The Secret to Making a Real Difference Locally - Why Anne Goodrich Joined The CIC
Anne Goodrich is the Executive Director of the Maynard House in the Upper Valley and a new member of Granite United Way's Community Impact Committee (CIC) - a group of volunteers who determine which nonprofits recieve grant funding each year.
Anne serves on the Norwich Public Library board, is the president of the Friends of the Norwich Public Library, and played a crucial role in the inception of Upper Valley Strong as the volunteer resource coordinator. Throughout her career, Anne has consistently focused on empowering people by treating them with dignity and providing access to resources that can change lives.
Describing it as her dream job, she has been with Maynard House since September 2023 and finds it incredibly rewarding. Maynard House provides affordable lodging for individuals and their family members receiving medical treatment, with a mission that aligns perfectly with her passion for helping others.
Why is your partnership with Granite United Way important to the community?
Our partnership with Granite United Way is vital because it empowers local community members to become change agents. Granite United Way has helped us collaborate with organizations like the Hypertherm Hope Foundation and engage volunteers from companies like Home Depot. Together we create opportunities for people to make a tangible impact right here in our community.
Granite United Way volunteers have helped to improve the Maynard House, enhancing both its exterior and interior, and they leave knowing they've made a difference. This partnership fosters a sense of local involvement and pride, showing that meaningful change can happen close to home.
What motivated you to become a Community Impact Committee member?
I was motivated to join Granite United Way's Community Impact Committee because I wanted to reconnect with and support other nonprofits. My experience with the Maynard House gave me some involvement, but I was looking for more engagement and collaboration. When Granite United Way presented this opportunity, I was excited to interact with a dedicated group of people working on meaningful projects in our local community. Being part of the CIC allows me to exchange ideas, share resources, and see what's working for others, which I find both fulfilling and effective.
Why should someone volunteer as a Community Impact Committee member?
Volunteering as a Community Impact Committee member is valuable for networking and collaboration. It's not just about who you know, but how you can work together effectively to avoid redundancy and support each other, especially given the tight budgets many nonprofits operate on.
By building relationships and understanding each organization's resources, like how the Haven donates food to our pantry, nonprofits can mutually benefit and help each other thrive. Any opportunity to connect and strengthen these relationships is crucial for the success of the broader community.
What does Granite United Way mean to you?
Granite United Way represents a vital resource that helps people access essential services, all in one place. For me, it’s about supporting individuals, by empowering them to help themselves, which is a matter of dignity. By removing barriers and providing opportunities, Granite United Way significantly impacts lives, enabling people to maintain their independence and improve their well-being.