Another winter Nor’easter barreled down on New Hampshire. Roberta sat nestled into her quaint home in the shadows of the Monadnock Mountains as the snow blew and winds howled.

Then, darkness. The power was out.

Moments later, Roberta’s phone rang. It was a calm, compassionate voice: “Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

It was a Monadnock at Home volunteer, ensuring she was okay weathering the storm. A simple call, but to Roberta, it meant everything. It reminded her that she was never alone – thanks to Monadnock at Home, a Catholic Charities NH program that helps older adults avoid isolation and remain connected to their communities.

“I Knew It Was Home”

Originally from California, Roberta relocated to Massachusetts in the 1970’s. For several years she pursued a biology teaching career at colleges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, eventually switching to technical writing for companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Digital Equipment Corporation

She loves to travel, especially to places where mountains meet the ocean, like her favorite spot, Acadia National Park. On one return trip through New Hampshire, she passed through Peterborough. The town’s charm and natural beauty reminded her of Acadia’s peaceful landscapes. From then on, she often took the “long way home,” stopping to enjoy lunch or simply take in the serene scenery.

“I kept coming back,” she shares. “The area has everything I enjoy – friendly people, good restaurants, a great book store and nature center and so much more. It embodies the beauty and essence of nature.”

It had the feeling of “home” – so she made it just that, relocating to Hancock in 1992. When she retired in 1998, she quickly became a valued part of her community, using her skills to volunteer with local nonprofits. Fondly known as the “tech wizard,” she repaired computers, swapped hard drives, and kept small nonprofits up and running. She also cherished outdoor adventures: hiking, canoeing, and kayaking across New Hampshire’s pristine landscapes.

She also loved doing work around the house, specifically making built-in bookcases and shelves through the carpentry skills her father taught her as a young girl. Though she never married or had children, she built a rich and fulfilling life surrounded by good neighbors and nature’s beauty.

A Helping Hand When It Was Needed the Most

Now in her mid-80s, Roberta describes herself as highly independent and self-reliant. But neurological issues have impacted her mobility. She uses a walker to stay mobile, but everyday tasks like carrying groceries or filling the backyard bird feeder have become difficult.

Roberta came across Monadnock at Home. While her initial expectations were receiving occasional help around the home, the program has become a literal lifeline for her.

Through Monadnock at Home’s network of trusted service providers, Roberta found a reliable housekeeper to help with cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, and tidying around the house, and a gardener to assist with landscaping.

Volunteers stepped in too. They installed grab bars throughout her home, replaced difficult doorknobs, and even fixed a malfunctioning interior light in her aging car. They also assembled a cart that she uses to easily haul groceries up her outdoor stairway and a pair of Adirondack chairs for enjoying the fresh air and birdsong she loves so dearly.

An Invaluable Peace of Mind

While she still drives, Monadnock at Home volunteers ease her anxiety about longer trips or places that are difficult to access with a walker. They’ve brought her to her doctor’s office, dropping her off close to the entrance to avoid long walks or tough terrain. She’s even received long-distance rides to Hanover for critical medical appointments.

These rides, she says, help her prepare for the day when she may no longer be able to drive or do the things she loves. “With Monadnock at Home, it becomes easier to give things up, knowing you’ll still have the support you need. It really takes a big load off your mind. You don’t have to worry about, ‘Now what do I do?’”

Roberta also enjoys the program’s many social events, attending lunches and art shows. During the winter, volunteers deliver two pints of soup every two weeks, compliments of donations from Mayfair Farm.

For older adults like Roberta, remaining independent is paramount. “My whole quality of life has stayed great because of Monadnock at Home,” she shares. “They have given me the sense of security and peace of mind I know I wouldn’t have without them. Because of them, I can live where I want to live and access everything I need!”

Beyond that invaluable peace of mind, Monadnock at Home provides financial relief, which is significant for her. Volunteers perform repairs that would cost hundreds elsewhere, and all service providers are vetted to prevent fraud or exploitation – a sad risk many older adults face.

“There are so many people who can’t afford expensive repairs around the home or rides to the doctor,” Roberta says. “You are giving us a sense of security and the ability to live out our lives on our own terms. That’s invaluable.”

Looking ahead, Roberta knows her neurological challenges will mean relying on Monadnock at Home even more. While she cherishes living independently, she understands that getting around may become harder with age. The social connection – from volunteer phone calls to friendly visits – will become even more meaningful.

“Knowing the support will be there when I need it takes a lot of worry off my mind.”

She’s grateful for the donors who make this support all possible. “None of this would be possible without the donors,” Roberta says, her voice filled with gratitude. “They don’t even know me, yet they’ve given me the priceless gift of staying in my home, surrounded by the nature I love. That’s what true kindness looks like.”

In a world where aging often brings uncertainty, Roberta has found what matters most: security, dignity, and connection. With the support of a caring community, she can continue living independently in the place she loves and calls home.