DERRY — Camden National Bank has donated $55,000 to Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire to help finalize the expansion of their Transitional Housing Program to house up to eight families. The nonprofit organization provides vital housing and case management for families temporarily experiencing homelessness.
The funding supports the renovation of the former Vintage Grace Adult Day Care facility in Derry, transforming it into a welcoming space for families. The updates included converting rooms into eight private family suites, enhancing the kitchen, dining, laundry, and living areas, and creating dedicated conference rooms and administrative offices.
“Community and giving back have been at the heart of Camden National Bank for 150 years,” said Renée Smyth, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience & Marketing Officer at Camden National Bank. “Our investment in transitional housing reflects our deep commitment to helping families build sustainable, independent futures.”
In 2024, Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire was awarded $625,000 from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (NHCDFA) Tax Credit Program to support the expansion of their Transitional Housing Program to a second facility, increasing access to critical services for families within the region.
As they approached the state’s fiscal year-end, the organization needed the remaining $55,000 to complete tax credits.
“We’re very grateful for Camden National Bank’s generous support and belief in our mission,” said Pam Wellman Executive Director of Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire. “This donation came in at the end and enabled us to open our facility to eight families just in time for the school year, providing children with the stability and safety of a home environment. Contributions like this truly transform lives and empower families to thrive.”
Synagogue names education director
DERRY — Etz Hayim Synagogue has appointed Irina R. as the newest Director of Education.
Irina has a special connection to the school and the synagogue. In 1933, her family immigrated from Kyiv and found solace and community at their local synagogue where she started to attend services and learn English and Hebrew.
For the last 20 years, Irina has worked at the school and raised her family in a Jewish household.
Her education includes Kyiv Pedagogical College with a degree in early childhood education and music teaching and St. Anselm College with a degree in political science and minors in international relations, Russian studies and education.
She is also a graduate of the Summer Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College, of which she is now a fellow.
She has over 35 years of experience teaching students of different ages and backgrounds.
“It is my deep belief, that one of the most important things a synagogue educational program can do for students and their families, is to provide a safe, welcoming and accepting place to be Jewish,” Irina said.
“It is a strong Jewish identity that creates curiosity for learning about our culture and our shared experiences. I think that understanding deeper concepts and struggles that bond Jews all over the world is a vital part of Jewish education.”
Her goal as the educational director is to empower students through knowledge.
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