What’s the point? We should be asking this question often. It clarifies priorities in the day to day as well as in life. I ask, “What is the point?” of The River Center: A Family and Community Resource Center. Let these real people (changed names) tell the story about two of our programs.

What is the point of the Parenting and Child Enrichment Programs? Mary came to The River Center after having moved to this area from out of state. She was experiencing isolation as a mom with her first baby and signed up for one of our parenting classes. Mary was so grateful to find other moms experiencing some of the same parenting challenges and soon she was making some good new friends.

Mary joined other groups at The River Center, spreading her social connections further. She attends our Farm to Table Program, where she and her daughter, Lily, are learning all about cooking with farm-fresh produce as well as the nutritional benefits.

She and Lily also attend our Jaffrey Parent Group.

As time went on, Mary noticed that Lily was not developing language in the same way as other children in the program. The teachers in our Children’s Enrichment Program gave her the opportunity to observe as well as receive feedback from their own observations. It became clear that a referral for an evaluation and possible services was important. Mary developed trust in the teachers and the program, as she saw the benefits her daughter was gaining by interacting and engaging in the activities provided. She and her husband agreed to the evaluation and now, Lily is receiving speech therapy. They are both anxious to have their toddler, who has been without language, develop the ability to speak.

The point of our Parenting Program is to strengthen families through solid parenting knowledge, connections with other parents and resources, parenting confidence, and nurturing environment for their children.

What is the point of our Employment Resource Center? A recent high school graduate visited the Employment Resource Center at The River Center on his parents’ urging. The young man was struggling to identify next steps in life. This proved to be especially challenging for him, due to a disability that impacted his ability to work. Over the course of several weekly meetings, our employment specialist was able to assist the client in identifying his strengths and interests. She connected those interests with possible job paths, and encouraged him to consider returning to school for his undergraduate degree. The degree would provide him with the necessary training to pursue the path he most wanted.  She gave him information on possible schools and financial aid programs.

The son wasn’t ready to pursue school, so the employment specialist assisted the client with the creation of a resume. Armed with a new resume and valuable information, the young man was able to obtain a job. After working in this position, he realized that maybe school would be a good idea after all.

He applied to and was accepted by four colleges. He has plans to attend the top choice school in September.

A few months later, his mom contacted the employment specialist for an appointment.

She expressed gratitude for the assistance her son received and felt that he made the choice to pursue his education because of the encouragement and information he received from the employment specialist.

She has decided to return to work after 20 years out of the workforce. She has been the caregiver of her son and her husband, who has a chronic illness. The employment specialist helped her build a new resume, taught her how to submit applications via the internet, and gave her direction in her job search.

This mother and son have experienced the point of the Employment Resource Center. They are supported and have the tools they need to successfully move forward in their jobs and career paths.

What is the point of The River Center: A Family and Community Resource Center? Ultimately, our vision is that every individual and family in the Eastern Monadnock Region is strong and vibrant. We work with one person, one family at a time toward that goal.

Thank you for supporting The River Center as we support our community. We are getting settled in our new space at 9 Vose Farm Rd., Suite 115 in Peterborough. Come see us sometime!

Margaret Nelson is executive director of The River Center: Family and Community Resource Center in Peterborough.