About LISTEN Community Services
LISTEN's mission is to provide services and support to meet the critical needs of Upper Valley individuals and families.
LISTEN envisions an Upper Valley community generously supporting individuals and families in their efforts to achieve and maintain successful independence.
LISTEN serves communities in the Upper Valley in New Hampshire & Vermont.
New Hampshire
Canaan, Dorchester, Enfield, Grafton, Grantham, Hanover/Etna, Lebanon/West Lebanon, Lyme/Lyme Center, Meriden/Plainfield, Orange, Orford, Springfield
Vermont
Barnard,
Bethel, Chelsea,
Fairlee/West Fairlee,
Hartford/West Hartford,
Hartland/North Hartland,
Norwich,
Pomfret,
Post Mills,
Quechee,
Randolph,
Royalton/South Royalton,
Sharon,
Strafford/South Strafford,
Thetford/East Thetford, Tunbridge,
Vershire,
White River Junction,
Wilder,
Woodstock/South Woodstock
The History of LISTEN
Over the past 50 years, LISTEN’s mission has been fueled by the unwavering dedication of the Upper Valley community to create a better future for our neighbors. In the winter of 1972, Lebanon In Service To Each Neighbor (LISTEN) was incorporated. The original purpose of the agency was to: “…involve the low-income citizens of Lebanon and surrounding areas in programs which will improve their ability to meet the economic, cultural, social and environmental needs of their families…”
While our grassroots non-profit has grown to serve 25 towns in VT and NH, most of our programs can trace their roots back to the very beginning of LISTEN’s history.
In March 1972, LISTEN established the LISTEN Food Co-op by scouting for low prices on bread, planting a community garden, and canning vegetables. Each week, the agency’s efforts lowered the grocery costs for over 75 families in the Upper Valley. Today, LISTEN’s Food Pantry is still stocked with nutritious food served by dedicated volunteers. Last year alone, the pantry assisted over 5,000 people struggling with food insecurity.
In September 1972, volunteers stocked, organized, and staffed the very first LISTEN Thrift Store and “resource center.” This original thrift store was located at 129 Hanover Street in Lebanon. Today, LISTEN Thrift Stores continue to make essential programs possible for thousands of Upper Valley residents. Quality items are sold well below market prices and the revenues generated support a record number of neighbors who are receiving food, heating and housing assistance through LISTEN’s programs. In October of 2018, we opened our newest store on the Miracle Mile in Lebanon. The new store provides more space for our merchandise, as well as a warehouse to store donated furniture. In addition, we have a dedicated sorting room for staff and volunteers to manage the significant amount of gently-used goods that are donated from the community to generate support for their neighbors in need.
In 1986, LISTEN served dinner every weekday night to community members seeking a hot meal and fellowship. At this time, Community Dinners operated out of the recreation halls of several different Upper Valley churches. The program was formerly known as “Soup’s On,” but was later changed to “Community Dinners” when a client suggested that the name better illustrated the warm and friendly atmosphere of the program. All are still welcome at the LISTEN Community Dinner Hall. Monday through Friday, dinners are provided to Upper Valley community members looking for a nutritious meal.
And today, LISTEN continues to grow! We’ve added programs such as
Summer Camp Scholarships,
Heating Helpers,
Housing Helpers, and
Holiday Baskets, and have expanded
our service area
to better serve the needs of our community. To reflect this growth, the Board voted to change the name from Lebanon In Service To Each Neighbor (LISTEN) to LISTEN Community Services.
If you live in the Upper Valley and you could use assistance, we are here for you. Together we are building a stronger community through humanity and kindness.
Leadership at LISTEN Community Services
Kristi Lenart-Rikert
Executive Director
Belinda Peavey
Human Resources Director
Karen Stone
Retail Director
Heather Griffin
Programs Director
Meet our Board of Directors
Ken Wells, Chair
West Lebanon, NH
April Harkness, Vice Chair
Hartland, VT
Lynne Goodwin
Lebanon, NH
Valerie Nevel
Lebanon ,NH
Dick Green, Secretary
Hanover, NH
Julie E. Findley, Treasurer
Lebanon, NH
Nick Clark
Thetford ,VT
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions about our programs, you can learn more under How We Help. If you have additional questions about how you can support LISTEN, you can learn more at Give to LISTEN.
Join our newsletter and get involved
Subscribe to LISTEN’s newsletter to stay informed about opportunities to make a difference in our community by donating, volunteering, and shopping at LISTEN. We will never sell or share your information.
