Meet the July Community Partner: ACORN
added 06/24/08
When HIV and AIDS first appeared in the Upper Valley, our area responded like many other parts of the country-medical and social-service communities were not prepared to meet the overwhelming need, misinformation was rampant, and fear, hostility, and prejudice often ruled the day.
Even within the shelter of an ivy-league community which prides itself on progressive thought and open-minded dialogue, people who had the condition or knew someone who did were often afraid to talk about it. Then in 1988, a diverse and compassionate group of volunteers came together to help, and ACORN was born.
ACORN—A Community Resource Network—is a comprehensive and professional service organization dedicated to supporting those infected and affected by HIV and Hepatitis C viruses. ACORN offers case management, support groups, assistance with transportation to medical appointments, and emergency financial help for housing, food, clothing, and medical needs. It also offers a non-invasive, oral HIV test administered by certified HIV counselors and testers.
ACORN, located on 2 Blacksmith Street in Lebanon, New Hampshire, provides services to anyone living in Windsor and Orange counties in Vermont and Grafton and Sullivan counties in New Hampshire. All services are free and confidential.
In addition to supporting people who are already infected with HIV and/or HCV, ACORN’s mission includes stopping the spread of these viruses through a variety of community outreach and educational programs and services.
How you can help:
- Make a cash contribution at the registers when you shop at the Co-op Food Stores or Service Center during July.
- Contact ACORN to learn about volunteer opportunities by calling 800-816-2220 or visiting the ACORN website.
Meet Jolene Labonte
It’s not easy keeping the big and busy Co-op Merchandising area organized. In fact, it was so difficult that not long ago we realized someone special needed to help us with it. Fortunately, Jolene agreed to take on the job, and we’re lucky that she did. Jolene has been at the Co-op for a long time. She’s smart, friendly, and super organized. She spent years helping customers at our Service Desk, and was so good at what she did she was given more responsibility. Now she assists our Merchandising Director and Assistant Director, and with her help all of our merchandisers can more easily do what they do so well.
Natural and Specialty Department
Looking for jerk seasonings or hot curries? How about a fancy horseradish or raspberry honey mustard pretzel dip? Dark chocolate? International foods? Where does it all end?
