PNH Spreads Holiday Cheer with Jeep-er’s Christmas
byJenniferCesaitis
Astheholidayseasonapproaches,familiesacrossthecountrylookforwardto celebrationsfilledwithlove,joy,andtogetherness.However,formanychildrenof Veteransandactive-dutymilitarymembers,thefestiveseasoncanbeatimeof uncertaintyandfinancialstrain.Recognizingthisneed,ProjectNewHope,Inc.hasmade ititsmissiontobringholidaycheertothesedeservingfamiliesthroughitsannual Jeep-er’sChristmasprogram.
ProjectNewHope,Inc.isanonprofitorganizationdedicatedtoservingVeterans,military families,andGoldStarfamiliesthroughoutMassachusettsandbeyond.Witha commitmenttohelpingmilitaryfamilieshealandthrive,theorganizationprovides varioussupportservicesyear-round.Butastheholidayseasonnears,theirfocusshifts toJeep-er’sChristmas,aspecialinitiativeaimedatensuringthatchildrenofmilitary familiesexperiencethemagicoftheseason.
WhatisJeep-er'sChristmas?
Jeep-er’sChristmasisProjectNewHope'sannualgift-givingprogramthatprovides holidaypresentstochildrenofVeteransandactive-dutymilitarymembers.This thoughtfulinitiativerecognizesthatmanymilitaryfamiliesfaceuniquechallenges, includingfrequentdeployments,relocations,andthefinancialstrainsthatcan accompanymilitarylife.Forfamiliesstrugglingtomakeendsmeet,providingholiday giftsfortheirchildrencanbecomeanaddedburden.Jeep-er’sChristmasaimsto relievethisstressbyensuringthatthesechildrenreceivethoughtful,age-appropriate giftsthatspreadjoyandexcitementduringtheholidayseason.
Everyyear,Jeep-er’sChristmashelpsputsmilesonthefacesofhundredsofchildren acrossMassachusetts,butthisyear,theneedisevengreater especiallyinWestern Massachusetts,wheremanymilitaryfamiliesarefeelingtheeconomicimpactofrising costsandotherfinancialhardships.
PNH Spreads Holiday Cheer with Jeep-er’s Christmas (continued)
AGreaterNeedin2024
Thechallengesfacingmilitaryfamilieshaveonlydeepenedin2024.Witheconomic pressuresontherise,familiesinWesternMassachusettsareexperiencingincreased financialstrain,makingithardertoaffordthebasics,letaloneholidaygiftsfortheir children.Recognizingthisgrowingneed,ProjectNewHopeisexpandingitsJeep-er's Christmaseffortsthisyear.Theorganizationiscallingonthecommunitytosupportthe programbydonatinggifts,contributingfinancially,orvolunteeringtimetohelpdistribute thepresents.
HowYouCanHelp
ThesuccessofJeep-er'sChristmasreliesheavilyonthegenerosityofindividuals,local businesses,andcommunitypartners.Hereareafewwaysyoucangetinvolvedandhelp makethisyear’sJeep-er'sChristmasthebiggestsuccessyet:
DonateaGift:ProjectNewHopeacceptsnew,unwrappedgiftsforchildrenofallages, frominfantstoteenagers.Giftcardsarealsowelcomed,astheyallowfamiliesto choosespecificitemsfortheirchildren.
MakeaFinancialContribution:Monetarydonationsgoalongwayinpurchasinggifts, coveringlogistics,andexpandingtheprogramtoreachmorefamilies.
VolunteerYourTime:Volunteersareneededtohelpsort,wrap,anddistributegifts. Whetheryoucangiveanhouroraday,yourtimeisinvaluabletomakingJeep-er's Christmasasuccess.
Jeep-er'sChristmasismorethanjustaholidaygift-givingprogram;it’sareminderto militaryfamiliesthattheyaresupportedandappreciatedbytheircommunities.Asthe needcontinuestogrow,ProjectNewHopeiscommittedtospreadingholidaycheerand ensuringthatnochildisleftwithoutapresentunderthetree.Tolearnmoreorget involved,visitwww.projectnewhopema.organdhelpmakeadifferenceinthelivesof militaryfamiliesthisholidayseason.
ProjectNewHope'sOperationJeepersChristmashelps tomaketheholidayalittlebrighterfortheChildrenof thosewhoserve,whosometimesspendChristmas withouttheirlovedones.
Become a Sponsor Today!
HelpustohelptheseFamiliesduringthejoyous holidayseasonbyregisteringasaJeepersChristmas Sponsortoday! Yourhelpisalwaysneededandappreciated. Ifyouareinterestedindonatingatoneofourlocations, Worcester,MAorWestfield,MA, pleasecontactSusanWilderat smwilder@projectnewhopema.orgor(508)762-9738.
ProjectNewHopehelpsyougivetoChildrenof Veteransuptoage17.Onceyouareregisteredasa sponsor,ourstaffwillcontactyouwiththe“wishlist”for thechildorchildrenwithintheFamily. DropoffdeadlineforSponsorsis12/6/2024.
ProjectNewHopeInc.(PNH)“OperationJeepersChristmas”helps maketheholidaysbrighterfortheChildrenofthosewhoserve, whosometimesspendChristmaswithouttheirlovedones.
Thisadopt-a-familyprogramisopentoanyMilitaryorVeteran FamilywithChildrenuptoage17.ProofofVeteranStatusor MilitaryServiceandproofofdependents’agearerequired (copiesofbirthcertificatesaredestroyedonceverified).
PrioritywillbegiventoFamilieswhoarenewtotheprogram.
GiftswillbeavailableforpickupatourWorcester,MA orWestfield,MAlocations.Youcanselectyourlocationonthe registrationform.
OursponsorswilladopttheimmediateChildrenofourMilitaryand VeteranFamiliesandyoucanpickupgiftsintimeforChristmas! IfyouwouldliketoregisteryourChildren,fillouttheformHEREor typethislinkintoyourwebbrowser: https://www.projectnewhopema.org/veterans-supportprograms/operation-jeepers-christmas/.
Scott Ferris Scott Ferris
ThisOctober,weareproudtorecognizeScottFerrisasourVolunteeroftheMonth. AretiredAirForceVeteran,Scottjoinedourteamaftersteppingdownfroma full-timepositionandimmediatelyfilledarolethatwasgreatlyneeded.His dedication,energy,andwillingnesstohelphavemadeatremendousimpact.We areincrediblygratefulforScott’scontinuedsupportandcommitmenttoserving hisfellowVeterans.Thankyou,Scott!
Our Beloved Donors
Thankyou,KateTheodoss,andtheentire SouthbridgeCreditUnionteam,foryour generousdonationandcontinued supportofourveterans.The$3,000 contributionfromSCU,inpartnership withtheWorcesterBravehearts,willgoa longwayinhelpingProjectNewHope Inc.continueourmissionofproviding vitalservicesandsupporttoveterans andtheirfamilies.Wedeeplyappreciate yourcommitmenttohonoringthosewho haveservedournation.Thankyoufor makingadifferenceinthelivesofour heroes.
WeextendourheartfeltthankstoThe HanoverInsuranceGroupforincluding ProjectNewHopeintheirDayofCaring andgenerouslyproviding50freshfruit andproducebags.
Veterans,Active-Duty,Reserve,and NationalGuardServiceMembers,along withtheirfamiliesinCentral Massachusetts,werethrilledtoreceive thesebags!
Our Beloved Donors
Thankyou,GrahamMcCulloughandtheAmericanLegion RidersofPost138.
Yourgenerousdonationandcontinuedsupport reinforcesourmissiontoimprovethelivesofourfellow Veterans,acausewe'vepassionatelypursuedforthepast 14yearsthroughdonations,service,andcomprehensive support.
Yourcontributionwillhaveadirectandmeaningful impactontheVeteransandtheirfamiliesweserve, helpingustocontinueofferingvitalprogramsand resources.Itisthroughthegenerosityofindividualsand organizationslikeyoursthatweareabletomakealasting difference.
AbigthankyoutoRickMedeirosoftheWorcesterRedSoxforvisitingourCoffeeSocial todayandgenerouslyhandingout14batsalongwithcomplimentaryticketstothe WorcesterREdSoxvs.SyracuseMetsgameatPolarPark.Veteranswereabletoenjoythe gamefromSuite#1onthe3rdfloor!
Community Volunteers
ThankyoutoBlueCrossBlueShieldfor volunteeringyourtimeatProjectNewHope!It iswiththesupportoforganizationslikeyours thatweareabletohelpsomanyVeterans andtheirfamilies!
ProjectNewHopepartneredwiththeVA, HomeBase,WomensVeteranNetwork,and VetsInc tosupporttheLGTBQ+community sPrideFestival.It thertosupport
WeextendourheartfeltthankstotheWalmartassociateswhovolunteeredatProjectNew Hope.TheireffortsinfillingfoodordersandensuringthefoodreachedVeteransandtheir familiesinneedmadeasignificantimpact.Yourdedicationhelpsuscontinueourmission ofsupportingthosewhohaveservedourcountry.
Veteransandactivemilitary membershavesacrificedso muchforourfreedom,and nowit'sourturntoserve them.AcrossMassachusetts, weatPNHarededicatedto ensuringthatnoVeteranor militaryfamilygoeshungry.
Th i Co ers
ThankyoutotheincredibleNationalGridteamfortheirhardwork,dedication,and unwaveringsupportatProjectNewHopeInc.Sully’sVeteransFoodPantry.
FortheirDayofCaring project,employeesfrom ComcastTeamUptoassist ProjectNewHopewith organizing,restockingand cleaning.Thankyoufor helpingourcommunitythrive!
AheartfeltthankyoutotheincredibleteamfromUMASSResearchGroupforjoiningus onthisyear’sUnitedWayDayofCaring!
Yourhardworkanddedication,fromfillingVeterans'foodorderstoreorganizingstock, unloadingvehicles,andcountlessothertasks,havemadeasignificantimpactonthe livesofVeteransandtheirfamilies.Wedeeplyappreciateyourcommitmenttogiving backandimprovingourcommunity.
Thegenerosityandcompassionshown byUMASSResearchGrouptrulyexemplify thespiritofunityandservice.Together, wearemakingadifferenceinthelivesof thosewhohaveservedournation.
PNH Attends 4th Annual Conference on Veteran Suicide Prevention
TheProjectNewHope,Inc.teamproudlyparticipatedinthe4thAnnualConferenceon VeteranSuicidePrevention,heldattheCollegeoftheHolyCrossinWorcester.Thisevent gatheredexpertsinVeterancareandmentalhealth,focusingonpreventingsuicide withinthemilitaryandVeterancommunities.
RepresentingProjectNewHopewereSaraandDr.RobynCoonsfromtheUnitedStates PublicHealthServices,BillMoore,PresidentandChairmanoftheBoardofDirectors,Shelby Frysinger,CaseManager,andDebbieErickson,OperationsManager.Theirpresence underscoredtheorganization’scommitmenttosupportingVeteransandtheirfamilies. Theconferencefeaturednotablespeakers,includingBrigadierGeneral(CH)PaulMinor, whodeliveredapowerfulkeynoteaddress.Dr.JonSantiago,SecretaryoftheExecutive OfficeofVeteransServices,discussedstate-levelinitiativesforVeterans'mentalhealth, whileCSM(Ret)BillDavidsonhighlightedthechallengesfacedbyVeteranstransitioning tocivilianlife.AndrewPeckman,PhD,providedinsightsintoSuicidePostvention,andthe LethalMeansPanelemphasizedtheimportanceofaddressingaccesstolethalmeansas partofsuicidepreventionefforts.
Thisyear'sconferencehighlightedtheimportanceofcollaborationacrossagenciesand theurgentneedfortailoredmentalhealthsupportforVeterans.ProjectNewHope,Inc. remainscommittedtoexpandingitsresourcesandservicestosupportthosewhohave served,continuingitsmissiontoadvocateforcomprehensiveVeterancareandsuicide prevention.
Byattendingeventslikethis,ProjectNewHopestaysattheforefrontofeffectivestrategies tohelpVeteransandtheirfamiliesleadhealthier,morefulfillinglives.
Giving Back
ProjectNewHopetakesprideingivingbacktoour communityinmeaningfulways.Recently,withthehelpofour committedvolunteers,ScottandJenn,wewerethrilledto donatesurplusschoolsuppliestoNorthBrookfield ElementarySchoolandLeicesterMiddleSchool.These supplieswillhelpprovidestudentswiththetoolstheyneed forasuccessfulschoolyear,fosteringabrighterfuturefor thenextgeneration.Supportinglocalschoolsand empoweringeducatorsisjustoneofthemanywayswe continuetoserveandstrengthenourcommunity.
HydrateOurHeroes
ProjectNewHopeisonaMissiontosupport CentralMassachusettsFirefighters,Policeand otherfirstRespondersbykeepingthem hydrated.
OurvolunteerDavid,anArmyVeteran, alongsidemanyPoliceOfficerswhoarealso Veterans,helpedleadthecharge. Today,wewerehonoredto"HydrateOur Heroes"fromtheWebster,Oxford,andAuburn PoliceDepartmentsbyprovidingsportsdrinks, energydrinks,bottledwater,sparklingwater, andmore.Thankyouforyourunwavering servicetoourcommunity.
WewerealsohonoredtoHydrateOurHeroes ofthe1stBattalion181stInfantryRegimentand CorrectionalOfficersattheSouza-Baranowski CorrectionalCenter(SBCC)withSportsdrinks, Energydrinks,Bottledwater,Sparklingwater andothervarietiesofdrinksandsnacks.
Meet Our Staff
AfterworkinginBehavioralHealthadministrationforfifteen years,Pattywentbacktoschool,topursueherdreamsof becomingacertifiedpractitionerofenergyhealing.With thiscertification,Pattynowhasherownbusinessand continuestosharehergiftwithnotonlyourMilitary community,butotherswhoareunfortunatelyfeelingthe effectsofmentalhealthstrain.Inhersparetime,Pattyhas volunteeredinnumerouswaystohelpmeettheneedsof VeteransandMilitarymembers.
JeffreySimmonsjoinedProjectNewHopein September2024,bringingwithhimawealthof experienceanddedication.Hespent18½years workingintheITDepartmentatSysco,wherehe honedhistechnicalskillsandcontributedtothe company’sgrowth.Priortothat,heworkedfor15years asadriverforWellsFargo,showcasinghisversatility andstrongworkethic.Inadditiontohisprofessional career,JeffreyhasbeenaproudMasterMason (Freemason)forthepast34years,embracingthe valuesofbrotherhood,charity,andcommunity service.Hispassionforhelpingothersextendsintohis personallife,whereheenjoysvolunteeringand makingapositiveimpactwhereverhecan.Outsideof workandservice,Jeffreylovestospendqualitytime withhisfamily,whethercookingupdeliciousmealsor simplycreatingcherishedmemories.Hisloveforfood inspireshimtoexperimentwithdifferenttypesof cuisine,andhetakesgreatjoyinsharinghiscreations withlovedones.
