COMMUNITY ROUNDUP
Rochester Elks donate $3,000 to Share Fund
ROCHESTER — Rochester Elks Lodge No. 1393's Peter Ducharme, exalted ruler and Norm Gervais, lodge secretary and Lodge Elks National Foundation Chair, presented the Rochester Share Fund with a check for $3,000 on Sunday, Feb. 25. This donation was made possible by a Beacon Grant obtained from the Elks National Foundation. Accepting the donation was Share Fund Executive Director Don “Skip” Smith and Jerry Rainville, chairman of the Board of Directors.
The SHARE Fund reaches out to neighbors in our community who are in need of help during difficult times, provides innovative program services to guide families on a path to self-sufficiency, and refers them to other agencies and resources when eligible, thus maximizing aid.
They serve neighbors from Wakefield to Farmington, Rochester to Somersworth, all with care and support to be a hand up and not just a hand out in times of need. The SHARE Fund provides assistance with clothing, diapers, and food for those in need.
The economy has made the past year more difficult on their clients, particularly with housing expenses. Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, housing related assistance increased 250% over the previous year. The pantry delivered 8,359 baskets of food, serving over 700 families. Price of goods generally increased last year, particularly for dairy and eggs.
In the past many of the clients used the pantry only occasionally, but recently they have seen a marked increase of clients who now visit twice a month. The diaper bank has distributed over 29,000 diapers and the clothing store has seen a 13% increase in free clothing distribution.
For more info about the Share Fund and the Elks, visit: sharefund.org/programsandservices and elks.org.
Join Haven at the 13th annual Kids Are Our Business Breakfast
PORTSMOUTH — Haven invites all community members to attend one of two Kids Are Our Business Breakfasts. In honor of Haven's 45th anniversary, there will be celebrations in both Rockingham and Strafford counties. The events are April 5 at The Oaks Country Club in Somersworth and April 12 at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye. Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by breakfast, networking, and a presentation at 8:30 a.m. The events shine a light on Haven's prevention education programs, offered at schools throughout southeastern New Hampshire.
Haven is also excited to update guests on the success of the Camp HOPE and Pathways Mentoring program. In 2021, Haven partnered with Camp HOPE America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program to focus on youth impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. The program fosters resilience, optimism, and hope in youth and helps to break the generational cycle of abuse so kids can enjoy bright, healthy futures.
Information: havennh.org/kids-areour-business-breakfast.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about sponsoring this or other Haven events, contact Katelyn Souphakhot, development and marketing manager at (603) 766-4358 or development@havennh.org.
St. John’s Episcopal Church Portsmouth announces Holy Week and Easter schedule
PORTSMOUTH — St. John's Episcopal Church, an historic church in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, announced it offering Holy Week worship, relevant and passionate preaching and world class music leading up to Easter Sunday. Through storytelling, music, and tradition the church will celebrate Christ's resurrection at Easter. Seekers, worshipers and tourists alike are invited, the church stated. Full schedule and details: www.stjohnsnh.org/holy-week-easter-2024