we believe… - guidestar
TRANSCRIPT
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At Granite State �nde�endent Livin�
we believe…
FY 2008Annual Report
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Mission StatementFounded in 1980, Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is a statewide
nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote life with independence for people with disabilities and those experiencing the natural process of
aging through advocacy, information, education and support.
CEO Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Donors, Grantors, Funders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Community Living Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Long-Term Supports Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Employment Services Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Financial Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Executive Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Overview of Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Granite State Independent LivingMain Office21 Chenell DriveConcord, NH 03301603.228.9680 • 800.826.3700888.396.3459 (tty)603.225.3304 (fax)www.gsil.org
84 Iron Works RoadConcord, NH 03301-2295603.224.1130 • 800.470.1130603.228.5614 (fax)
Emerald Court100 Emerald Street, Suite BKeene, NH 03431603.355.1208 • 877.680.4826603.357.2775 (fax)
267 Main Street Suite 400Littleton, NH 03561603.444.0904 • 800.588.5772603.444.3128 (fax)
1850 Elm Street Suite 1Manchester, NH 03104603.518.4600 • 800.773.4033603.647.0665 (fax)
23 Factory Street, Suite 6Nashua, NH 03060-3092603.881.7144 603.883.5134 (fax)
Dover — opening 2009
Contents
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2008 was the year of change for our nation and for Granite State Independent Living (GSIL); it was a year of positive accomplishments. It was a year we saw our leadership role recognized nationally by serving as host to the largest Presidential Candidates forum on disability issues ever held. We were recognized by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development when our certified Housing Counseling program was funded for the first time, and we passed the torch of Business NH Magazine Nonprofit of the Year to a new winner. It was a year where we saw a positive change in how we delivered transportation services, which increased access and options for consumers by being more integrated into local community networks. It was a year we improved our personal care attendant programs by creating a referral system where qualified persons are ready to be interviewed by our consumers and start work. It was the year GSIL was designated an Employment Network by the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program. This allows consumers to assign their ‘Tickets’ to GSIL for job search support and assistance in securing competitive employment. It was a year when GSIL acquired the New Hampshire Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, partnered with the New Hampshire Home Builders and Remodelers Association on the Parade of Homes and began building a relationship with the Master’s of Business Administration program at Franklin Pierce University who will assist us in planning for the future. Looking forward, 2009 will continue to be a year of change for GSIL as we face the difficult challenges of the economic downturn while meeting the increased demands of those we serve. We will complete our data collection system so we are better able to tell our story; we will find better office space in Littleton and Keene and open our Dover office. We will continue to define our role in the region to be an even greater resource to consumers and the community and we will continue to form alliances to better support those who need our services. Finally, GSIL will embrace the sea change of our culture in 2009 by rolling up our sleeves and pitching in by working harder, smarter and more effectively to create greater opportunities for all.
Clyde E. Terry, JD Kenneth Mailloux Chief Executive Officer Chair, Board of Directors
A Year of Continued Growth and Change
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Ms. Darlene Adams
Ms. Leslie Alcorn and Ms. Carol Mandigo
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ashley
Mr. David Baldassara
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bechek
Ms. Anya Bent
Mr. John Berrigan
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bezanson
Ms. Susan S. Binger
Ms. Roberta C. Blair
Ms. Bette Bogdan
Ms. Marjorie Bonneville
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bourbeau
Ms. Abigail Brewster
Ms. Penelope Brewster
Mr. Edward W. Brouder, Jr.
Mr. Richard Buckley
Ms. Linda Bundy
Ms. Jill Burke
Ms. Carolyn S. Carey
Mr. Arthur Carter, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. William Casson
Ms. Nancy Charest
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Chartier
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cheney
Ms. Dawn Chown
Senator Robert Clegg
Ms. Cotton Cleveland
Ms. Faye Cochrane
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Comstock-Gay
Ms. Suzanne Costa
Ms. Lisa A. Cramb
Mr. Douglas Craw
Ms. Elizabeth Cross
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Dancause
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Darling
Ms. Donna DeMayo
Ms. Sarah Denoncourt
Mr. Stephen Derby
Mr. Richard Desbiens
Ms. Margaret Desilets
Ms. Sandra Desjardins
Mr. George E. Desruisseaux
Ms. Patricia Dexter
Mr. Raymond Dionne
Mr. Thomas Dodge
2008 Partnership Award RecipientsAn award given to an organization dedicated to independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Community Passport Program Partners
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, DCBCS
New Hampshire Health Care Association
New Hampshire Independent Case Management Association
Donors
For their generosity and commitment, Granite State Independent
Living acknowledges with profound thanks the following individuals,
corporations and foundations for their support:
At Granite State �nde�endent Livin� we believe
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We use people-first language
We value diversity
We actively listen and learn
We ask if people have the time to speak with us when we call
We return calls within 24 hours
We treat people the way we would want to be treated
in the im�ortance of mutual Res�ect.Mr. Ryan J. Donnelly
Ms. Esther M. Dussault
Ms. Christine Eaton
Ms. Katharine A. Ellsworth
Mr. James Esslinger
Mr. and Mrs. Willard R. Fairchild
Ms. Cheyne Foreman
Ms. Sue Fortier and Ms. Mary Beale
Mr. Roger Fournier, Jr.
Ms. Elizabeth Fowler
Ms. Rachel A. French
Mr. Udo H. Fritsch
Mr. R. Thomas Gage
Ms. Jennifer Gokey
Mr. and Mrs. Norman U. Goulet
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Greene
Ms. Nancy Greenwood
Ms. Patricia S. Hammond
Ms. Gladi Hartford
Mr. Kenneth Hazeltine
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Huckins
Ms. Jane Hunter
Ms. Linnea Johnson
Ms. Carol A. Kaplan
Ms. Penny Kates
Mr. Stuart A. Kaufman
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Krider
Mr. David Kubick
Mr. James Lang
Mr. Leonard Lee
Ms. Shellie A. Lemelin
Ms. Norma J. Lemire
Ms. Pamela Locke
Mr. Gary W. Loveman
Mr. Jeff Lowenstein
Ms. Jean Lubelczyk
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mailloux
Mr. Thaddeus Mandsager
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Mannon, Jr.
Ms. Mary A. Mannon
Ms. Erica Marden Higgins
Mr. Norman J. Marshall
Ms. Carol McDonnell
Ms. Jennifer Lynn McLain
Mr. William Medley
Ms. Sheila Melanson
Ms. Laurie Methven
Ms. Sandra Metivier
Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Moskowitz
Ms. Barbara Murray
Mr. Darrill W. Neal, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Newman
Mr. and Mrs. Danny O'Donnell
Mr. David Osmun
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Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Page
Ms. Terri C. Paige
Ms. Judith Patterson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pearce, Esq.
Ms. Wendy Peters
Ms. Emilie Phelps
Ms. Nancy B. Pierce
Ms. Elaine S. Pollack
Ms. Sally Pore
Ms. Lucille L. Potvin
Ms. Jill Power
Mr. John Preve
Ms. Robin Pullo
Mr. and Mrs. David Allen Qualey
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Quinn
Ms. Hendrica Ranger
Ms. Donna Renaud
Mr. and Mrs. David A. Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Robar
Mr. David Robar
Ms. Louise Rosand
Ms. Darvi Rosenberg
Ms. Susan E. Rowell
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sales
Ms. Judy Sanderson
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sayre
Mr. Donald F. Schanz
Ms. Amy B. Schoenbaum
Mr. Kenneth Schuhle Jr.
Ms. Terry Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin J. Severance III
Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Shin
Mr. Daniel D. Simmons
Ms. Susann Spring-Franklin
Ms. Marion Stearns
Ms. Helene W. Stein, PhD
Mr. John A. Stephen
Ms. Patti Sullivan
Mr. David Tabachnik
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde E. Terry, JD
Ms. Mary Thomopoulos
Mr. and Mrs. David H. Thorne
Ms. Jette Tinker
Ms. Dara Tufts
Ms. MJ Turcotte
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Valway
Mr. Russell Van Billiard
Mr. John Van Buskirk
Mr. Frank Vinciguerra
Ms. Terri Voth and Mr. Craig Wright
Mr. Derrick Walcott
Ms. Jane Walcott
Mr. Richard Walker, Jr.
Ms. Cynthia Walsh
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Whitehouse
Ms. Judith Wilt
Ms. Beverly Young
Ms. Janet A. Zeller
We have made every effort to correctly reflect the generosity of our donors. If you have been listed incorrectly, or inadvertently omitted, please call the Development Office so we may correct our records.
In 2008, GSIL assisted 38 consumers with
access modification projects. If not for this
assistance, these individuals would be less
independent, less safe and possibly trapped
in their homes.
GSIL fielded 1,540 calls from individuals
with disabilities looking for information
and referrals. Often these calls are from
individuals who are desperate for answers to
issues that keep them isolated.
Donors (continued)
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GSIL sponsors
10 peer groups with
55 members. If it
weren’t for the peer
group, nearly half
believe they would
not know their
potential as a person
with a disability.
Grantors and Funders
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
BAE Employee Community Fund, Inc.
Campton Baptist Church
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centrix Bank
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Cogswell Benevolent Trust
Community Bridges
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Disability Rights Center
Easter Seals
Endowment for Health
Gateways Community Services
Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation
Heritage United Way
Herron & Smith
Holy Trinity Parish
Knights of Columbus
Life Coping, Inc.
Lifeshare Management Group, Inc.
Littleton Lions Club
Monadnock Developmental Services
Moore Center Services, Inc.
NAMI New Hampshire
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Health Planning and Medicaid
New Hampshire Department of Transportation
New Hampshire Developmental Disability Council
New Hampshire Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation, Department of Education
New Hampshire Division of Community-Based Care Services, Bureau of Developmental Services
New Hampshire Independent Case Management Association
New Hampshire Secretary of State
New Hampshire Statewide Independent Living Council, Part B
Northeast Delta Dental
Northern Bus Sales, Inc.
Pathways of the River Valley
Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education
Salem Firefighters Relief Association
Samuel P. Hunt Foundation
Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Stettenheim Foundation, Inc.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester
United eWay
United Way of Bergen County
United Way of Merrimack County
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Social Security Administration
USI New England
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
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At Granite State �nde�endent Livin� we believe Community Living Department
While no incident resulting in a person’s disability is ever the same, the journey to reclaiming one’s life, to achieving independence, and to living life on one’s own terms is characterized by one common element: the presence of another, sometimes one who has traveled the same pathway to recovery, saying, “Yes, you can.” That is exactly what the programs, services and staff of the Community Living Department (CLD) are all about.
Access Modification Program enabled 38 individuals with disabilities to access their communities and increase or maintain their independence through the construction of exterior ramps and the purchase and installation of accessibility equipment.
The Accessible Transportation Program 123 consumers traveled 44,270 miles in 1,948 trips using GSIL’s fleet of vehicles and another 55 consumers traveled 52,280 miles in 1,778 trips funded through the Transportation Reimbursement Program.
Advocacy Program received a $15,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to continue its work to expand the breadth and capacity of advocacy.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provided services to 80 unduplicated consumers each month, averaging 120 consumer contacts monthly.
Housing Program is the only HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Program dedicated solely to serving persons
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We provide access to clear and concise information tailored to the individual to enable them to see the options available to make choice
• Choicesallowyou to access the world around you
• Choicesprovideyou with the tools to advocate for yourself and others
• Choicesremovebarriers
• Choicesarepersonal and valuable
• Choicesallowyouto take control
everyone s�ould �ave C�oices.with disabilities. Here 173 individuals including 11 consumers in crisis homeless situations and 16 consumers dealing with a foreclosure crisis were served. We also provided education to an additional 45 consumers.
Information and Referral provided 1,540 people with disabilities, their family and friends, and members of the community at large with vital information and referral services to appropriate human services providers throughout the State and other helpful information for achieving independence and living life on their own terms.
New Hampshire Chapter — National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NH NSCIA) became a program in the CLD through an Affiliation Agreement with GSIL in the fall 2008.
Peer Support Program sponsors 10 cross disability Peer Support Groups across the State, allowing persons with disabilities to connect in far greater ways than just being part of the community of persons living with a disability; often they are a lifeline to one another and the embodiment of hope.
Independent Living Service Coordination is provided by nine Service Coordinators to 455 consumers across the State.
These programs and services literally get people out of bed in the morning and out of their homes so people are able to get to work, to vote, to shop, to volunteer, to participate in sports and recreational activities, and to be active and be involved with friends and family—just like everyone else. Each day, every day our shared goal and purpose is the same: to encourage, support and empower persons with disabilities to live as independently as they choose. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
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At Granite State �nde�endent Livin� we believe
The Long-Term Supports Department (LTS) had a busy and productive 2008, as our programs served more than 500 individuals and employed more than 700 attendant care workers. LTS staff worked tirelessly to connect consumers with the tools and resources they need for successful independent living. Consumers were linked to transportation, durable medical equipment, home modifications, computers, and peer support. Additionally, LTS staff assisted consumers in realizing their goals for independence by connecting them to work or volunteer opportunities and assisting them with their higher education plans. While continuing to provide statewide services to a growing population of consumers, LTS engaged in a number of initiatives in 2008 including:
The Community Passport Program — LTS was pleased to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services, the New Hampshire Independent Case Management Association, and the New Hampshire Health Care Association on the Community Passport Program, a federal grant initiative to help individuals living in institutions transition back into the community. LTS staff conducted 15 education and outreach presentation to nursing facilities residents and their families regarding the Community Passport Program as well as providing residents with information on home and community based care options. In collaboration with the program’s partners, LTS staff assisted 17 individuals transition back to the community setting of their choice.
Attendant Care Education — As LTS programs continue to grow and the numbers of attendant care workers increase, consumers advised GSIL that there was a need for an orientation program for workers. With the input and suggestions of many long term attendant care consumers, LTS developed an orientation program which covers topics such as an introduction to GSIL, an overview and history of consumer-direction, a discussion on types of disabilities and modes of assistance and practical tips on communication in the workplace.
Attendant Care Registry — In an effort to increase access to a list of available attendant care workers, LTS developed a web-based registry located on a password protected section of the Granite State Independent Living website. Today, the registry is growing and currently contains the names of more than 100 individuals who available to work for consumers.
Long-Term Supports
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We encourage people to use their own voice
We encourage people to advocate for themselves and others
We work to eliminate physical and attitudinal barriers
We embrace and celebrate individuality and diversity
everyone �as t�e �ower to be
Em�owered.
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Receiving a paycheck and having money in the bank are essential elements of being independent and achieving the American dream. Being able to say “I have a career” is such a strong component of the self-worth we all want to feel. Employment Services at Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is committed to assisting people with disabilities along the road to economic independence by providing a wide range of employment related support services. Employment Services administers the states only Work Incentives Planning program (WIPA), a program that assists individuals navigate the maze of benefits that they might be receiving and allows them to make informed choices about returning to work. We also provide services to customers of NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR), and provide Employment and Community Supports Program services to three of the states 10 area agencies. Employment Services continues to expand its service reach and looks to new opportunities to expand services. In 2008, GSIL became a certified Employment Network allowing it to assist Social Security beneficiaries with their unique job search needs through the Ticket to Work program. The State of New Hampshire set up the Granite State Employment Project with federal funding, and we are excited about this program’s statewide impact. GSIL is taking a leadership role in this project, which takes a comprehensive look at how the state provides employment services to persons with disabilities. This year we teamed up with New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) to assist Laconia High School seniors in identifying their career goals and establishing an employment start. This endeavor has been highly successful and we look forward to expanding this program. Additionally, we have an employment specialist working in the seacoast area with NHVR clients and look forward to working from our new Dover location in early 2009. This past year saw our WIPA program restructure services to be more efficient and effective in its statewide provision of services while it begins integration into the state’s employment infrastructure. In 2009 we will expand the amount of educational seminars and technical assistance we currently offer in the southern half of the state. We are also working on a web-based “Profiling Tool” that will make these services available to a wider range of individuals across the state in the next calendar year.
Employment Services
At Granite State �nde�endent Livin� we believe
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We offer support so individuals can make their own decisions
We encourage everyone to dream and reach for the stars to achieve the goals they set for themselves
We expect mistakes and we learn from those mistakes
everyone can and s�ould be able to c�oose t�eir own level of
�nde�endence.
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Financial Highlights
CURRENT ASSETS 2008 Total 2007 TotalCashandcashequivalents $1,896,746 $1,511,804 Accounts receivable: Medicaid $568,350 $682,950 Title VII $12,716 $30,057 Other $577,231 $493,277 Prepaid Expenses $107,900 $46,417 Due for related party – $297,560 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $3,162,943 $3,062,065
NONCURRENT ASSETSProperty, Net of Accumulated Depreciation $1,423,767 $1,572,940 TOTAL NONCURRENT ASSETS $1,423,767 $1,572,940 TOTAL ASSETS $4,586,710 $4,635,005
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 2008 Total 2007 TotalCurrentLiabilities:CurrentPortionofMortgage
Note Payable $16,615 $15,806 Accounts Payable $46,523 $95,184 Accrued Salaries & Vacation Pay $669,682 $543,732 Accrued Expenses $104,300 $88,750 Refundable Advances $60,254 $82,711 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $897,374 $826,183
Mortgage Note PayableNetofCurrentPortion
shown above $559,481 $576,138 TOTAL LIABILITIES $1,456,855 $1,402,321
Net Assets: Unrestricted $3,083,897 $3,185,703 Temporarily Restricted – $1,023 Permanently Restricted $45,958 $45,958 TOTAL NET ASSETS $3,129,855 $3,232,684 TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $4,586,710 $4,635,005
GSIL Statement of Financial Position as of September 30, 2008 compared to 2007
Program Services 94.4%
Expense FY2008
Management & General 4.8%
Fundraising 0.8%
Program Fees 88.7%
Grants 9.1%
Public Support 1% Other 1.1%
Income FY2008
At Granite State �nde�endent Livin� we believe
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CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 2008 Total 2007 TotalRevenue & Public Support: Program Fees $11,602,584 $10,753,054 Grants $1,196,605 $1,411,721 Public Support $88,379 $65,972 Special events $48,926 $6,250 Membership – $24 Interest $38,804 $85,757 Miscellaneous $103,708 $69,869 TOTAL REVENUE & PUBLIC SUPPORT $13,079,005 $12,392,647
Expenses: Program Services $12,200,590 $11,182,002 Supporting Services: Management & General $624,553 $539,066 Fundraising $97,592 $212,310 TOTAL EXPENSES $12,922,734 $11,933,378
ChangesinNetAssetsBeforeExtraordinary Items $156,271 $459,269 TOTAL EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS $(259,099) $(2,632)
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS $(102,828) $456,637
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR $3,232,684 $2,776,047
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $3,129,855 $3,232,684
GSIL Statement of Activities for the Year Ended September 30, 2008
Statement of activities with prior-year comparative information summarized for the year ended September 30, 2008
everyt�in� we do must be done wit�
�nte�rity.We follow through on commitments
We are a knowledgeable resource for the community
We comply with all confidentiality standards
We listen to consumers and honor their wishes
94.4% of GSIL revenue goes to
programs.
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We are grateful for the hard work of our Board of Directors who willingly give their time and talent to help make Granite State Independent Living a success.
Ken Mailloux, Chair Banking Industry (Retired)
Laurie Methven, 1st Vice Chair Human Resources Consultant
David Baldassara, 2nd Vice Chair Consumer & Entrepreneur
Michael Bourbeau, Treasurer IT, Northeast Delta Dental
Angela Greene, Secretary VP of Human Resources, Riverbend
Alan Reed Erickson Executive Director, The Monarch School of NE
Irvin D. Gordon Attorney, Sulloway & Hollis, PLLC
Lorna Greer Investigator, NH Human Rights Commission (Retired)
Thad Mandsager Director of Family Services, Dover Housing Authority
Eric Norman * VP for Finance & Administration, Franklin Pierce Law
Ron Page *HR Consultant, CGI Employee Benefits Group
Dave Qualey Sales Consultant, Ride-Away Corp.
Terry Scott *Consumer
David Steele Memorial High School, Education Assistant/Deaf Interpreter
Janet Zeller Accessibility Program Manager, U.S. Forest Service
* Newly Elected Board Members
Board Members who Retired in 2008Kenneth Traum, ChairMelvin Severance, TreasurerJohn Preve
At Granite State �nde�endent Livin� we believe
Of the 127 individuals GSIL Employment
Services served in 2008, 83 found jobs with
salaries ranging from $7.50 – $25.48 per hour.
In 2008, we helped
83 individuals
find jobs with 75
different employers.
98% of these
individuals have
disabilities defined
as severe.
Board of Directors
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• Expandthecommunity
• Worktomeetuniversalgoals
• Accomplishmorethanwecouldalone
• Beproactiveinsteadofreactive
• Betheexampleandsolution
• TaketheleadonIndependentLivingissues
• InfuseIndependentLivingintoeveryaspect of the State
• Expand,combineandmakethebestuse of resources
• Beapartofthelargercommunity
in Collaboration.We know nothing happens in isolation and that we are all interdependent.
We work with other organizations, government agencies and individuals to:Executive
Leadership Team
Clyde E. Terry, JDChief Executive Officer
Debora Krider, Ed. D.Chief Operating Officer
Jill BurkeVice President of Long-Term Supports
Peter DarlingVice President of Employment Services
Dominique DancauseVice President of Finance/IT
Sue FortierVice President of Human Resources
Norma LemireVice President of Community Living
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The ability to live life on your own terms is more
than a basic need, it is a very basic human right.
As a statewide nonprofit organization, we provide
tools and resources so people can participate as fully
as they choose in their life, family and community.
Housing Program is a Housing and Urban Development approved counseling program which provides information and education services to help individuals with disabilities with housing needs. Areas of expertise include accessible housing, credit counseling, voucher assistance, fair housing, and purchasing a home.
Access Modification Program enables individuals with disabilities to access their communities and increase or maintain their independence through this program which assists with evaluation and coordination of construction of barrier free environments inside and outside of consumers homes.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services provides information on the latest communication technology, advocacy opportunities, independent living skills and social activities. This program also offers interpreter referral services.
Peer Support enables consumers to connect with other individuals with disabilities while learning about community resources, developing self-advocacy skills and making changes in their life and community to enhance their independence.
Transportation is a key factor for living independently for individuals with disabilities. We provide door to door, state-wide, wheelchair-accessible transportation using an on demand response service.
Information and Referral welcomes inquires and will provide information to any individual with a disability, a senior, family, friend or community provider.
455 consumers
received independent
living training in
2008, enabling them
to stay out of an
institution
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Advocacy happens at GSIL on four levels: legislative, delivery systems, community and individual to bring about changes that will benefit everyone in our communities.
Personal Care Services Program, Personal Care Attendant Program and Independent Care Options are long-term care solutions which allow seniors to live independently in their communities through education on how to select, train, and supervise individuals who provide personal care services. These three programs have variations in eligibility, but all offer personal care attendants that help consumers with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, housekeeping, cooking, eating, mobility, errands, shopping and community activities.
Work Incentives, Planning and Assistance works one-on-one with individuals with disabilities to help them understand the impact of earnings on their benefits so they can make informed choices on employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation provides assistance with a job search, developing a resume, preparing for interviews and making the transition to the new job.
Employment and Community Support Program assists individuals with developmental disabilities in finding and maintaining employment and/or community involvement based on their unique interests and abilities.
Ticket to Work Program connects Social Security beneficiaries with employment service providers (known as Employment Networks) to achieve individual work goals. It also provides beneficiaries with real choices in obtaining the services and resources they need to find and maintain employment, while providing a safety net to help during transition.
Now is the time to make a difference! Ways to Give…
Monetary DonationThis type of donation will immediately impact our programs. Make a cash, check or credit card donation by calling 603.228.9680 or 800.826.3700 or by visiting www.gsil.org
PledgeSet up a payment schedule for your donation, by pledging a certain amount weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Call us at 603.228.9680 or 800.826.3700 to make arrangements.
Matching GiftsMany employers match their employee’s charitable contributions. Ask yours to match a donation to Granite State Independent Living.
Planned GiftsEstablish a future gift for Granite State Independent Living by naming the organization as a beneficiary in your will or life insurance
Who Can Use Our Services?Seniors, adults and youth with physical, sensory, mental or cognitive disabilities that limit their ability to function independently in the family or community or that are a barrier to obtaining and maintaining satisfying employment are encouraged to contact us.
Principle of Consumer ControlFounded in 1980, Granite State Independent Living is guided by a principle called consumer control—the belief that the person with a disability is in the best position to make the decisions that affect his or her life. Every service we deliver is based on this principle and every staff person at Granite State Independent Living is committed to this philosophy. In fact, a majority of our board and staff members are individuals with disabilities—people who understand that YOU belong in the driver’s seat of your life.
Granite State Independent Living21 Chenell Drive
Concord, NH 03301-8539
Change Service Requested
Nonprofit Org.
US Postage Paid
Manchester, NH
Permit No. 197