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Non-Profit In Manchester Participates in National Day of Service

Ryan Lessard
/
NHPR

More than 15 volunteers signed up to work at a Manchester non-profit for the National Day of Service.

The National Day of Service honors the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Four years ago, President Obama and his family took part in the volunteer effort as part of Inauguration Day celebrations.  And he asked Americans to do the same this year.

Over the weekend, a group of about 15 people showed up at The Way Home, a low-income housing resource center in Manchester.  The non-profit has helped more than 5,000 homeless families achieve permanent housing for the past 25 years and temporary housing for the past decade. But with nearly all their money going to direct services, Executive Director Mary Sliney says some things have fallen through the cracks.

“…Sprucing up part of the facility, some of the painting and the cleanup work that volunteers are able to come in to do. And then at the same time, they’re beginning to learn about the needs of our clients and the services.”

Sliney says The Way Home provides housing assistance to about 300 families a year. It was one of more than 50 community organizations who participated in the National Day of Service across New Hampshire.

Before becoming a reporter for NHPR, Ryan devoted many months interning with The Exchange team, helping to produce their daily talk show. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in Manchester with a major in Politics and Society and a minor in Communication Arts. While in school, he also interned for a DC-based think tank. His interests include science fiction and international relations. Ryan is a life-long Manchester resident.

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