Letter to the Editor — For more than 80 years, Easterseals NH has had a proud tradition of providing services to those in need. From birth to end of life programs Easterseals provides services for the full lifespan. Ranging from Early Supports & Services and our Child Development Centers to Community Based services for young adults and our Seniors Program, we are here for whatever you need. In addition, Easterseals has also been on the forefront of issues relating to substance misuse treatment and Military & Veterans Services.
For more than 10 years, our Military & Veterans Services Program (M&VS) has provided services to nearly 12,000 veterans, services members and their families. Through a one-of-a-kind Care Coordination model, individuals have received the help they need for challenges including suicide prevention, employment, homelessness, substance misuse treatment, transportation, legal concerns, and mental health issues resulting from post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injury.
Through a philanthropic partnership with Veterans Count, M&VS also provides emergency financial assistance for food, utilities, housing, rent, emergency shelter, fuel assistance, vehicle repair, child care, gasoline, and medical bills.
Veterans Count is comprised of chapters throughout both NH and VT (Nashua, NH; Manchester, NH; Portsmouth, NH, Laconia, NH and Williston, VT) whose primary function is to raise awareness and funds to support M&VS.
This past Thursday, Veterans Count hosted a very successful breakfast, to officially launch its newest chapter in the Upper Valley Region! In 2017, the Attorney General awarded Easterseals $190,000 from the closing of Project Vet Care, in order for us to continue serving our military heroes in the region. This breakfast, and the formation of the Upper Valley Chapter, is the first step in ensuring that this money is used to provide veterans, service members and their families the services and assistance needed to live a life with dignity, health and overall well-being. We are privileged to have the opportunity to turn an unfortunate situation into something positive that will serve those that have bravely served our country.
We will continue to ensure that 90% of every net dollar raised for Veterans Count is spent providing services and growing resources for veterans and service members. If you are interested in joining our newest chapter in the Upper Valley, or any other chapter throughout the state, please contact Joe Emmons at [email protected] or (603) 621-3570.
I hope you’ll consider joining us in supporting these brave men and women.
Larry Gammon
President & CEO
Easterseals NH, ME, VT and Farnum