2023 Sets Record for First Church Donations to Monadnock Community
First Church In Jaffrey Benevolence
The expanded Benevolence Circle met in November and December to allocate funds raised by the 2023 Summer Fair and the Pie Sales. Thanks to the hard work of church members and volunteers from the larger community, these two fundraising events were extremely successful. We were able to expand our benevolences into new areas and increase donations to organizations we have helped for many years. In total, $7,665 was given to the following organizations/services.
On behalf of First Church, the Benevolence Circle:
Created two camp scholarships for young people:
Horton Center, UCC Camp and Retreat Center in the White Mountains: 1 week
Scout Camp, for one Scout from Jaffrey’s Troop 33: 1 week
Continued support for established community service that target housing, homelessness, hunger, abuse, early childhood education, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, medical care, elder care
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- Home Health Care Hospice and Community Services
- Meals on Wheels
- Monadnock Area Psychotherapy and Spiritual Services (MAPS)
- Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention
- Monadnock Community Early Learning Center
- Monadnock Family Services
- Monadnock Adult Day Care Center
- Shelter from the Storm
- Reality Check
- Got Lunch
- JR Memorial Ambulance Service
- Jaffrey Food Pantry
Added two new beneficiaries:
ESOL Project to help immigrants learn English through classes in Rindge and Jaffrey. Under the financial umbrella of Project Home, a nonprofit based in Keene that focuses on immigrant/refugee housing.
Southwestern Community Services: provides heating/fuel assistance to Monadnock region
Two scholarships totaling $2,000 will be awarded to Conant grads in 2024.
First Church Christmas Fund
The offering taken at the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve 2023 was given to the Jaffrey Town Welfare Fund, which provides financial help with housing (rent, shelter, mortgages) – a primary need in Jaffrey. First Church has contributed to this agency for many years; we are the only church in town to do so, and our help is greatly appreciated.
From a Wider Perspective…
First Church is a 5 for 5 UCC church. This means that our generous congregation contributes to four special offerings* throughout the year as well as budgeting financial support for the NH and national UCC through Our Church’s Greater Mission (OCWM) program.
*One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in Need, The Christmas Fund
Conant Grads Receive First Church Scholarships
On June 6, 2024, Benevolence Circle Chair Marcia Breckenridge presented two $1,000 scholarships from First Church to Aubrie Hendrickson and Katie Weidner at the Conant High School Awards Night. Each year, funds from the Summer Fair and Pie sales allow the Benevolence Circle to offer $2,000 in scholarships. Working through the Conant Guidance Office, the First Church asks for short essays that not only describe skills and future plans, but also ask students to choose a favorite event that they will always remember and share how they dealt with a difficult situation. Reading these essays is a high point of the work of the Benevolence Circle!
Aubrie Hendrikson plans to become a nurse. She already has experience in helping two different age groups by volunteering at the Jaffrey Grade School, saying that, “I love being someone the little kids can look up to for help.” She works at the Jaffrey Rehabilitation Center and enjoys visiting with the older residents. Katie Weidner plans to earn a degree in physical therapy. She has served as a Student Council officer and hopes to continue playing field hockey at the collegiate level. Both Aubrie and Katie are members of the Interact Club (a project of Rotary) which promotes and sponsors outreach to diverse groups and individuals in this country and abroad.
“It was a pleasure to hand these bright involved young women a check of support from First Church in Jaffrey,” comments Marcia who echoed their guidance counselors in saying “They are motivated, great kids who will make a difference.”
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