A new guest at the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Peterborough is a mother with two children who are both in the local schools. Actually, when the mother inquired about affordable housing locally, the teachers told her about MATS. With her children doing well in our schools, of course the mother wanted to stay in the area.
Coming from another part of New Hampshire, this woman wanted to return to the Monadnock Region where she had once lived. Needing to end her marriage, the family tried to live with friends but that proved to be difficult. “Coming to MATS has been a blessing,” I was told.
Lacking self-confidence and feeling overwhelmed about her family situation, she expressed that Susan Howard (the MATS Project Manager) has been wonderful.
“She is so kind and gently puts things in perspective for me. She puts my options on the table so that I can make a choice for what would be the most helpful to me and the children. Susan doesn’t judge or make me feel embarrassed or disappointed in myself. She is always positive and I thank her for that. I felt I had things together but being at MATS has taught me a lot about myself and that I needed help.”
This woman has a good but part-time job, though it is for a night shift helping a family. She is fortunate to have some of her own family members near that can have the children stay with them on the two or three nights a week when she must work. She has a car, and one goal is to return to school to earn her LPN; currently she is qualified as an LNA. Having a full time job would help immensely as it would offer family benefits. Of course, a second goal is to be independent.
One of the children loves art; his teacher had a wonderful idea to invite a personal artist friend to come to school and talk with him. This not only made the child very happy to tell his mom about it later that day, but it helped to boost his self-confidence as well.
“I was very impressed that the teacher took the time to do this for my child,” she told me. Susan has been able to assist with getting the child into a summer program too. Being in Peterborough, both children will be able to be a part of the Rec Department and enjoy Adams Playground activities as well.
It seemed that “we were living in a house of cards,” the woman said. “One difficult or wrong move and everything would come tumbling down. Susan is assisting me to make decisions that are sound and will be more like ‘bricks’ as we rebuild our lives. MATS is a breath of fresh air. I am not taking my time here at the shelter for granted because I am so grateful to be here. I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to get my, and the children’s, life together through this program. The children are happy and I am happy.”
With this kind of attitude and motivation, I am certain that this mother will succeed and be able to get back on her feet for herself and her children. I wish them all great success, indeed!
Consider attending the 1st Annual Trivia Night fundraiser on May 31st to benefit MATS.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Shattuck Golf Club in Jaffrey with trivia beginning at
7 p.m.
Cost is $15 per person, cash bar, bring your own snacks. Bring friends with you to build a team of up to 12 people!
Register online at MATSNH.org or mail payment (check made to MATS) to Toni Gildone c/o Window Shop at MCH, 452 Old Street Road in Peterborough.
WISH LIST: reliable car; Pampers, wipes and Pull-ups; feminine products; gift cards for items at local stores and for gas. Kindly call the MATS office at 924-5033 and leave a message for Susan. Items that can be mailed should be sent to P.O. Box 3053 in Peterborough. Thank you!
Hope Pettegrew is a volunteer at the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Peterborough.