When Deb Horton heard of the network of Womenade (or Womenaid) groups forming on the NH Seacoast, she recognized the value of their work, supplying short-term financial assistance to individuals and families when they have nowhere else to turn. As a social worker, Horton had seen first-hand how relatively small financial burdens can impact a client’s health and well-being. In 2011, she found three friends to help her raise enough money to register as a nonprofit organization, and Catamount Womenaid was born.
Community support has enabled Catamount Womenaid to grow and to reach an ever-increasing number of neighbors in need.
An anniversary celebration to thank volunteers, sponsors, donors, validators and friends will take place Sept. 16 at The Blasty Bough Brewery in Epsom from 4 to 7 p.m. You may email catamountwomenaid@gmail.com to sign up to attend the party and visit catamountwomenaid.org for more information.
From that first fundraiser, a yard sale, up to now, Catamount Womenaid has raised and distributed $60,000 in grants of up to $600 each for essentials such as rent, utilities, clothing, medical and dental bills, and transportation. Also, the geographic scope of Catamount Womenaid has grown to include six towns: Barnstead, Deerfield, Epsom, Northwood, Pittsfield and Strafford. After 10 years of existence, Catamount Womenaid is poised to continue serving its neighbors well into the future.
Requests for assistance come from validated community resources such as social services organizations, school nurses and guidance counselors, clergy or doctors’ offices; the recipients remain anonymous. Catamount Womenaid also works directly with counselors at the six elementary and two high schools in the area so they have funds on hand when students need clothes or school supplies.
Catamount Womenaid has helped a grandmother buy beds and clothes for her grandchildren when she became their guardian. A woman had her dental procedure paid for so she could eat without pain. Many homes have been kept warm in the winter when Catamount Womenaid paid utility bills. A couple who became homeless after losing employment had their bill for a storage unit paid, so they would not lose their belongings. The social worker assisting them wrote: “I just wanted to thank you so very much for the help you have provided to this family. They are so, so appreciative and this makes a huge difference for them. Thank you!”
All the funds raised by Catamount Womenaid go to people in need and all of the work is done by volunteers. Fundraising is constant, and Catamount Womenaid has become well-known for promoting events such as the Catamount 5K at the Deerfield Fairgrounds which will be run this year on Nov. 7.
Founder Deb Horton is president. Other board members are Laurie Bienefeld of Deerfield, Michele Clark of Epsom, Deb Coe of Northwood, Donna Keeley of Pittsfield, Debbie Kelley of Deerfield, and Fran Miller of Deerfield.
Stay up to date on Catamount Womenaid at catamountwomenaid.org and on Facebook @catamountwomenaid and @catamount5K.