New Hampshire Non-Profit Expands Mission Of Assisting Disabled

CONCORD, NH — When a group of four people living with disabilities started a not-for-profit organization on shoestring budget around a dining room table in 1980 and set out to help other New Hampshire disabled residents live more independently, they did so with lofty goals in mind.

Now, more than 40 years later, Granite State Independent Living will provide refurbished medical equipment to people at significantly reduced costs to assist them in remaining active. The not-for-profit organization recently signed a grant agreement with Crotched Mountain Foundation which has transferred ownership of the Refurbished Equipment Marketplace to GISL.

The Refurbished Equipment Marketplace specializes in rehabilitating previously owned wheelchairs, lifts, scooters and other medical equipment and then re-selling the items to people at reduced costs. For more than 30 years, the Marketplace has been assisting residents in staying active by providing them access to the equipment that they need to maintain the kind of lifestyle they desire at costs they can afford.

GSIL is a statewide not-for-profit that has advocated for disabled residents to live independently while also providing information, education, support and transition services for those who need it most. Now, after taking over the Marketplace, they will help to ensure that those New Hampshire residents who need equipment can obtain it at costs they can afford.

"One of the greatest barriers to independence for GSIL consumers is the cost of the equipment needed to provide basic mobility and this partnership protects an affordable option for those who need specific medical equipment that can be incredibly expensive," Deborah Ritcey, CEO of Granite State Independent Living said in a news release announcing the transfer of services. "This is a critical asset that will benefit countless Granite Staters who need these supplies as a part of their day to day lives."

According to a news release, Crotched Mountain had maintained the marketplace for the previous 10 years. But when GSIL offered an opportunity to expand the marketplace throughout New Hampshire, Crotched Mountain officials saw the group as a natural fit to continue to carry out the mission, officials said.

The Marketplace will maintain its showroom at 57 Regional Drive in Concord and will continue to accept donations, make repairs, clean and update equipment as well as sell to customers who need medical equipment. The Marketplace maintains the state’s largest inventory of wheelchairs, scooters, bath equipment, hospital beds and walking assistance tools, which are then offered at highly discounted rates.

“REM is such a unique, important service that makes needed, often expensive medical products much more affordable," Ritcey said. "We are excited to work with Crotched Mountain Foundation to make this transition seamless and to continue to offer the high-quality equipment and service that REM is known for throughout the region. This program has been well-managed for years and served countless families. It’s our honor to work with them to keep this vision alive for years to come.”