​Salem ARC Donates $113K To Easterseals NH​

MANCHESTER, NH — When the Salem ARC dissolved as an agency in early 2017, its board of directors wanted to pay it forward to ensure their work of serving people in New Hampshire with developmental disabilities could continue. After a thoughtful review of agencies with similar missions, the Salem ARC decided to distribute their remaining assets to Community Crossroads, Kimi Nichols Center, as well as $113,575 to Easterseals NH, according to a press release. The contribution to Easterseals will be used to support Community Based Services.

The program currently assists more than 275 adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries as they live, learn, work and play in their communities by providing residential and vocational support through offices in Gilford, Bow, Manchester, and Stratham. Additionally, Community Based Services provides community inclusion activities in order to reduce social isolation of this population in need.

The Salem ARC was established in 1975 by a handful of dedicated families that sought educational alternatives for their children with developmental disabilities. The organization served individuals in different capacities such as; sheltered workshops, guidance and counseling, skill development, and job placement. Since the Salem ARC was established, several other area agencies such as Kimi Nichols Center and Community Crossroads were also established to provide additional services such as full-time care providers for those individuals with greater needs. Over time, the need for the services which the Salem ARC provided diminished. After much careful consideration the Board of Directors concluded that the Salem ARC fulfilled its mission to the greater Salem community and the individuals it served.

“We are extremely grateful to the Salem ARC for this gift that will benefit our New Hampshire clients and will support the most unique and challenging needs of all individuals in community based settings,” said Easterseals NH President and CEO Larry Gammon. “We are honored that our friends at the Salem ARC have entrusted us with these funds that will leave a living legacy of their decades of work and support for people with developmental disabilities.”

Specifically, Easterseals Community Based Services will use the funds to set up The Salem ARC Endowment Fund, which will support clients, in perpetuity, for years to come. Additionally, in honor of this gift, Easterseals NH will name its Community Based Services Suite at 555 Auburn Street in Manchester in honor of the founders of the Salem ARC.

“Together, these three organizations have provided much needed services to the developmentally disabled population for almost 100 years. Further, we are confident these organizations will continue their necessary work for many more years to come,” said Salem ARC’s Kathy Corey Fox.

To learn more about Easterseals NH, visit easterseals.com/nh.

Caption: Courtney Smith--Easterseals, Kathy Corey Fox--Salem ARC Treasurer, Larry Gammon--Easterseals President & CEO, Elizabeth Voter--Salem ARC President, Sue Silsby--Easterseals. Text and photo submitted by Pamela Dube.