“Never let a crisis go to waste.” You’ve heard the phrase and the politicians who use it. Too often it’s also the playbook for NGOs, non-profits, and government programs that turn real need into cash and power.
We all hate exploitation. It erodes trust, overshadows the people doing the real work, and makes communities slower to help. After 20 years in non-profit work and ten in philanthropy, I’ve seen the good actors and the bad.
Thankfully, most needs around us don’t require government programs or higher taxes. Locals know the quiet needs that never show up in statistics—people are more than numbers.
Opportunities are everywhere: delivering a warm meal, donating clean clothes, seed money for a business, teaching a skill that leads to paying jobs, patronize and write positive reviews for local farm stands, join those assisting the elderly, or simply being noticed with a “hello” on the sidewalk.
Here are a few local examples formally helping neighbors to give you a start (not endorsements, but worth knowing):
- Dinner Bell meals at FCCO (50 NH-16B, Ossipee)
- Life Ministries Food Pantry (264 S Main, Wolfeboro)
- Maker’s Mill for marketable skills (23 Bay St, Wolfeboro)
- Calvary Closet for clothing needs (43 Mill Street, Wolfeboro)
We who value community keep building it. We need elected representatives who clear the path to job growth and lower the cost of living so people can stand on their own and help one another. One person can’t do it all—but many hands make light work. Sometimes it’s just about giving that donation to someone already doing the work.
That’s one reason I’m running for State Representative: so locals can keep caring for locals. We don’t need new income taxes, sales taxes, endlessly rising property taxes, or a growing administrative state. We need each of us to offer a little time, a little money, and a positive outlook.
I’m grateful to be part of this community.
I’d love to hear the issues you care about! Drop me at note anytime: [email protected].
