Volunteer Honored for Going Above and Beyond

STRATHAM, NH − Gerry Pearce of Aberdeen West Cooperative, was recently honored with ROC-NH’s Above & Beyond award for his outstanding volunteer work within his resident-owned community, according to a press statement.

Pearce received the award at ROC-NH’s Co-ops Celebrating Community event April 30, 2016, in Concord.

When nominating Pearce to receive the award, his neighbors wrote:

“Gerry has designed and faithfully tended the welcoming garden at our entrance and Aberdeen West sign. Over the years residents have contributed some plants, but its Gerry who weeds and trims and adds his own selections too, it is now a Four Season Garden. You'll see him lugging in groceries for neighbors, he does neighborly mowing, and in season shoveling and snow blowing.”

Aberdeen West Cooperative converted its manufactured-housing park to resident ownership in July 2009. It is one of 119 resident-owned communities in New Hampshire.

ROC-NH’s Above & Beyond awards honor members of New Hampshire’s manufactured-housing co-ops who go above and beyond in their willingness to pitch in for their communities, and to assist their neighbors. Honorees are nominated by residents in their communities.

ROC-NH, a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, provides fair fixed-rate loans and educational and technical support to build long-term value and security for residents of New Hampshire’s manufactured housing communities.

ROC-NH is the only statewide program that works with homeowners and landlords to convert manufactured housing parks into communities that are owned and governed by residents. ROC-NH’s financing, educational and technical assistance help homeowners in resident-owned communities build equity, create stability, develop leadership and strengthen their communities.

Established in 1983, ROC-NH has been recognized for excellence by the Opportunity Finance Network, Fannie Mae Foundation, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, National Environmental Education & Training Foundation and Citizens Bank. ROC-NH is a ROC USA Certified Technical Assistance Provider.

Caption: 2016 Above & Beyond awardee Gerry Pearce of Aberdeen West Cooperative in Stratham, with ROC-NH Director Tara Reardon at right. Kate Harris Photography, courtesy NH Community Loan Fund.

Submitted by Debbie Miller of the NH Community Loan Fund.