LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.

Dear Friends, 

As 2024 ends, all of us at LISTEN want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for our community’s support this year. Thanks to your generosity, you have helped 7,469 of your neighbors who are experiencing hardship.

It’s been difficult to see the rising costs of living force more of our Upper Valley neighbors to seek help. While inflation is finally easing, the sharp price increases from the past have left a lasting impact.

LISTEN is addressing critical needs at levels we’ve never seen in the Upper Valley. Many are facing tough choices between heating their homes, buying food, paying rent, or affording medication.

To put that in perspective, LISTEN is currently serving 81% more people than during the peak of the 2020 pandemic shutdown.

During this season of giving, will you join us in helping your neighbors? Your donation directly turns compassion into action, providing essential resources for those struggling to make ends meet. 100% of your gift helps Upper Valley families move forward, rebuild, and thrive. 

We’re deeply thankful for this community. Your kindness makes a difference every day. 

Sincerely,

"Have I ever made a choice between bills and buying groceries? As a senior with a fixed income, I face this situation every month. Thanks to LISTEN, I have nutritious food and can get by." – Betty

Food Assistance

Helen reduced her work hours to care for her aging mother while raising her two kids. After stretching her food budget as far as possible, she turned to LISTEN’s Food Pantry for support. “This helps tremendously. We use everything we can get.”

It has been another record-breaking year with increasing demand for groceries at LISTEN. Visits to our Food Pantry reached an all-time high of 12,756 in 2024. Additionally, we serve 100 free dinners nightly at our Community Dinner Hall in White River Junction.

Heating Assistance

When Roger, a veteran with chronic health issues, faced a large debt to his electric company, LISTEN stepped in. We prevented his service from being disconnected and guided him in applying for state assistance.

For Upper Valley neighbors struggling to pay their energy bills, especially seniors and families with young children, losing heat or air conditioning can be life-threatening. LISTEN’s Heating Helpers program is a vital safety net, helping keep our community safe year-round.

Housing Assistance

When single dad Tom faced a costly dental emergency and couldn’t afford both the bill and his family’s rent, LISTEN was there. We covered part of his rent, ensuring that Tom and his son stayed in their home before the school year began. 

While the housing crisis in the Upper Valley persists, LISTEN is dedicated to preventing neighbors from facing distress and homelessness. Staff offer personalized support, helping individuals and families navigate challenges and connect with resources to keep them in their homes.

How You Can Help

Our Upper Valley neighbors who volunteer their time at LISTEN are essential partners in serving 

our community. Please join us! We are looking for vital assistance such as:  

Food Pantry

Stocking shelves, assisting visitors, 

and unloading deliveries

Signing up is easy – visit listen.volunteerhub.com to register and find opportunities for you.

Everyone is welcome! Come alone or with your family, colleagues, or other small group.

Kristi Lenart-Rikert

Interim Executive Director, Sharon, VT

LISTEN’s Board of Directors

Ken Wells, Chair, West Lebanon, NH

April Harkness, Vice Chair, Hartland, VT

Richard Green, Secretary, Hanover, NH

Julie Findley, Treasurer, Lebanon, NH

Nick Clark, Thetford, VT

Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon, NH

Steve Monteverdi, Wilmot, NH

Valerie Nevel, Lebanon, NH