Martha is the kind of grandmother anyone would be lucky to have. Her warm smile and boundless love for family shine, even in the most challenging times.

So, it’s no surprise that she recently made a life-altering decision to ensure her family stayed together.

At nearly 70 years old and despite her own health struggles with diabetes and a limited income, Martha opened her small home to two young grandchildren and a niece, whose parents could no longer care for them.

It wasn’t the retirement she had envisioned, but for Martha, family always comes first – especially if it means keeping the kids in a familiar and loving environment.

Martha did everything she could to make the most of her growing household. She signed up for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to help make ends meet.

But it was still a struggle to get by. The children had no warm clothes for the looming New Hampshire winter, and the propane tank that heated their home was almost empty.

Overwhelmed but determined, Martha turned to Catholic Charities NH for help.

Our Community Services program caseworker connected Martha with a local thrift shop, where she received a voucher to get warm winter clothes for the kids, who were thrilled to pick out their new coats and hats. We also worked with her propane company to set up a financial pledge system, ensuring her home stayed heated through the bitter cold.

While adjusting to her new reality remains challenging, we continue to support Martha and the kids, teaching her financial literacy and budgeting skills to help ease her burdens in the months ahead.

A devoted grandmother, Martha is deeply grateful for Catholic Charities NH. With her boundless love for the kids and the compassion of donors, she knows they can weather any storm ahead.