN for help with food, housing and utility assistance have increased by more than 50% this year.

Rising costs of living, illness, or temporary emergencies have left more and more of our neighbors struggling to put food on the table, pay for their medication, and ensure their furnace will be in working order. Despite having two and even three jobs, many are unable to make ends meet.

As winter quickly approaches, the change in seasons comes with additional anxiety for many people who are living paycheck to paycheck with little or no safety net. They now face the impossible choices of purchasing groceries or heating their homes.

During this season of giving, will you join us in helping your neighbors? Your donation means that we are turning your compassion into action and mobilizing multiple resources for those struggling to make ends meet. 100% of your gift will help your Upper Valley neighbors to move forward, rebuild, and thrive.

We are grateful for our community. We are grateful for you. Your kindness makes a difference every day.

Sincerely,

“The LISTEN Food Pantry has kept food on our table. The fresh produce helps so much. Our finances are such that without this assistance, we could not pay our mortgage and save our home. I don’t know what people would do without you. Thank you. LISTEN is a lifesaver. ” – Robin

Your Donation Matters...

Last year, YOU helped LISTEN provide:

Food Assistance

When Jerry, a single father with two children, reached out for help for the first time, LISTEN was there. His rent was due, his car battery had just died, and he needed groceries too. “My family will eat this week. Thank you.”

It has been another record-breaking year as the increased price of food means that more people are turning to LISTEN for groceries. Visits to LISTEN’s food pantry have more than doubled in the past two years, with 11,033 total visits in 2023. LISTEN is also serving 100 free dinners a night now at our community dinner hall in White River Junction.

Heating Assistance

When Pamela, a senior with chronic health conditions, needed a heating fuel delivery to get through a cold snap, LISTEN was there. While she waited for her State fuel assistance application to be approved, we ensured her propane tank was full.

For Upper Valley neighbors unable to pay their heating fuel bills, especially the elderly and those with young children, a lack of heat can be life threatening. LISTEN’s Heating Helpers program is a critical part of our community’s safety net to keep your neighbors warm during the coldest months.

Housing Assistance

When Sarah needed help escaping an abusive relationship, LISTEN was there. We covered her rent and electricity for one month so that Sarah could leave immediately and have stable, safe housing while she awaited her next paycheck.

While the housing crisis in the Upper Valley continues, LISTEN is focused on preventing your neighbors from falling into financial crisis and homelessness. Service coordinators provide 1-to-1 support to help individuals and families navigate their situation and connect them to resources that help them to stay in their homes.

How You Can Help

Our Upper Valley neighbors who volunteer their time at LISTEN are essential partners in serving our community. Please join us! We are looking for vital assistance such as:

Food Pantry

Stocking shelves, assisting visitors,

and unloading deliveries

Community Dinners
Preparing food, serving at mealtimes, cleaning the kitchen and dining hall

Thrift Stores

Sorting clothes, housewares,

and more

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers in 2023!

729 total volunteers 13,715 hours donated across our thrift stores, food pantry, dining hall, and more

Rob Roy McGregor, Executive Director, Thetford, VT

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Jay Benson, Chair, Norwich, VT

Ken Wells, Vice Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness, Secretary, Hartland, VT

Richard Green, Treasurer, Hanover, NH

Julie Findley, Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon, NH

Sarah Lord, Hanover, NH

Steve Monteverdi, Wilmot, NH

We can be present in someone’s hardest moments because of YOU.

For over 50 years, LISTEN has been on the front lines providing vital support for people across the Upper Valley facing crisis. LISTEN is addressing critical needs at levels we have not seen in the region.

When you give today, you are helping your Upper Valley neighbors experiencing hardship. Every dollar is used to respond quickly, when action is most needed. 100% of your gift will help them to move forward, rebuild, and thrive.

How LISTEN’s Programs Are Funded

$50

provides a week of groceries from LISTEN’s pantry for two seniors facing hunger

$100

provides scholarship assistance for a local child to thrive at summer camp

$250

provides a hot entree for 100 dinner guests at the community dinner hall

$1,000

provides a summer camp scholarship for four local children

$2,500

helps prevent eviction for five families facing financial hardship

There is a reason that your neighbors receive vital help from LISTEN: caring and committed people like you.

2023 Annual Impact Report

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:30:49 GMT

September 2023

Dear Friends:

As we reflect on the past year, all of us at LISTEN appreciate your individual and collective generosity. Your commitment to helping your neighbors facing hardship means that LISTEN is able to mobilize multiple resources to meet the growing demand for basic needs in the Upper Valley.

Please find LISTEN’s Annual Impact Report for July 2022 - June 2023 available below. This has been an extraordinary year here as requests for help with food, housing and utility assistance alone have increased by more than 50% over the previous 12 months.

The good news is that LISTEN is here to help– because of your compassion. Your support also inspires us to innovate and adapt, ensuring that our partnership with you continues to serve those who rely on LISTEN.

Thank you for all you do to help our Upper Valley neighbors to move forward, rebuild, and thrive. Our mission has always been important; today, it may be more so than ever before.

With heartfelt appreciation,

2023 Annual Impact Report

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Turning compassion into action thanks to your generosity.

At LISTEN, we see the power of our community coming together to help each other. While the demand for services such as food, housing, and utility assistance is now at an all-time high, your generosity is making a difference every single day.

LISTEN exists to help people in need, and it is in uncertain times like these when many Upper Valley neighbors need us the most. The good news is that LISTEN is here to help– because of you. Thank you.

Spring Newsletter 2023

Wed, 03 May 2023 17:48:16 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

LISTEN Spring Newsletter

Download PDF Version

LISTEN Community Services has been faithfully serving Upper Valley residents with impactful programs and services for over 50 years, and I am pleased and honored to serve as the new Executive Director. I believe deeply in the organization’s mission: to provide services and support to meet critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families. As a non-profit social enterprise, LISTEN earns revenue through thrift stores and the generous donations of individuals, families, foundations, and friends to address critical social needs.

I have had the good fortune to work at several YMCAs and non-profit social enterprises. The common denominator is caring, kind and generous individuals with an altruistic desire to positively impact their community. LISTEN personifies this belief as individuals throughout the Upper Valley passionately make our community stronger. The last two words of the YMCA’s mission is “for all.” Those powerful words indicate that no one is excluded. However, being open “to all” is different from embracing and welcoming “all.” This is accomplished in big and small ways, and I look forward to working with all the dedicated staff and volunteers to embrace and welcome everyone to LISTEN.

Achieving extraordinary results requires choosing what matters most and giving it all the necessary time it demands. This requires breaking down goals into small tasks and taking the first step and then another. I am committed to taking these steps and look forward to walking with our staff and the entire community to identify what matters most, and collectively working together to make this world a better place.

Rob Roy McGregor

Executive Director

For 33 years, LISTEN has provided need-based scholarships for kids in the Upper Valley to attend regional summer camps. We work with community partners and 40-50 camps to match them with a meaningful experience. In 2022, donations from our community meant that 163 kids were able to make lifetime memories at camp!

Can you join us this year, and make a gift to support another summer full of exploration and growth? You can help today—and the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation will double your gift up to a total of $20,000 to provide financial assistance for campers in 2023.

“Angel’s time at Camp Downer exposed her to new friends and summer activities she would not have otherwise,” shares her grandmother in South Strafford. “She just loves it there! Given my small income, I am thankful to all who help make this possible. She is well cared for and having fun.”

Thank you, Upper Valley neighbors, for making this summer another magical one for local kids by donating today.

With a grateful heart, we celebrate LISTEN’s volunteers!

Thank you to our amazing Upper Valley friends who offer your time, talent, voice, and resources to help neighbors facing hardship. Every day, you make a difference by generously supporting individuals and families in their efforts to move forward, rebuild, and thrive.

In 2023, LISTEN expects about 900 volunteers to donate over 13,500 hours across our thrift stores, food pantry, dining hall, and more.

At LISTEN, we see the power of our community coming together to help each other.

The good news is that LISTEN is here to help—because of the generosity of people like you.

Are you interested in finding meaning and reward by serving others?

Please join us! Signing up is easy - visit

listen.volunteerhub.com.

Meet Tia James, a volunteer at LISTEN’s community dinner hall

Hi, Tia! P lease tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a recently retired teacher, having taught all ages. Over the years I noticed that people were so busy working and raising families that volunteer services often suffered. As a retiree, I was eager to get involved in opportunities that support children or adults in need in our community.

What inspired you to volunteer at the LISTEN?

I knew that LISTEN provided a host of services, and I hoped there might be a need with dinners, especially during COVID. When I learned that Larry [the coordinator] was fixing many meals alone without a cook team, I was happy to prepare salads and desserts, and whatever else was needed to box meals for 100 people. Now I help out a couple of evenings a week.

What brings you to come back to this opportunity to make a difference?

The atmosphere Larry has created with the workers, volunteers, and dinner guests is welcoming and safe, often joyful and fun.

Because of the community dinner program, LISTEN’s guests receive a hot, nutritious meal 5 nights a week and an opportunity to be part of a supportive, social community. The dinner program provides a safety net for all, and certainly those at risk in the community, whether they are dealing with mental health issues, illness, addiction, or homelessness. While a hot meal can’t fix everything, the LISTEN community can get their eyes on those who might need or benefit from further services.

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I think what struck me most is how thankful and generous the guests are. They and the volunteers look out for each other, ready to support those who might be going through a hard time. I’ve observed people who have so little and yet give so much. It’s humbling. The program affords an opportunity for that kind of community caring.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

Since 1972, LISTEN has been thinking “secondhand first” and changing the way the Upper Valley area shops and dresses. We are proud to lead the region’s resale revolution and give new life to millions of used clothes! Today, LISTEN features three convenient shops in NH and VT:

387 Miracle Mile, Lebanon, NH 03766
236 US Rte 4, Canaan, NH 03741
42 Maple St., White River Junction, VT 05001

When you shop or donate to LISTEN, you help to decrease the number of new garments that need to be created. This means a visit to LISTEN reduces waste, protects human, plant and animal life, and creates funds to help our neighbors with basic needs such as food, housing, and heating assistance.

Together, we are investing in each other and protecting our environment. Thoughtful consumption and less pollution is a win-win for all of us, right?

Because second hand is smart

When clothing is buried in landfills, it releases dangerous greenhouse gases as it decomposes

Each year 11.2 million pounds of clothing end up in landfills and incinerators

One new garment takes 77 gallons of water to produce

Reusing clothing decreases the need for fossil fuel, water, fertilizer, and pesticides to produce wearable fibers

Tips for donating your clothing at LISTEN

Clothing should be in clean, reusable, and resalable condition
Please do not bring articles to us on hangers
Separating household items such as glassware and toys from clothing saves time for our staff to process donations
Kindly protect our staff from injuries by not bundling things into large, heavy boxes and bags

See you at LISTEN’s special thrifting events in 2023!

Watch for more info on Facebook .

May 5th

Mother’s Day & Prom Sale

June 9th

Father’s Day & Graduation Sale

June 23rd

Fourth of July Sale

July 14th

Customer Appreciation Day

August 4th

Back to School Sale

September 1st

Fall Items Start

September 8th

Halloween Sale

October 13th

Winter Sport Sale

November 10th
Christmas Sale

$50

provides a week of groceries from LISTEN’s pantry for two seniors facing hunger

$100

provides scholarship assistance for a local child to thrive at summer camp

$250

provides a hot entree for 100 dinner guests at the community dinner hall

$1,000

provides a summer camp scholarship for four local children

$2,500

helps prevent eviction for five families facing financial hardship

How can you help keep your neighbors safe, fed, and housed?

LISTEN’s service coordinators speak every day with community members who face obstacles such as job loss, illness, or other

unexpected hardship. LISTEN connects them with a variety of resources to make sure that those who are the most vulnerable —seniors, families, people working two or even three jobs— avoid the downward spiral that can accompany this distress.

LISTEN’s mission is funded by individual contributions and grants, and supplemented by the sale of donated goods in our stores. When you give or shop with us, the proceeds provide the resources to offer these services.

You can help local kids attend camp this summer with a need-based scholarship—and the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation will

double your gift up to a total of $20,000!

Simply send your gift in the enclosed envelope or give online and indicate your gift is to support camp scholarships.

There is a reason that your neighbors receive vital help from LISTEN: caring and committed people like you.

Winter Newsletter 2022

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 18:08:14 GMT

LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

LISTEN Winter Newsletter

Download PDF Version

Dear Friends ,

As winter quickly approaches, a new level of stress has hit our community. With the inflated cost of day-to-day staples, many of our neighbors are now facing impossible choices–like choosing between heating their homes or buying groceries.

At LISTEN, we see the power of our community coming together to help each other. That has been our strength for over 50 years now.

LISTEN is addressing critical needs at levels we have not seen in the Upper Valley. Every day, the staff is receiving calls from people who have never reached out before. More and more community members are requesting help to pay for heating fuel and prevent utility disconnection this year. The demand at LISTEN’s food pantry in Lebanon is up 47% since just last year.

During this season of giving, will you join us in helping your neighbors? Your donation means that we can turn your compassion into action, and mobilize multiple resources for those struggling to make ends meet. 100% of your gift will help your Upper Valley neighbors to move forward, rebuild, and thrive.

We are grateful for our community. We are grateful for you. Your kindness makes a difference every day.

Sincerely,

Jay Benson

Chair of the Board of Directors

Your Donation Matters... Last year, YOU helped LISTEN provide:

“LISTEN has been a huge blessing for me and my family! As things have been getting financially difficult for our family, we needed some help with fuel for this winter, and also making this holiday season special for our kiddos this year. I’ve never needed help before but was so happy to have a place to call and ask for support.

I’m beyond thankful for this assistance and all who make it possible!” – Carole

Food Assistance

With the price of food increasing, more people are turning to LISTEN to feed their families. 2022 is another record-breaking year – visits to our food pantry increased by 47% since just last year. LISTEN is also now regularly serving more than 110 dinners a night at our dinner hall in White River Junction.

253,261 pounds of food distributed through

LISTEN’s food pantry

25% of guests at LISTEN’s community dinner hall

are homeless

Hannah is a single mother of three children who visited LISTEN’s Food Pantry at 60 Hanover Street in Lebanon this year. She loves cooking and experimenting with recipes that use the fresh produce and ingredients available at the pantry. “I have many mouths to feed. I could never put such quality, nutritious food on the table without LISTEN!”

Heating Assistance

1,151 individuals received help from

LISTEN with heat or electricity this year

Elizabeth is a senior who lives in Lebanon. Her landlord recently raised her rent, and so she contacted LISTEN for help to afford a delivery of heating fuel. “It’s a huge relief. I didn’t know how I was going to get through this winter, but because of LISTEN, I now have resources and hope.”

Housing Assistance

While the housing crisis in the Upper Valley continues, LISTEN is focused on preventing neighbors from falling into financial crisis and homelessness. Service coordinators provide 1-to-1 support to help individuals and families, and connect them to resources that help them to stay in their homes.

Over 250 evictions prevented for Upper Valley families

3,407 hours of

individualized service coordination and support

“When my landlord sold our building, I contacted LISTEN for help. The service coordinator knew of a landlord with a future opening, and together, we filled out the emergency assistance paperwork needed to get into this housing. My daughter and I were only homeless for one week thanks to the LISTEN staff and their connections in the community.”

How You Can Help

Our Upper Valley neighbors who volunteer their time at LISTEN are essential partners in serving our community. Please join us! We are looking for vital assistance such as:

Food Pantry

Stocking shelves, assisting visitors,

and unloading deliveries

Community Dinners

Preparing food, serving at mealtimes, cleaning the kitchen and dining hall

Thrift Stores

Sorting clothes, housewares,

and more

Signing up is easy – visit listen.volunteerhub.com to register and find opportunities for you.

Everyone is welcome! Come alone or with your family, colleagues, or other small group.

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers in 2022!

771 total volunteers 10,128 hours donated across our thrift stores, food pantry, dining hall, and more

Richard Green, Interim Executive Director, Hanover, NH

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Jay Benson, Chair, Norwich, VT

Ken Wells, Vice Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness, Secretary, Hartland, VT

Julie Findley, Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon, NH

Sarah Lord, Hanover, NH

Steve Monteverdi, Wilmot, NH

We need YOUR help to keep up with the growing service demand.

For 50 years, LISTEN has been on the front lines providing vital support for people across the Upper Valley facing crisis. The demand for help with services such as food, housing, and utility assistance is now at an all-time high.

Fall Newsletter 2021

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:55:32 GMT

LISTEN Fall/Winter Newsletter

What a long strange journey the last 20 months have been indeed. It’s been difficult to juxtapose the tremendous suffering that befell so many of the residents of the Upper Valley with the equally extraordinary generosity that residents of the same area felt towards their neighbors in need. Because of that generosity, LISTEN was there every step of the way, providing groceries, hot meals, heating help, housing help and counseling for solving all types of problems. We are deeply grateful to our donors.

Many of the problems that were affecting our neighbors, and were exacerbated during the pandemic, remain.

Our winters are still cold and people spend a great deal of money on their heating source. Mostly though housing in the area is in short supply and quite expensive. In addition to that, public transportation is sparse and most people need to have a car to drive to work. These expenses can be crippling for even a wage that most would say is ‘livable’.

Approximately 75% of LISTEN’s budget comes from donations. We appreciate anything and everything you can do for us as we continue to meet our neighbors’ needs.

Sincerely,

Team LISTEN

Our Ever Growing Food Pantry Need in 2018-2021

One S entence In Your Will Can Make A Lifetime Of Difference

To leave a gift in your will, simply share this sentence with your attorney or financial planner:

“I bequeath $ _____or_____% of my estate to LISTEN, 60 Hanover Street, Lebanon ,NH, 03766

Portrait of Need:

Some Need Everything, Others Need Something

Some of th e residents of the UV are not able to work for various reasons; they need our support every day in every way. They are at our Community Dinner every night; they need housing help, and they have various special needs that we do our best to address. Others need our help sometimes. Below is an example of what a person, “Alex”, earning $15/hour nets each month and where that money is likely spent.

The above example represents “Alex” with what is considered a livable income. Many months it just might be. But if a dental need arises, or even a minor personal crisis, Alex may need to decide between going to the dentist and buying food. Alex may need our food pantry or a clothing voucher to make ends meet in any given month.

OUR MISSIO N

LISTEN Co mmunity Services provides services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

What Donating To LISTEN Looks Like

60 HANOVER STREET | LEBANON, NH | 03766

WWW.LISTENCS.ORG | (603)448.4553

listen-community-services

Spring Newsletter 2026

GIVE A CHILD THE GIFT OF CAMP THIS SUMMER!

Summer Camp Scholarship Program

Core Services at LISTEN

What is Service Coordination?

Tina’s Story

Service Coordinators

in Action

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LISTEN

Who makes our work possible? YOU DO! Did you know that 65% of LISTEN’s program funding comes from contributions made by individuals, organizations, businesses, and through grants? The remaining 35% comes from Thrift Store revenue. In other words, you are an essential LISTEN partner.

David and Barbara’s Story

Board of Directors ﻿

Interested in volunteering at LISTEN?

Visit our get involved page or contact Marcy at marcy@listencs.org .

Fall Newsletter 2025

Your Donation Matters...

Food Assistance

Heating Assistance

Housing Assistance

Food Pantry

Community Dinners

Thrift Stores

2025 Annual Impact Report

2025 Annual Impact Report

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Spring Newsletter 2025

New beginnings and continued commitment

Books, Records, and Second Chances

Food Pantry

Community Dinners

Thrift Stores

Best Second Hand Clothing Store in the Upper Valley

Fall Newsletter 2024

LISTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWSLETTER FALL 2024

Your Donation Matters...

Food Assistance

Heating Assistance

Housing Assistance

How You Can Help

Food Pantry

Community Dinners

Thrift Stores

2024 Annual Impact Report

2024 Annual Impact Report

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Spring Newsletter 2024

LISTEN SPRING Newsletter

Did you know?

Volunteer Appreciation Month 2024

LISTEN celebrates all of our amazing volunteers!

“What a great project!”

“There’s something for everyone to do.”

“I feel better when I’m here.”

“It’s nice to know that I can help out people.”

“We come to be of service and to be part of the community.”

“It gives me great joy.”

“It’s the highlight of my week!”

Team LISTEN knows that volunteers impact continues year-round.

Thank you, volunteers!

Fall Newsletter 2023

LISTEN FALL Newsletter

2023 Annual Impact Report

2023 Annual Impact Report

Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Spring Newsletter 2023

LISTEN Spring Newsletter

With a grateful heart, we celebrate LISTEN’s volunteers!

Meet Tia James, a volunteer at LISTEN’s community dinner hall

Building a Sustainable Future Together

Because second hand is smart

Tips for donating your clothing at LISTEN

See you at LISTEN’s special thrifting events in 2023!

How can you help keep your neighbors safe, fed, and housed?

Winter Newsletter 2022

LISTEN Winter Newsletter

Your Donation Matters... Last year, YOU helped LISTEN provide:

Food Assistance

Heating Assistance

Housing Assistance

Who makes our work possible? YOU DO!
Did you know that 65% of LISTEN’s program funding comes from contributions made by individuals, organizations, businesses, and through grants? The remaining 35% comes from Thrift Store revenue. In other words, you are an essential LISTEN partner.

Board of Directors