MANCHESTER, NH – Although it seemed like it was going to be too much to ask, the good people of New Hampshire came through – and then some – as the two-day WZID Radiothon closed Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. over and above the goal of $200,000.
Kat Strange, Director of Communications for Child & Family Services of New Hampshire said the total raised was $215,000, and gives credit not only to all of those who took the time to call in or text donations, but also to the many local sponsors who offered goods and services as incentives.
It’s a 17-year partnership with the staff of WZID – and the community – that makes it possible for Child & Family Services to continue providing the kinds of comprehensive services that support families, from birth to end of life, says Strange.
Money raised during the radiothon will be used to meet immediate needs for children who might otherwise not have gifts under their Christmas tree, but also to support the many programs of Child & Family Services, here in Manchester and across the state.
In these troubled times, where the unmet needs may seem overwhelming, non-profit organizations like Child & Family Services are there, working diligently behind the scenes, changing lives and outcomes, says Strange.
“For those facing hard times, people can at least take some comfort knowing there are organizations like ours out there – we work hand-in-hand with so many other great organizations – to make a difference. It’s what we do, we go out there and meet the need, develop the programs, find the resources – strap on our breastplates and go to battle,” says Strange.
“Nobody wants to be in those situations, they don’t. Parents who are struggling to make ends meet to take care of their kids, they don’t want to let their kids down. They don’t want to see their kids fail in school. They want to see their kids realize their dreams, and we realize that not everyone has the resources they need to do that, so if we can be there to help guide and shoulder some of those responsibilities, that’s what we’ll do,” Strange says.
“We look at our caseworkers like they’re the heroes, but every day we hear from them that it’s the clients who inspire them,” Strange says. “They teach us resilience and wisdom and knowledge. They’re skilled. They’re real people with real dreams, and so our caseworkers get a lot out of working with their clients. It’s a two-way street.”
If you didn’t get a chance to donate, it’s never too late. You can still make a quick and easy $10 donation by texting the word ANGEL to 50555 — your $10 donation will be added to your next cell phone bill, or click here to learn other ways to donate.
Fast Facts:
- Approximately 88 percent of CFS clients live at poverty level
- Last year, CFS helped 605 senior citizens to remain living in their own homes, preserving their independence and enhancing their quality of life
- Currently redirecting the lives and serving as a lifeline for approximately 4,850 runaway, homeless, at-risk youth
- Currently empowering 7,217 families with the ability to function self-sufficiently and provide a proper environment for their children
- $250 provides occupational and physical therapy to a child with developmental delays for one month
- $4.60 provides a nutritious meal for a camper at Camp Spaulding
- CFS interventions prevented further abuse/neglect in 96 percent of its open cases
Child and Family Services/Programs in the Manchester Area
Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment
Agency and Private Adoption
Adoption, Post adoption search
Community support & education groups
Counseling/Therapy
Family Stabilization
Foster Parenting
Home Visiting/Prenatal supports
HomeCare/Elder care
Integrated Home Based Services
Parent Aide/Child Health Support Services
Parenting Plus/home-based support
ParentLine
Permanancy Solutions/ISO
Pregnancy Counseling
Runaway & Homeless Youth Program
School based
Summer Camp
Teen Resource Center
Tracking/Turnabout
Transitional Living
