Page 19 - JUNE 2025

June 2025
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
Page 19
Community
By DoNNa RhoDes
PLYMOUTH – Whole Village Family Resource Center, under the oversight of Granite United Way, has been in operation in Plymouth for many years and on May 13 the nonprofit organization held a fair where people could not only learn about the services they provide to nearly 20 local communities but be introduced to other children, youth, family and veteran support organizations that are available, too. In total, WVFRC works with 40 coalition members who meet monthly to see what more can be done to serve the needs for the healthy development of children in the region, along with adults of all ages.
Jennifer Hunter, the Director of Engagement for the Central Region and Whole Village, orga- nized the fair to explain the many resources available through the Whole Village Resource Center. Among those she wished to high- light were the center’s new prena- tal center, which assists new moms with their journey to motherhood. Some of their many partners were invited to join them for the event. Sherry Stevens, CPM, NHCM, of New Life Midwifery is one of them. Stevens has informa- tion for those who may prefer an alternative home birthing choice, while Haven Pregnancy also offers services for expectant moms.
The WVFRC is also home to the area's Head Start Pro- gram for youngsters not yet old enough for Kindergarten. Through Head Start, Joyce Sol- omon and her staff members, Jacob Robinson and teacher Amanda Getman, work with children ages 3-5 to introduce them to reading and other skills that will give them the “head start” they can then success- fully take to elementary school. Solomon said they encourage parents to contact them for an application before their child turns three years old to have them enrolled in the fall classes, but they will accept calls and applications at almost any time of year.
Whole Village Family Re- source Center also offers a weekly Creative Music and Movement program for little ones, a weekly Play Group, and a New Parent Group where moms or dads can share ideas, get advice, or just relax and get to know other new parents.
For older children, the non- profit organization CADY (Communities for Alcohol—and Drug-free Youth) was on hand at the fair to explain its support for youth, including special programs and many fun activities.
Beside their booth, represen- tatives of the family-based or- ganization, “Live Free and Get
New to the area, mom Michelle and her sons, Austin and Ben, from Bristol, were among the many families who attended Whole Village Family Resource Center’s fair on May 13. There, they met representatives from several local organizations and learned about the services they provide. Here, they are shown chatting with Jamie LaRoche, Speare Memorial Hospital’s Director of Inpatient Nursing Services, and Wilma Hyde, ARPN from Plymouth Pediatrics. Photo by Donna Rhodes
Outside,” also explained how they bring families together to exercise and enjoy the beauty of New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains through hiking. Beginners are most welcome.
Mid-State Health pediatrician Dr. Dannette (Nettie) Colletta was
among those greeting people
services from local community groups and organizations, domes- that afternoon. She said Mid-
tic and sexual violence assistance, State Health is pleased to part-
ner with WVFRC to ensure
and even employment searches. Food pantries, health care, legal that not only educational needs
assistance, mental health care, and but also physical and mental
health needs are addressed.
counseling are just a few more of the recommendations that 2-1-1 “This is such a great re-
can share through just one three- source. It’s wonderful,” she
said as she passed out coloring
digit phone call. More informa- tion on their services can be found books and other fun things for
at www.211nh.org.
children to enjoy.
Staff from Speare Memorial
Veterans can also receive assis- Hospital in Plymouth were also
tance through Whole Village from on hand. Through the coali-
organizations that have resources tion, they are able to connect
for housing, job searches, and even the support and camaraderie with patients who need the care
they may need.
they provide and help ensure
their well-being.
ARCHWAYS Community Resource Centers is another re- “It’s neighborly compassion,”
source in the coalition. Located at the staff members said.
Joining the medical services
57D Main St. in Plymouth, they offer Artful Gatherings, Karaoke representation that day were also
and Open Mic nights, meditation Speare APRN Wilma Hyde and
Director of Inpatient Nursing
programs, and much more. Their schedules for these programs can Service Jamie LaRoche. Both
be found online at archwaysnh. were available to explain more of
the services they, too, provide to
org.
In fact, all of the fair partic- the public.
Heather Pachero of the 2-1-1
ipants have online websites, but those from throughout central resource phone line was yet an-
New Hampshire can also contact other among the many booths at
the fair. By just dialing 2-1-1, she
Whole Village Family Resource Center to get connected with any said people can have questions
services or programs they need by answered and receive information
and/or recommendations for up
calling 603-536-3720 or dropping by the center, located at 258 High- to 1,500 state and federal services
land Street in Plymouth. available in the state. Among them
are connections to thrift shops,
Strong Roots, Strong Families: Whole Village Resource Fair
ing
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65 Pleasant Street
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