Editor’s Note: This column is a complement to the guide to the Support Groups & Resources special section in the print edition or e-edition.

On a recent morning at The River Center in Peterborough, the office was buzzing with energy of different kinds: a mom who needed parenting advice, a senior in crisis because they were just served an eviction notice and a group of toddlers with their caregivers learning patterns while dancing to music.

For us, this is a typical day, yet no day is the same because people in our community have different needs, different asks.

The River Center’s mission is all about connection – connecting people to resources and services, to support and to each other. One way people have described us is to say, “If you don’t know where to go, ask The River Center.”

Our programs are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of people. Many are family focused for parents feeling isolated or looking for help getting on solid ground. Our offerings include family programs like Mini Explorers, parenting workshops such as “When Your Kids Push Your Buttons” and home visits for families with young children. We offer Safe Sitter classes, providing hands-on experience for kids and equipping them with important skills needed when caring for young children.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program makes filing returns easy and free for those who need it most, helping them claim credits and refunds they are entitled to. Money coaching appointments help people manage their finances, giving them the tools and guidance they need for a more stable future.

As more children are being cared for by grandparents and relatives, The River Center established a Kinship navigator program to guide families through the maze of available services and resources, while providing follow-up support and advocacy to make sure families continue to thrive.

Many people reach out to us when they aren’t sure where to start. Some may need a number for fuel assistance while others who need more help learning about their options. Our community resource specialists help overwhelmed individuals apply for DHHS programs or disability benefits. Our staff helps with almost every aspect of life.

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During winter, when heating costs are especially high in our rural region, our volunteer-led Wood Bank provides emergency firewood to households who heat with wood. This is a perfect example of how The River Center connects neighbors with neighbors to address immediate needs, but our staff can also provide help connecting them to long-term resources.

The River Center also brings people together in ways that that help them build connection while having fun. Recently, our Kinship navigator coordinated a free fishing day for Kinship families, giving them a chance to create lasting memories together. The summer Families, Forests, and Farms program brings families together and connects them to local farms and forests. They learn about the fresh and healthy food in our community and where to go for outdoor activities. It’s also a chance for them to connect with other families and form lasting friendships.

Partnerships or collaborations with local schools, libraries and town services are key to providing opportunities for families to discover what is available to them. These relationships strengthen The River Center’s role in the community.

The River Center serves residents in a 10-town area, touching hundreds of lives each year. We don’t just meet the needs of families in crisis, but we offer presentations and programs, so they feel more confident and less alone.

In December 2024, we were honored to receive the FRCQ designation for the third time, which recognizes the hard work we’ve been doing to make a real, lasting difference in our community. . This achievement reflects the dedication of our team, volunteers and the families we support every day.

Family resource centers are needed more than ever with increasing uncertainty around finances, jobs, and access to services. If you want to help, you can volunteer, donate or just stop by. The River Center makes sure that no one needs to face their challenges alone. It’s a reminder that connection to each other, to resources, and to the community is what makes us strong and resilient. Stronger families, stronger communities.

Visit us at 9 Vose Farm Road, Peterborough, or call 924-6800 for information. You can also learn more at rivercenternh.org.

Nisa Simila is communications and money matters coordinator at The River Center. She manages the marketing materials, social media and web presence of The River Center, as well as overseeing the Money Matters programming, including money coaching and free tax preparation.