BELLWETHER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION STAFF CONTINUES TRADITION OF SUPPORTING NEW HORIZONS WITH VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

ANCHESTER, NH – Bellwether Community Credit Union (BCCU), continued their tradition of supporting New Horizons for New Hampshire by preparing, cooking and serving a special Veterans Day dinner for the homeless on November 10th. Over 30 employees from the organization volunteered throughout the day and served 250 meals to individuals and families. John Gunther, Bellwether’s Vice President of Risk Management and The Freese Brothers Big Band provided the musical entertainment. 

Last year, Case Managers at New Horizons for New Hampshire screened 180 veterans and were able to provide appropriate supportive services to them. Case Managers work directly with the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF). HVRP is the only federal program dedicated to providing employment assistance to homeless veterans while SSVF provides eligible veteran families with outreach, case management and assistance in obtaining VA benefits.

In addition to volunteering, Bellwether Community Credit Union staff presented a $2,500 check to New Horizons Executive Director Charlie Sherman. The donation kicked off their annual Thanksgiving basket program and will provide dinner for 80 families. The baskets will be filled with a turkey and non-perishable items and distributed to recipients.

“This is the third year in a row that Bellwether has sponsored this very special Veterans Day dinner with music by The Freese Brothers Big Band,” said New Horizons Executive Director Charlie Sherman. “Bellwether’s commitment to New Horizons continues year-round with employees volunteering to serve dinner once a month in our soup kitchen as well as ongoing support of events like our Walk Against Hunger and our Thanksgiving Breakfast.”

 “New Horizons is an organization that is very close to the hearts of our employees,” stated Bellwether Community Credit Union President/CEO Michael L’Ecuyer. “The services they provide to the homeless population are critically essential to meeting their basic needs. I am proud of the time and thought our staff put into this event and look forward to continuing our relationship with New Horizons for years to come.”

About Bellwether Community Credit Union

Bellwether Community Credit Union offers financial services to consumers who reside or work, and businesses that operate, in New Hampshire. As a not-for-profit credit union, Bellwether focuses on returning value back to members through attractive rates and low fees; local, personal service; and services, delivery channels and processes that make members lives easier. Members can access their accounts at more than 28,000 free ATMs nationwide and approximately 6,500 CU Service Centers around the world. Bellwether Community Credit Union has branch locations in Bedford, Manchester and Nashua. For more information about Bellwether Community Credit Union, visit BCCU.org.

About New Horizons for New Hampshire

New Horizons for New Hampshire is a soup kitchen, food pantry and provides emergency shelter at 199 Manchester Street and Angie’s Shelter for Women. For more information about New Horizons visit www.newhorizonsfornh.org.

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Photos Attached Courtesy of Bellwether Community Credit Union

1. Bellwether Community Credit Union Volunteers

Left to Right:  Chris Leger, Liam Jewell, Donna Fleming, Lindsey Bean, Sue Juneau, Lori Eldridge,  Jeannine Verville, Nathan Saller,  Tasha Sastre,  Amanda Lewis, Brook Peloquin, Harry Eldridge, Cheryl Paiva

1. Bellwether Community Credit Union Check Presentation

Left to Right:  Mary Silva, Food Service & Volunteer Manager, New Horizons