Funding Commitment For First Six Months of 2012

Fundraising

Update Fundraiser Thermometer Here

Donations from Businesses and Organizations

Bureau of Developmental Services: $6000 from 1/1/2012 - 6/30/2012

Community Bridges:  $3000 from 1/1/2012 - 6/30/2012

Lakes Region Community Services:  $1500 from 1/1/2012 - 6/30/2012

Lakes Region Family Support Council: $1500 from 1/1/2012 - 6/30/2012

Donations From Individuals

Ruthie Beckwith of Tennessee

Ed Bielecki of Massachusetts

Roberta Gallant of New Hampshire

Betty Jean Hunt of New Hampshire

Robin Keehn of California

Mary Kay Kennedy of Minnesota

Andrea Miller of Ohio

Michael Mills of New Hampshire

Ruby Moore of Georgia

Don Shumway of New Hampshire

Shawna Sousa of New Hampshire

Embracing The Self-Advocacy Movement 

in New Hampshire

As you may know, People First of New Hampshire is funded almost entirely by state funds which have been maintained at $88,000 for the last few years. During these difficult times in trying to make all ends meet in our state budget, the board of directors of People First of New Hampshire has recently learned that the state will not be able to continue to fund the organization at the same level. The new amount that the state will be able to allocate in the upcoming fiscal year will be $12,000. The decrease in funding actually begins January 1, 2012 when the state will fund the remaining current fiscal year at $6,000.  

We know that we have great followers and supporters of People First of New Hampshire - across the state, nation and internationally. Now is the time to reach out to you - our friends, supporters and potential new funders to ask for your help. It is necessary to put all of our energy into thinking positively about the way in which we can find sustaining funds and in-kind resources to uphold the mission and goals of People First of New Hampshire.  

In recent months, the board of directors began to understand the reality of the funding situation and the impact on the organization. First, the board will lose their full-time Executive Coordinator.  All local chapters, committees and groups connected to People First of New Hampshire will continue as they have. The board will be dedicating their time and energy to look at existing supports such as through local chapters and local agencies to help with some of the operations and goals of the organization and ask if any of these supporters can provide additional help. The board will meet frequently to determine how it wants to move forward to continue to direct People First of New Hampshire as it has done for the past 19 ½  years.  

It is important to recognize that People First of New Hampshire is a part of the larger civil rights and self-advocacy movement. Whatever decisions the board chooses to make will be in-line with the purpose and mission of the self-advocacy movement.  

We ask you, self-advocates, friends and supporters for your ideas and help.

On October 20, 2011, People First of New Hampshire held a summit to bring our allies together.  This was facilitated by Don Shumway and Alan Robichaud with a great turn-out and positive results.  You may read about the Summit and about our immediate needs and funding appeal by following the links below.

For the October 20, 2011 Summit Agenda, please click here.

For the October 20, 2011 Summit Report, please click here.

For Board of Directors of People First of New Hampshire Priorities, please click here.

See our History & Accomplishments Slideshow here.

To learn about our Getting Back To Our Self-Advocacy Grassroots, please click here.

If you wish to make a donation to People First of New Hampshire, please mail check to:

People First of New Hampshire

4 Park Street, Suite 304B

Concord, NH  03301

Or go here: