Catholic Charities New Hampshire, one of the state’s largest social services organizations, announced today that it has received a $25,000 grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (EBCF) to support its programs that assist New Hampshire residents adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other forms of hardship. Funds from this grant will be utilized for select emergency financial relief for individuals and families statewide, food assistance for homebound and at-risk seniors, and increased access to mental health counseling for those struggling with emotional challenges, in addition to other forms of support. “We are incredibly appreciative of the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, who once again are enabling us to extend the reach of our programs during these difficult times,” said Tom Blonski, president and CEO of Catholic Charities NH. “A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for our services remains at a high level. This grant positions us to more effectively respond to these growing needs and create more pathways to success for those struggling.” This follows another $25,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation in late 2020, which is helping Catholic Charities NH provide support for immigrants and families coping with the pandemic. “Thank you to the organizations and people bravely working on the front lines to support our neighbors in need providing vital assistance during these times,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President and CEO of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation. “The need for corporate philanthropic support of our nonprofit partners is as great now as it was at the beginning of the pandemic, and we invite those who can to join us in giving their support.” During the early days and weeks of the pandemic, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation began to lend its support as quickly as possible, and it has steadily increased throughout 2020 the amount of unsolicited grants to nonprofit organizations. In total, $13 million in COVID-19 relief grants has been provided to hundreds of local and regional organizations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in 2020.