Serving Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties, SNHS Nutrition Programs put food on the tables of local residents

Posted in News & Updates

Access to healthy food is critical to the well-being of young and old alike. In uncertain economic times, many local residents are facing the challenge of putting food on their tables.

Southern New Hampshire Services is able to expand the availability of healthy food to area residents through a variety of Nutrition Programs offered by the Community Action Agency in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties.

The programs are available to individuals and families who meet the requirements outlined below and are in addition to other nutritional support programs available, such as New Hampshire Food Stamps. Area residents who have already met the requirements for New Hampshire Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid may automatically income eligible.

Those eligible for the programs can register at any time.

WIC (Women Infants Children): Providing nutrition education and vouchers to buy healthy foods, WIC is available to income eligible pregnant, postpartum and postpartum breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under age 5. The program provides basic, healthy foods to assure that families enrolled in the program get the nutrition they need. The WIC Program also provides nutrition, breastfeeding and health education as well as other services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to the age of five.

WIC is for all kinds of families: married and single parents, working or not working. If you are a father, mother, grandparent, foster parent or other legal guardian of a child under five, you can apply for WIC.

WIC Income Guidelines (185% Federal Poverty):

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program): Income eligible senior citizens age 60+, postpartum women and children under 6 who do not participate in WIC have the opportunity to receive a monthly issuance of nutritious foods through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The CSFP food package is designed to supplement the participant’s monthly nutritional needs as they select from the foods stored in warehouse “shopping areas” located in Manchester and Nashua. Pre-packed food boxes are also available at each of the remote certification sites throughout Hillsborough and Rockingham County. Seniors unable to go to the food distribution sites themselves can designate a “proxy” who is able to pick up their food allocation for them.

CSFP Women and Children (185% Federal Poverty):

CSFP Seniors (130% Federal Poverty):

The foods provided through the WIC and CSF Programs help families and individuals purchase staple, healthy food items and stretch their food budgets by more than $48 per month for each participant. That could translate to $48 back in the pockets or Food Stamp budgets of struggling families and seniors.

For more information, please contact one of the following Southern New Hampshire Services’ Outreach offices:

For brochures and information on these or any of the food and nutrition programs offered by Southern New Hampshire Services, please contact Patty Carignan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

‘Exploring your options in Assisted Living subject of February Seniors Count-Nashua workshop

Posted in News & Updates

NASHUA – Assisted Living is one of the many options available as individuals explore living options as they grow older. This February, Seniors Count-Nashua will present a special workshop for those looking for more information on this housing choice for a loved one or themselves.

Attendees will gain valuable information on the various types of assisted living programs available in New Hampshire. The discussion will include the pros and cons of the various types of programs, rate structures and the long-term implications of each.

The workshop will be presented as an open forum and questions are strongly encouraged.

The goal is to help participants understand their options and the factors that should be considered when making the decision on what option is best for themselves or their loved one.

Workshop presenter is Dawn Dumont, a Nationally Certified Senior Advisor, Assisted Living Placement Counselor and founder of “Opening New Doors,” a New Hampshire-based assisted living placement agency.

The free workshop is scheduled for Monday, February 11, 2013. It begins at 1:00pm. The Senior Activity Center is located at 70 Temple St., Nashua.

Advance registration for the workshop is strongly advised. Space is limited. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator for Southern New Hampshire Services at (603) 889-3440 x 132 for more information.

Workshop participants can come early to enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served from 11:45am to 12:45pm.

The workshop is one of a series of free programs offered monthly by Seniors Count-Nashua. The workshops provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age.

Past workshops have included topics on senior fraud and identity theft, clutter control, the importance of nutrition as you age, and understanding what a loved one with dementia is experiencing. Programs have been filmed by Nashua’ Education Channel 99 and are broadcast Mondays at 1:00pm. They can be viewed on-line at http://nashua.ezstream.com.

Southern New Hampshire Services, ServiceLink Resource Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services provide additional support for the workshops.

‘Websites for Seniors’ subject of January Seniors Count-Nashua workshop

Posted in News & Updates

NASHUA – The Internet is a valuable resource for all ages, including seniors in search of information to help them live a more informed and fulfilling life as they age. The challenge is where to look for reliable, up-to-date information on the World Wide Web.

Sophie Smith, reference librarian for the Nashua Public Library, will offer insight into the wide variety of information available on the web at the January Seniors Count-Nashua workshop. Participants will see where to access their Social Security account, find tax forms, and get health information. If time permits, locations for sites that help plan a trip, share photos with families and friends and find articles from newspapers and magazines will also be covered.

The workshop will be presented classroom style as a Power Point presentation; participants will not have access to individual computers.

The free workshop is scheduled for Monday, January 14. It begins at 1:00pm. The Senior Activity Center is located at 70 Temple St., Nashua.

Advance registration for the workshop is requested. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator for Southern New Hampshire Services at (603) 889-3440 x 132 for more information.

Workshop participants can come early to enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served from 11:45am to 12:45pm.

The workshop is one of a series of free programs offered monthly by Seniors Count-Nashua. The workshops provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age.

Past workshops have included topics on senior fraud and identity theft, clutter control, the importance of nutrition as you age, and understanding what a loved one with dementia is experiencing. Programs have been filmed by Nashua’ Education Channel 99 and are broadcast Mondays at 1:00pm. They can be viewed on-line at http://nashua.ezstream.com.

Southern New Hampshire Services, ServiceLink Resource Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services provide additional support for the workshops.

SNHS receives 'Bringing You Home' Award

Posted in News & Updates

  BEDFORD, N.H. – New Hampshire Housing recently presented Southern New Hampshire Services with the 2012 Bringing You Home Award. The award recognizes exceptional and innovative contributions to affordable housing in the Granite State.

Southern New Hampshire Services was selected for its work on Hallsville Court Senior Housing, a project that added much-needed affordable senior housing and services to the Manchester community. Throughout the project, Southern New Hampshire Services collaborated with community members and city officials to preserve the neighborhood’s character and history. They also incorporated renewable energy technologies, including solar panels, into the project’s design.

FROM LEFT: Dean Christon, Executive Director of New Hampshire Housing; Gale Hennessy, Executive Director of Southern New Hampshire Services; Debra Sevigny, Housing Director at Southern New Hampshire Services; Deborah Gosselin, Program Operations Director at Southern New Hampshire Services; Cristina Cataño, Hallsville Court manager; Kenneth Ortmann, Vice Chair, Board of Directors of New Hampshire Housing

“The housing development and management teams at Southern New Hampshire Services deserve much credit for making Hallsville Court come to fruition,” said Gale Hennessy, Executive Director of Southern New Hampshire Services. “Along with HUD staff here in Manchester, we are honored to merit New Hampshire Housing’s selection, but more importantly to be able to provide safe, clean and affordable housing to hundreds of area seniors for generations to come.”

Award nominees are judged on a variety of criteria, including response to an important state housing need, commitment to the long-term resiliency and diversity of communities, promotion of energy innovation, and promotion of effective partnerships. Winners receive a cash prize.

Renewable energy technologies are incorporated into the design of Hallville Court through the use of solar panels.

“This year’s Bringing You Home Award winners are leading examples of how to use dedication, innovation, and effective partnerships to meet the need for affordable housing in New Hampshire,” said Dean Christon, Executive Director of New Hampshire Housing. “We thank them and all of the nominees for their outstanding efforts to create housing and services for local residents.”

Southern New Hampshire Services is a community action agency. Its mission is to provide activities designed to assist low-income participants, including the elderly poor, to secure and retain meaningful employment, attain an adequate education, and make better use of available income; to ameliorate the causes of poverty within the community; to meet urgent and immediate individual and family needs, including health, nutrition, housing and employment-related assistance; and to address the problems and barriers which block the achievement of self-sufficiency.

The rich history of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and School that were located on the site of Hallsville Court are preserved through a park that features statuary and other artifacts from the original structures.

CATCH Neighborhood Housing was also recognized in the awards program. The Concord-based organization was selected for its Mennino Place project. Located in downtown Concord, the project transformed a blighted lot into affordable housing for nearly 70 people. The new building is also contributing to the growth and redevelopment of the city’s Arts District on South Main Street, as thirteen percent of its residents are local artists. CATCH Neighborhood Housing offers a full spectrum of housing services throughout Merrimack County. Its mission is to strengthen communities by creating opportunities for permanently affordable, quality housing for people otherwise not being served.

'Laughter the Best Medicine" subject of December Seniors Count workhop

Posted in News & Updates

NASHUA – Learn about the health benefits of laughter at the upcoming Seniors Count-Nashua workshop, scheduled for Monday, December 10 at the Nashua Senior Activity Center.

Laughter helps your blood flow, has a positive impact on the immune system and helps lower blood sugar levels. It’s also fun…and beneficial to your body.

Workshop presenters are James Sullivan and Erica Kelly of Crestwood Care and Rehabilitation Center in Milford. James and Erica promise to make you laugh until your side hurts and tears roll down your cheeks.

The free workshop begins at 1:00pm. The Senior Activity Center is located at 70 Temple St., Nashua.

Advance registration for the workshop is requested. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator for Southern New Hampshire Services at (603) 889-3440 x 132 for more information.

Workshop participants can come early to enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served from 11:45am to 12:45pm.

The workshop is one of a series of free programs offered monthly by Seniors Count-Nashua. The workshops provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age.

Past workshops have included topics on senior fraud and identity theft, clutter control, the importance of nutrition as you age, and understanding what a loved one with dementia is experiencing. All programs have been filmed by Nashua’ Education Channel 99. Programs are broadcast Mondays at 1:00pm and can be viewed on-line at http://nashua.ezstream.com.

Southern New Hampshire Services, ServiceLink Resource Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services provide additional support for the workshops.

Fuel Assistance Programs accepting applications

Posted in News & Updates

The Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) is now taking applications for the 2012-2013 winter season that runs through April 30th.  Applicants who were on the program last year had the opportunity to apply by mail through October 10^th. They now need to call to make an appointment for a face-to-face interview.

People who have not received FAP benefits in the past and are interested in Fuel Assistance must call for an appointment.  Offices are open Monday through Friday in Manchester, Nashua and Peterborough, and offices in Milford and Hillsboro are open on scheduled days.

"We are urging people to come in now," said Louise Bergeron, energy director of Southern New Hampshire Services, which serves Hillsborough and Rockingham counties. "Don't wait until you are in the crisis. Don't put your family through that. Don't put yourself through that."

Payments made in the program officially begin on December 3^rd; the program runs through April 30^th, 2013.

Senior citizens and others who are homebound may call to arrange for a home visit. Fuel assistance benefits are a grant and do not have to be repaid.

Fuel Assistance benefits are not meant to pay for the entire winter heating bill but rather are there to help the client get through the winter. Benefits range from $150 to $1125 per season.  The benefit amount is based on the household income and annual heating costs.  Clients whose heat is included in the rent may have their benefit sent to the landlord as a rental payment on the client’s behalf if their rent is not subsidized.

Fuel Assistance Program

Income guidelines may increase in the spring.

Electrical Assistance Program

Clients who qualify by income will be enrolled right away. There is no wait list at this time.

“People struggling to cover their energy costs have options,” said Bergeron. “There are a number of programs available that could help them. We encourage them to contact our office so we can see if help is available.”

Southern New Hampshire Services: Energy Assistance Offices

Rockingham Community Action: Energy Assistance Offices

"Seniors & Driving: Balancing Safety and the Need to Stay Independent" workshop scheduled

Posted in News & Updates

NASHUA – Do you worry about a relative or loved one who is still driving after a diagnosis of a medical or cognitive complication? Do you need ways to initiate a productive conversation with an older driver about driving safety? Do you know the warnings signs that would help you determine when driving should stop?

Learn the answers to these and other important questions about the need to balance safety considerations with an elderly driver’s sense of independence, pride, and control at the November Seniors Count-Nashua workshop scheduled for Tuesday, November 13 at the Nashua Senior Activity Center.

Officer Jane Constant, Senior Relations Officer with the Nashua Police Department is workshop presenter.

The free workshop begins at 1:00pm. The Senior Activity Center is located at 70 Temple St., Nashua.

Advance registration for the workshop is requested. Please call Beth Todgham, Seniors Count-Nashua facilitator for Southern New Hampshire Services at (603) 889-3440 x 132 for more information.

Workshop participants can come early to enjoy lunch offered by St. Joseph Community Services (Meals on Wheels) in the cafeteria at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. A $2 donation is requested for diners age 60 and over; the price is slightly higher for those under 60. Pre-registration for lunch is required. Call Steve, SJCS site manager, at 882-2106 to reserve your lunch. Lunch is served from 11:45am to 12:45pm.

The workshop is one of a series of free programs offered monthly at the Senior Activity Center by Seniors Count-Nashua. The workshops provide area residents with information on resources available in the community as they age.

Past workshops have included topics on senior fraud and identity theft, clutter control, the importance of nutrition as you age, and understanding what a loved one with dementia is experiencing. All programs have been filmed by Nashua’ Education Channel 99. Programs are broadcast Mondays at 1:00pm and can be viewed on-line at http://nashua.ezstream.com.

Southern New Hampshire Services, ServiceLink Resource Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services provide additional support for the workshops.

"Clash of the Cupcakes" benefits Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Posted in News & Updates

Who doesn’t like a great tasting, good-looking cupcake? On Friday, October 26, guests will sample some of the best in the area as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) holds the first-ever “Clash of the Cupcakes” at Southern New Hampshire University’s Hospitality Center.

The fund-raising event features six teams of local professional bakers and six teams of student bakers, each competing to earn the title “Best Cupcake 2012” in their category. Those attending will vote to select a “People’s Choice” winner from among the professionals and the students.

The event is sold out as of Friday, October 12.

The evening features a three-course meal prepared and served by students from the University’s Culinary Arts Program. Dessert (of course!) will be cupcakes. Attendees will receive a box of cupcakes as a take home gift. What could be sweeter?

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on and take home their favorite item from the Silent Auction.

Emcee for the evening is Mike Morin, author and co-host of New Hampshire in the Morning on 95.7 WZID. The event begins at 6:00pm.

Southern New Hampshire University is located at 2500 North River Rd. in Manchester.

Proceeds from the event benefit Southern New Hampshire Services’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The money raised will help RSVP to continue to recruit, train and recognize the program’s dedicated seniors who, through their volunteer service, remain active and contributing members of their community.

Event sponsors include Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center, King Arthur Flour, Hanover Hill Health Care Center, Birch Hill Terrace, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England and Cross Insurance. Additional support is being provided by Southern New Hampshire University, The Quill Restaurant, SNHU’s Cake Decorating Club and Southern New Hampshire Services.

For more information, contact Dee Martin, volunteer service director, at 668-8010, x 6022 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..