

Dear Valued Supporters,
In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we are excited to share our 2023 Annual Report with you, our loyal supporters.
This report highlights the profound impact your generosity has made on Veterans and their families, underscoring how, together, we are helping Veterans rebuild and thrive through hope, guidance, and essential services.
When you contribute to Project New Hope Inc., you support a mission where 92 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs that transform lives. Your gift extends beyond financial support; it touches lives, providing Veterans and their families with the resources they need at every step.
Each personal stamp of support is an added contribution, a powerful symbol of your commitment to Veterans who courageously served. Every donation strengthens a legacy of compassion, respect, and gratitude—a legacy that empowers Veterans and their families to reclaim their lives.
Our President/CEO, Bill Moore, has led Project New Hope as a volunteer for the past 14 years—a rare and remarkable commitment. Drawing no salary, Bill’s selfless dedication continues to drive our mission forward, inspiring all who benefit from his leadership.
We invite you to join us in our ongoing mission by making a donation today. With your support, we can ensure every Veteran has access to the tools, resources, and guidance they need to rebuild and thrive.
Your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope for our Veterans. Thank you for your trust, generosity, and steadfast belief in a brighter future for those who have sacrificed so much. Keep an eye out for your copy of the Annual Report—it’s our way of showing how much you mean to this mission.
With heartfelt gratitude, Project New Hope Inc.
71st Annual Veterans Day Ceremony & 106th Annual Observation of Armistice Day
November 11, 2024
The City of Worcester, Veterans Inc. and the Worcester Veterans Council will host the 69th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony and 104th Annual Observance of Armistice Day with a slate of events:
Pancake Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester
Veterans’ Day Parade
11:00 a.m.
The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. at Glennie Street and Grove Street by Percy’s Appliances.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
12:00 p.m.
Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, Green Hill Park, Green Hill Parkway
Wreath Laying Ceremony
1:00 p.m.
Korean War Memorial, 52 Foster Street, Worcester
Thrive
To my fellow Veterans, Happy Veterans Day.
As an Air Force Veteran, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. This day is about honoring our shared commitment to defending our freedoms and values, and I am proud to stand alongside all of you in that legacy.
Take this time to be with family, friends, and those who understand the journey we’ve walked. Reflect on the memories, both of the friends by our sides and those we’ve lost along the way. Let’s keep their spirit alive and honor their sacrifice by living fully and supporting one another.
God bless each and every one of our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.
Bill Moore, M.A. | President, CEO United States Air Force | Veteran
Project New Hope
Inc.
&
Commander,
Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435
As the holiday season approaches, families across the country look forward to celebrations filled with love, joy, and togetherness. However, for many children of Veterans and active-duty military members, the festive season can be a time of uncertainty and financial strain. Recognizing this need, Project New Hope, Inc. has made it its mission to bring holiday cheer to these deserving families through its annual Jeep-er’s Christmas program.
Project New Hope, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Veterans, military families, and Gold Star families throughout Massachusetts and beyond. With a commitment to helping military families heal and thrive, the organization provides various support services year-round. But as the holiday season nears, their focus shifts to Jeep-er’s Christmas, a special initiative aimed at ensuring that children of military families experience the magic of the season.
Jeep-er’s Christmas is Project New Hope’s annual gift-giving program that provides holiday presents to children of Veterans and active-duty military members. This thoughtful initiative recognizes that many military families face unique challenges, including frequent deployments, relocations, and the financial strains that can accompany military life. For families struggling to make ends meet, providing holiday gifts for their children can become an added burden. Jeep-er’s Christmas aims to relieve this stress by ensuring that these children receive thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts that spread joy and excitement during the holiday season.
Every year, Jeep-er’s Christmas helps put smiles on the faces of hundreds of children across Massachusetts, but this year, the need is even greater—especially in Western Massachusetts, where many military families are feeling the economic impact of rising costs and other financial hardships.
continued on page 4
The challenges facing military families have only deepened in 2024. With economic pressures on the rise, families in Western Massachusetts are experiencing increased financial strain, making it harder to afford the basics, let alone holiday gifts for their children. Recognizing this growing need, Project New Hope is expanding its Jeep-er’s Christmas efforts this year. The organization is calling on the community to support the program by donating gifts, contributing financially, or volunteering time to help distribute the presents.
The success of Jeep-er’s Christmas relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and community partners. Here are a few ways you can get involved and help make this year’s Jeep-er’s Christmas the biggest success yet.
• Donate a Gift: Project New Hope accepts new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Gift cards are also welcomed, as they allow families to choose specific items for their children.
• Make a Financial Contribution: Monetary donations go a long way in purchasing gifts, covering logistics, and expanding the program to reach more families.
• Volunteer Your Time: Volunteers are needed to help sort, wrap, and distribute gifts. Whether you can give an hour or a day, your time is invaluable to making Jeep-er’s Christmas a success.
Jeep-er’s Christmas is more than just a holiday gift-giving program; it’s a reminder to military families that they are supported and appreciated by their communities. As the need continues to grow, Project New Hope is committed to spreading holiday cheer and ensuring that no child is left without a present under the tree. To learn more or get involved, visit www.projectnewhopema.org and help make a difference in the lives of military families this holiday season.
continued on page 5
Military and Veteran families who are in need can submit their wish lists, and generous donors will adopt these families, purchasing items from the wish lists to ensure a special Christmas for the children. Due to the high demand for the program, applications must be submitted well in advance of Christmas, so early registration is critical.
• The program is open to any military or Veteran family with children up to age 17. Proof of Veteran status or active military service is required, as well as proof of the children’s ages (birth certificates will be destroyed after verification). * Please note that this program is not intended for the adult children of Veterans—only for families with dependent children up to age 17.)
• Priority will be given to families new to the program, so if you haven’t participated before, you may receive special consideration.
• Our sponsors will adopt the immediate children of our Military and Veteran families, and gifts will be ready for pickup in time for Christmas.
Gifts will be available for pickup at either our Worcester, MA or Westfield, MA locations. You can select your preferred location when registering.
No late registrations will be accepted, so don’t wait to apply!
www.projectnewhopema.org/veterans-supportprograms/operation-jeepers-christmas/
Project New Hope's Operation Jeepers Christmas helps to make the holiday a little brighter for the Children of those who serve, who sometimes spend Christmas without their loved ones.
Help us to help these Families during the joyous holiday season by registering as a Jeepers Christmas Sponsor today! Your help is always needed and appreciated. If you are interested in donating at one of our locations, Worcester, MA or Westfield, MA, please contact Susan Wilder at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or (508) 762-9738.
Project New Hope helps you give to Children of Veterans up to age 17. Once you are registered as a sponsor, our staff will contact you with the “wish list” for the child or children within the Family. Drop off deadline for Sponsors is 12/6/2024.
Our 10th Annual “Salute Our Veterans” Motorcycle Ride was a tremendous success, raising an impressive $14,907.25. This milestone event brought together a community of passionate riders and supporters, all rallying to honor and assist veterans. Funds raised will go directly toward programs that support veterans’ well-being, address their unique challenges, and foster a sense of camaraderie and community.
Thanks to the dedication of our riders, volunteers, and generous donors, we can continue our mission of providing resources and services to those who served our country. This year’s ride was not only a celebration of our veterans but a testament to the power of community coming together to make a real difference. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this event memorable and impactful.
Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, raising an outstanding $22,661.65! This remarkable total reflects the generous support and commitment of our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers, all of whom came together for a fantastic day on the course to support veterans.
Funds raised through the tournament will directly benefit vital programs for veterans and their families, including mental health support, wellness workshops, and family resources. The event featured a competitive yet friendly game, a raffle, and an awards ceremony, making it an enjoyable day for everyone involved.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their dedication to our mission. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country, and we look forward to building on this success in future tournaments!
Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, raising an outstanding $22,661.65! This remarkable total reflects the generous support and commitment of our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers, all of whom came together for a fantastic day on the course to support veterans.
Funds raised through the tournament will directly benefit vital programs for veterans and their families, including mental health support, wellness workshops, and family resources. The event featured a competitive yet friendly game, a raffle, and an awards ceremony, making it an enjoyable day for everyone involved.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their dedication to our mission. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country, and we look forward to building on this success in future tournaments!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we approach Veterans Day and the holiday season, I am reaching out to ask for your help in supporting our veterans and their families. At Project New Hope Inc., we are committed to providing essential resources and services to active Military members, Veterans, and their families—those who have bravely answered the call to protect our freedoms.
Since our founding, Project New Hope has offered a compassionate network of retreats, peer support, and wellness resources aimed at healing and resilience. Our programs address the unique challenges Veterans face in areas such as service-related injuries, post-traumatic stress, family reintegration, and personal empowerment.
This year, we are launching Campaign Thrive to raise funds for the critical services we will deliver in 2024. Your donation can make an immediate difference by sustaining these programs and ensuring that no veteran or military family faces their journey alone.
Together, let’s say YES to VETS and show that we stand by those who have sacrificed for us. Your generosity this season brings us one step closer to fulfilling our mission.
Thank you for your continued support.
With gratitude,
Bill Moore, M.A. President, CEO, United States Air Force | Veteran Project
New Hope Inc.
70 James Street, Suite 155 Worcester, MA 01603
Thank you, Crystal, and the entire team at Blue Cross Blue Shield, for your generous donation and ongoing support of Project New Hope Inc. Your contribution helps ensure that Veterans and their families have access to essential resources, including fresh food, especially during these challenging times.
Your commitment to fighting food insecurity directly impacts the lives of those who have served our country. With your donation, we’re able to continue our efforts across Worcester County, Western Massachusetts, and beyond, providing healthy, nutritious food to Veterans and their families through our Farmers Market and other programs.
Thank you again for standing with us and for making a real difference in the lives of those who have given so much. Together, we are helping ensure that no Veteran goes hungry.
Through many different fundraising events & the generosity of our guests & staff, Pine Acres Resort was able to donate $7,000 to Project New Hope! President Bill Moore & board members Tracy & Jenny Linch were present for the check presentation on Sunday. Thank you to everyone who helped make this charitable donation possible.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Pine Acres Resort for your incredible generosity and support! The $7,000 donation to Project New Hope will go a long way in helping us serve veterans and their families. We’re beyond grateful for the hard work and dedication of your guests and staff in making this possible.
Special thanks to everyone who participated in the fundraising events and to Tracy and Jenny Linch for being there at the check presentation. Your kindness and commitment to giving back truly make a difference.
Together, we’re making an impact! Thank you again from all of us at Project New Hope.
Thank you, Joe and Mike for delivering the donation from the Lawrence J. Heron Chapter 6 Disabled American Veterans, stopping by our Worcester office to present President/CEO Bill Moore with the very generous donation.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Michaels Organization from Springfield for their incredible support and dedication! Your team generously volunteered at our Westfield office, helping in our food pantry and making a meaningful difference for the Veterans and families we serve.
Your hard work ensures that those in need continue to receive essential food items, and we truly appreciate your time, effort, and commitment to giving back to the community.
Thank you, Michaels Organization, for embodying the spirit of service and making an impact where it’s needed most!
On October 23rd, we were fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers from Vangarden Cannabis, LLC at Sully’s Veteran Food Pantry, assisting with filling food orders. Their enthusiasm and hard work were greatly appreciated by everyone involved.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many veterans, and the support from local businesses like Vangarden Cannabis is vital to ensuring that veterans and their families have access to nutritious meals. Partnerships like these allow us to continue our mission of serving those who have served our country, ensuring that no veteran has to worry about where their next meal will come from. We thank Vangarden Cannabis, LLC for their commitment to supporting veterans and strengthening our community.
Join Our Team as a Volunteer!
https://www.projectnewhopema.org/who-we-are/volunteer/
Thank you to Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 for inviting us to join this year’s Trunk or Treat! We’re grateful to Operations Manager Debbie Erickson and Board Member Donna Moore for decorating our van and handing out treats—it was a fantastic evening for all.
As President and CEO of Project New Hope, Inc., and Commander of Vernon Hill Post 435, I’m proud to support events like these that bring our community together. Project New Hope offers a range of services for veterans and their families, including free retreats, peer support, and wellness programs designed to foster resilience and connection. Together with partners like the American Legion, we are committed to serving those who have served.
Thank you again for a wonderful night!
Bill Moore Commander Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 and President and CEO, Project New Hope Inc.
Project New Hope Inc. Non-Profit Veterans Organization was proud to host another fantastic monthly 1-181 Infantry Regiment Family Readiness event at Vernon Hill American Legion Post #435!
This month was all about Halloween fun for the families of our deployed soldiers, thanks to our team— Erica, Bill, Donna, Caisse, Miranda, Debbie, Shelby, Mike, David, Jack and Dianna!
The Halloween Party featured food from our generous friends at Worcester Texas Roadhouse, and was a time to connect with others who understand the deployment experience, as well as enjoying treats, gifts, and activities for the kids, courtesy of Project New Hope Inc.
Highlights included Q&A with the Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major at 1:30 PM, and a fun and safe Halloween celebration for all ages.
. . . of the Shrewsbury Police Department
. . . of the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, Webster Square, Franklin Street and Grove Street Fire Stations . . . Thank you all for your service to our communities! It was our honor, to HYDRATE OUR HEROES...
. . . of the City of Worcester Park Ave and Southbridge Street Fire Stations . . . . . . of Worcester EMS (The Rock station) . . .
. . . with sports drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, sparkling water and other varieties of drinks to quench their thirst and keep them hydrated!
July 19, 2024 .......... 64
August 3, 2024........ 36
August 16, 2024 ....... 32
September 6, 2024 ... 40
September 20, 2024 .. 24
October 4, 2024 ...... 46
October 18, 2024 ...... 47
November 1, 2024 .... 53 Thank You!
Friday, October 4, 2024: We had a fabulous morning at the Worcester VA Farmers Market today, serving over 50 of our Veterans and their families between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. We were proud to provide an abundance of fresh, nutritious produce—all free of charge to help meet their essential nutritional needs.
Today’s offerings included a variety of fruits and vegetables: Macintosh Apples, Organic Bok Choy, Green Cabbage (both regular and organic), Organic Orange Carrots, Organic Rainbow Carrots, Grapefruit, Bunched Komatsuna, Organic Leeks, Mixed Heads of Lettuce, Romaine Hearts, Mandarins, Honeydew Melons, Sweet Mixed Peppers, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Red Slicing Tomatoes, Watermelon, and Acorn Winter Squash.
We’re so grateful to be able to give back to those who have served, ensuring they have access to fresh, healthy food.
Another great turnout at the James Street location! We offered an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables for Veterans and their families—free of charge. The Worcester VA Farmers Market was proud to serve Veterans & Family members for the 2024 season:
Saturday, October 19th:
We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful volunteers for giving their time to support Sully’s Veterans Food Pantry at our Worcester office. A special thank you to Alex Lucier, Vice President of WooServ, and volunteers Zoe Callahan, Johandra Santos, and Ryan Gustafson. Their hard work and dedication are invaluable as we address food insecurity among veterans and their families.
With one in eight veterans nationwide experiencing food insecurity, our mission to provide nutritious meals is vital. Our generous volunteers and donors make it possible to keep our shelves stocked and help us extend a hand to those who have served.
To learn more about WooServ or join their efforts, contact Alex Lucier at 978-407-3909 or visit them at Worcester State University, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester. Together, we’re strengthening our community and honoring those who’ve given so much. Interested in
Project New Hope Inc., a dedicated non-profit Veterans organization, is honored to sponsor the VA Central Western Massachusetts (VA CWM) Food Pantry, located at the Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center, 421 North Main Street, Building 7, in Leeds, MA. Open every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., this pantry is a crucial resource for veterans, addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity that affects many within our veteran community and their families.
In response to rising costs and financial challenges, the VA CWM food pantry provides veterans with access to fresh produce, essential non-perishables, and other food items that help alleviate the burden of food insecurity. Project New Hope Inc. works in partnership with the VA to ensure that the pantry is stocked and able to serve a diverse range of dietary needs and preferences, supporting veterans’ overall health and well-being.
By sponsoring this initiative, Project New Hope Inc. strengthens its mission of supporting veterans, not only through food assistance but through various programs designed to improve their quality of life. The organization is committed to empowering veterans, fostering community, and addressing the unique challenges that veterans face post-service.
Brigadier General Richard P. Cipro
(Pictured above L-R) CSM Jason Civello, Brigadier General Richard P. Cipro, Maj. Gen.
Promotion Ceremony of Colonel Richard P. Cipro to Brigadier General, on the 11 day of October, 2024 at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Dear Senator Velis,
I want to express my sincere thanks for taking the time to visit our Westfield office and meeting with our Operations Manager, Debbie Erickson, and me this morning.
It was a pleasure to also have Emily Reardon and Laura Sylvester from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts join the discussion. Your support and interest in the work we are doing at Project New Hope Inc. is greatly appreciated.
On October 12th our volunteers, Julia, David, Orgest, Anna, were out in the community, at Lilac Hedge Farm! They were there to support veterans, service members, and their families by connecting them to community resources and benefits. We proudly serve those in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans, and their immediate family members.
Those that visited could enjoy free music on the Farm Stage, plus Flippin’ the Bird and MinuteMan Kettle Corn food trucks.
The Shack is OPEN during music, serving drafts, signature mixed drinks, and snacks. Enjoy fall flavors in the Farm Bar with hot spiked cider, or treat yourself to apple cider floats and spooky sundaes at the Ice Cream stand.
We are incredibly grateful to Lilac Hedge Farm for their ongoing support and partnership.
Visit and say hello to Miranda and Harvey at Lilac Hedge Farm. They provide support and connections to community resources and benefits for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve, National Guard, Veterans and their immediate family members. Make sure to check out all they have to offer!
Lilac Hedge Farm 216 Wachusett Street, Rutland Off-Season Farm Store & Ice Cream Hours: Wed. & Thurs. 11am-6pm • Fri. 11am-8pm Sat. 10am-6pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm
Appointments
FOURTH TUESDAY 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Project New Hope, Inc. 70
Project New Hope, Inc., is happy to partner with Natural Pathways to offer eight 30-minute reflexology sessions to Veterans and Family members. Veterans' Reflexology will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, starting in August 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Please call our Worcester office to schedule your appointment today! (774) 243-7859
We welcome Marcia Robidoux to our Worcester office. Marcia retired from the food industry in 2023 after a fulfilling career and soon found a new purpose by joining Project New Hope as a volunteer. Her dedication and passion for helping others led to her being hired as the Pantry Assistant and van driver in the spring of 2024, where she plays a key role in supporting Veterans and their families.
In her spare time, Marcia loves spending quality time with her husband and close friends, cherishing those meaningful moments. She finds deep satisfaction in giving back to the Veteran community, knowing her efforts are helping those who have served our country. Marcia’s commitment to making a difference reflects her caring and generous spirit.
After working in Behavioral Health administration for fifteen years, Patty went back to school, to pursue her dreams of becoming a certified practitioner of energy healing. With this certification, Patty now has her own business and continues to share her gift with not only our Military community, but others who are unfortunately feeling the effects of mental health strain. In her spare time, Patty has volunteered in numerous ways to help meet the needs of Veterans and Military members.
Jeffrey Simmons joined Project New Hope in September 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and dedication. He spent 18 ½ years working in the IT Department at Sysco, where he honed his technical skills and contributed to the company’s growth. Prior to that, he worked for 15 years as a driver for Wells Fargo, showcasing his versatility and strong work ethic. In addition to his professional career, Jeffrey has been a proud Master Mason (Freemason) for the past 34 years, embracing the values of brotherhood, charity, and community service. His passion for helping others extends into his personal life, where he enjoys volunteering and making a positive impact wherever he can. Outside of work and service, Jeffrey loves to spend quality time with his family, whether cooking up delicious meals or simply creating cherished memories. His love for food inspires him to experiment with different types of cuisine, and he takes great joy in sharing his creations with loved ones.
Barbara Sirkissoon – Westfield Office Assistant
Barbara is the proud wife of an Army veteran and a devoted mother to a black Labrador and a cat. She has two daughters, a son-in-law, and a brother who are both also veterans, along with numerous other relatives who have served in the military. After dedicating over 28 years to her previous company, Barbara made the decision to transition to freelancing from home following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
Her experiences as a veteran’s spouse have enriched her professional and personal life, providing her with a diverse skill set. Each role she has undertaken has instilled in her valuable lessons in patience, interpersonal relationships, and professionalism. In addition to her work, Barbara is actively involved in her local military community, where she volunteers her time and support to honor those who serve.
Today, we celebrated Barbara’s birthday with a pizza party! Barbara is an outstanding volunteer at our Westfield office, coming in twice a week and always embodying the spirit of teamwork. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our Project New Hope family.
Happy Birthday, Barbara! Your dedication and positive energy are truly appreciated, and we are so thankful for everything you do to support our Veterans and their families.
We love our volunteers, and it’s people like Barbara who make a real difference!
Today, we were honored to welcome Chuong, BeVan, and Tran—Vietnamese-Americans who were allowed to come to the USA through the Humanitarian Operation program (called H.O. program) and have who proudly and honorably served alongside our U.S. armed forces. These individuals have dedicated their lives to our country, and it is our privilege to serve them as they continue to contribute to our communities.
Now that Halloween & Daylight Savings are behind us, we’re all set to shift gears into the season of giving! Centerline Mechanical is proud to be a donation site for Project New Hope Inc., a veteran charity helping local veterans & their families. From now until November 22nd, we’re welcoming donations of food items listed & gift cards at our shop—available 24 hours for convenient drop-off. Every little bit helps provide comfort & care to those who’ve served our country. Let’s make a difference together!
We’d love for you to join us on our Facebook page at Project New Hope Inc. to stay connected and learn more about how we support veterans and their families. Our page is a hub for updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and inspiring stories of resilience and community impact.
By following us, you’ll be the first to know about our annual fundraisers, veteran-focused programs, and local initiatives, like the VA Central Western MA Food Pantry we sponsor. We also share helpful resources, wellness tips, and ways you can get involved in giving back to those who served our country.
Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or a supporter, our Facebook community is a place to connect, share, and show support for our mission.
Visit us today, share our page with friends, and help us spread the word about Project New Hope Inc. and our work to make a difference in veterans’ lives.
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectNewHopeInc?mibextid=LQQJ4d