Latest News - August 2021

Franklin Savings Bank Supports Gale School Redevelopment

Franklin Savings Bank purchased $50,000 in New Hampshire business tax credits to support the redevelopment of the Gale School in Belmont.

"We are thrilled to support the redevelopment of the Gale School," said Ron Magoon, President of Franklin Savings Bank. "The family supports that will be offered in the renovated space are critical to the health of our local economy. We also love the collaboration between these three long-standing organizations that serve our region so well."

The project will transform the dilapidated historic building into a vibrant community facility hosting a child care center operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Central NH and a program center operated by Lakes Region Community Services (LRCS).

Construction could begin as early as next year if fundraising is successful. LRCD must sell $574,000 more in tax credits to move ahead with construction.

"This project is very exciting," said Carmen Lorentz, LRCD's Executive Director. "We are so grateful to Franklin Savings Bank for their support. Lots of people have worked incredibly hard over decades to save the Gale School and bring it back to life to serve the community again. It's humbling to be part of this effort."

Help Save a Piece of History,
Provide Child Care & Family Supports $574,000 in NH Business Tax Credits Available

To learn more about how your business can support this project, please visit www.lrcommunitydevelopers.org/gale-school-fundraising.html or contact Carmen Lorentz at (603) 524-0747 ext 110 or CLorentz@LRcommunitydevelopers.org Thank you!

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Congressman Chris Pappas Visits Harriman Hill Apartments

Pictured (Left to Right): Carmen Lorentz - Executive Director, LRCD, Carrie Duran - LRCD Board Member & Harriman Hill Resident, Congressman Chris Pappas, Bonnie Medico - Chair, Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition, and Denise Roy-Palmer - Executive Director, Wentworth Economic Development Council (WEDCO)

Congressman Chris Pappas came to Harriman Hill in Wolfeboro on August 4th. He was visiting Wolfeboro while on recess and made several stops to see infrastructure and economic development projects in town. His office specifically asked for a tour of Harriman Hill so he could see some workforce housing in person.

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LRCD Dental Program Update

LRCD launched its Adult Dental Assistance program approximately one year ago. To date we have given out $7,137.25 in dental grants to 16 of our residents.

"I would describe it as a livesaver," said a recent recipient of a dental grant when asked about the program. "I have gained more confidence back. I have been in recovery for over 3 years now from substance use disorder and I had many failed attempts with getting my teeth properly cared for, it always cost way more than I could afford. Thanks to LRCD I have my smile back!"

The Dental Assistance Program provides an annual dental resource guide, executes an annual campaign about NH Medicaid's dental options, and helps residents access the dental care they need by assisting them gain access to dental programs, finding a dentist, and providing financial assistance. Grants cover half of the cost of the dental procedure up to $1,000, the average grant is $420.

An employee of a local dental provider recently reached out to LRCD stating that she was amazed that someone took an interest in addressing this need and went about finding a way to help. At first she the thought the resident was making it up because she "couldn't imagine a landlord helping with dental costs!".

This program would not be possible without the generous funding from NeighborWorks America, Northeast Delta Dental, and Speare Memorial Hospital - Community Health Grant.

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Garden Progress

The community gardens at our various properties are thriving. Residents are working in the gardens and enjoying the fruits or vegetables of their labor. One property even has a community garden day each week and they share the produce with other residents.

Lochmere Meadows - Tilton

River's Edge Apartments - Laconia

Batchelder Street Apartments - Laconia

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Race Equity Diversity Inclusion (REDI) - Website Resources

In 2020, LRCD began the process of reviewing our policies, practices, and programs to identify changes that we can make to combat systemic racism and promote race equity, diversity, and inclusion. this is an ongoing process of continuous learning and improvement. In this segment of our newsletter, we will provide regular updates on this work.

In October 2020, LRCD formed a Race Equity Diversity inclusion or REDI Committee. The Committee is comprised of LRCD staff, board members, and an LRCD resident. As a committee we meet monthly to identify tasks and changes that can be made to combat systemic racism and promote race equity, diversity, and inclusion.

A task recently taken on by the committee was to provide more resources on race equity, diversity, and inclusion to LRCD residents. To accomplish this the REDI Committee created additional pages on our website where residents can go to access a variety of resources on the topics of Raising Multi-Racial Children, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color), LGBTQ+, Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Disabilities. Resources include local service providers, books, films, podcasts, and more. Resources will continue to be added and updated as we continue to learn. To see the resources collected visit www.lrcommunitydevelopers.org/residentresources.html