The Friends Program

We’re so grateful for our AmeriCorps programs and volunteers, whose impact makes New Hampshire a stronger, brighter, and better place for all generations

Warmer weather is right around the corner! ☀️
💙Reach out to Kris for volunteer opportunities to help seniors in Concord!

Hey Friends! Don't forget about The Golden Nozzle Car Wash's Towel for Charity program that is currently supporting the Friends Program!
Stop by their 165 Loudon Rd location to participate!

We are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone—10 years of dedicated service from our Executive Director, Nancy McKeon 💙👏

For the past decade, Nancy has led The Friends Program with vision 🌟, compassion 🤝, and an unwavering commitment to empowering youth, seniors, families, and our community. Her leadership has strengthened our programs, inspired our staff and volunteers, and helped expand our impact in meaningful and lasting ways.

Thank you, Nancy, for your dedication, guidance, and heart over the last 10 years. We are incredibly grateful for all you do and excited for what the future holds under your continued leadership 🎊✨

📣 PROGRAM SHOUT OUT! 🍳
Cooking with Confidence was a six-week experiential learning program offered through The Friends Program 🤝 in partnership with Rundlett Middle School 🏫. Led by Taylor B. Louk-McNutt, Youth Mentoring Manager, alongside Chef Amber 👩‍🍳, the program engaged 16 middle school students in hands-on cooking experiences designed to build confidence 💪, independence 🌱, and essential life skills 🧠.

Each week, students worked collaboratively 🤗 to learn kitchen safety 🔪, basic nutrition 🥗, meal preparation 🍽️, and teamwork 🤝 while preparing simple, healthy dishes. The small-group format fostered a supportive and inclusive environment ❤️ where students felt encouraged to try new foods 🌮, strengthen communication skills 💬, and build positive relationships with peers and mentors 👥.

At the conclusion of each session, students enjoyed dinner together 🍽️ and took home the meals they created 🥡 to share with their families 🏡—extending the impact of the program beyond the classroom and into their homes ✨.

The program was hosted in a welcoming kitchen space generously donated by Wesley United Methodist Church 🙏, whose support made this experience possible and helped create a safe, community-centered environment 🫶 for learning and connection.

Over the six-week program, students demonstrated increased confidence in the kitchen ⭐, improved collaboration 🤝, and a strong sense of pride in their accomplishments 🎉. Cooking with Confidence proved to be a meaningful and successful experience, reinforcing The Friends Program’s mission to empower youth through mentorship and practical life skills 💙

Last night's celebration is one for the books! Thank you to everyone who was able to join us!

Join us tonight to celebrate 50 years of The Friends Program!

Tickets available at the door, including FREE admission donated by our Board Members!

See you all tonight!

This week, we’re rewinding to the 2000s—take a look back with us!

Event and ticket information: https://givebutter.com/c/CLTKHO

www.friendsprogram.org

This week, our Decades Series takes a quick look back at the 2010s!

Celebrate with us on January 14th- 50 years of Friends!
For more info, or to purchase tickets: https://givebutter.com/c/CLTKHO

www.friendsprogram.org

📣 Join Us on a Journey Through the Decades!

As we gear up for our 50th Anniversary Celebration, we’re taking a look back at the people, moments, and milestones that shaped the Friends Program into what it is today. 💙

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing photos, stories, and throwback highlights from each decade of our work serving the community — from our earliest volunteer matches to today’s programs supporting youth, seniors, and families.

👉 Follow along and celebrate 50 years of impact with us!
Share your own memories in the comments — we’d love to hear how the Friends Program has touched your life.

https://givebutter.com/CNDWnZ