Spring Newsletter 2025
LISTEN
LISTEN’s mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.
From the Executive Director
New beginnings and continued commitment
Dear Friends,
I’m filled with gratitude to be part of LISTEN Community Services, an organization with a rich history of service and deep impact in the Upper Valley. Since stepping into my new role, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you—clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners—who embody the heart and soul of our mission. Like the arrival of spring, your generosity and care bring life and hope to our work.
At LISTEN, we believe in the power of community. It’s this shared strength that allows us to grow, adapt, and meet the evolving needs around us. Whether providing warm meals, fresh groceries, essential services, or creating welcoming spaces for all, everything we do is rooted in the connections we build together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to cultivate new opportunities. With your continued support, we will build a brighter, more connected Upper Valley.
Thank you for being part of this community and for all you do to help us grow. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
Summer Camp, Here We Come!
Upper Valley children and families benefit from LISTEN Summer Camp Scholarships
Thanks to people like you, 216 children ages 6-14 in the Upper Valley received need-based summer camp scholarships through LISTEN in 2024. Just as many—or more!—will head to camp this summer!
“Camp offered my child daily socialization, as well as exercise. It also provided us with peace of mind knowing he wasn’t home alone or in front of a screen all day. It had a very positive impact on our family. Thank you so much!“ – Local Parent
Will you join us and give a local child the gift of summer camp?
The Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation will double your gift up to a total of $20,000 to provide financial assistance in 2025.
Thank you!
See you at LISTEN’s special thrifting events in 2025!
Watch for more info on Facebook
Friday, May 2
Mother’s Day &
Prom Event
Friday, June 6
Father’s Day &
Graduation Event
Friday, June 27
Fourth of july Event
Friday, August 1
Back-to-School Event
Books, Records, and Second Chances
at the Miracle Mile Thrift Store
Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our volunteers, sustainability is thriving at LISTEN. Two recent efforts at the Miracle Mile Thrift Store in Lebanon—focused on books and musical records—are giving pre-loved items a second life while supporting our mission to feed, house, and warm our Upper Valley neighbors.
In December 2024, LISTEN unveiled The Linda Douville Book Nook, a cozy and beautifully curated space that celebrates Linda’s seven years of service and the spirit of volunteerism. “This feels like an important part of my legacy,” Linda shared. “I’m leaving a piece of me behind.”
What began as a single table of books has blossomed into a vibrant room featuring over 100 indexed categories, vintage finds, and even a community “wish list” that helps readers track down specific titles. All made possible by a dedicated team of 16 volunteers. This special space also honors the legacy of Duncan Syme, who was one of the very first volunteers to re-envision our book department.
Just around the corner, music lovers will discover another hidden gem—a newly expanded section of vinyl LPs and CDs, lovingly organized by longtime radio personality and new volunteer Bob Sherman. After years of browsing records at LISTEN, Bob saw an opportunity to help curate and catalog the collection, enhancing both shopper experience and sales. “It’s amazing how much time and care the volunteers put in,” Bob
says. “That kind of firepower really supports the mission.”
Every book, record, and helping hand fuels the work we do— and we’re grateful for the volunteers who make it possible. Stop by soon and explore these unique treasures for yourself!
Volunteer Spotlight:
Gerri and Geof
– Serving with Heart and Purpose
Thinking about volunteering with LISTEN Community Services? Take a cue from Gerri and Geof. They’ve brought warmth, compassion, and purpose to every shift—serving in our Food Pantry and with St. Thomas Episcopal Church’s Community Dinner Hall team.
Geof, a Deacon with the Episcopal Church, and Gerri were inspired to volunteer by their daughter Ellen, who also works at the pantry. “It is really important to give back to our community,” they shared. “There are a lot of people hurting right now. It’s too easy to shut your eyes to what goes on outside of your own circle. At a time when government services are at risk—if we don’t help, who will?”
In addition to their hands-on service, Gerri and Geof are financial donors. “We are delighted to donate by writing a check,” they say, “but volunteering provides us with another special way to feel connected to people.”
Their message to others? “Just try it on. This flexible opportunity is truly designed to allow you to put in as much time as you are comfortable with—it’s easy to sign up.”
Thank you, Gerri and Geof, for sharing your time, heart, and spirit with our community. You inspire us all to serve with purpose.
Our Volunteers,Our Heroes!
The need in the Upper Valley has never been greater. Many of our neighbors are facing difficult choices—between heating their homes, buying food, paying rent, or affording medication. Thanks to you, our dedicated volunteers, no one must face these challenges alone.
At LISTEN, we see the power of community in action, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you.
Join Us—Make an Impact!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back? We need your help! Whether you have an hour or a day to spare, your support makes all the difference.
Food Pantry
Stock shelves, assist visitors, and unload deliveries
Community Dinners
Prepare meals, serve at mealtimes, and help clean up
Thrift Stores
Sort clothes, housewares, and more
Volunteering is easy! Sign up today at listen.volunteerhub.com and find the right opportunity for you. Everyone is welcome—
come on your own or bring family, friends, or colleagues!
Thank you
to all our amazing volunteers in 2024!
861 total volunteers
donated 17,546 hours across
our thrift stores, food pantry,
dining hall, and more
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
Dawnlynn Marston, Croydon, NH
Valerie Nevel, Lebanon, NH
Melissa Robinson, Lebanon, NH
You make hope possible.
For over 50 years, LISTEN has been a lifeline for those facing hardship. Today, the need for food, housing, and utility assistance is greater than ever. Your generosity directly supports neighbors in need, offering stability in their toughest moments. Join us in strengthening our community—because together, we make a difference.
MEDIA CONTACT
Organization Name:
LISTEN Community Services
Email:
Send Email
Phone:
(603)448-4553
Address:
60 Hanover St
City:
Lebanon
State:
New Hampshire
Country:
United States
Website: www.listencs.org
