Granite State Independent Living

Granite State Independent Living is the only Center for Independent Living in New Hampshire, serving more than 2,500 people of all ages across the whole state, and it's been helping people with disabilities since 1980, focusing on support, equity, and inclusion; the place works with a mix of programs and services that really look after folks, offering personalized care at home and in the community, whether someone needs help with daily activities like bathing or getting dressed, housekeeping, meal planning, grocery shopping, or learning skills for budgeting and paying bills, and they don't stop there but also provide mentorship through peer support, help with academic and safety skills, and even volunteer opportunities for people who want to stay active or involved in the community. Their Employment and Community Support Program (ECSP) has been running for more than 30 years, and they put a lot of effort into helping adults with developmental disabilities, offering on-the-job training, job coaching, interview help, job shadowing, and soft skills so folks can try to find and keep good jobs, which helps with financial independence, plus they work with over 500 people every year to give home care and support more than 500 at-risk students on their way from school to the workforce, and help 80 people make their homes safer and easier to live in. Granite State Independent Living also goes beyond individual care; they've got a board with officers like a Chair, Vice Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer, and they're always advocating for better disability services, rights, and access in the community, trying to remove barriers so everyone can have the same opportunities, and every year they hold events, like their Chipping in FORE Independence golf tournament and Hoops on Wheels wheelchair basketball in March, plus an Annual Dinner and Awards Night to celebrate supporters and share stories, and if folks want to help, they can always volunteer at community events or fundraisers. The center has 17 consumer-directed programs including benefits counseling, home access modifications, service coordination, peer mentoring, transportation, education support, and help with nursing facility transition, all designed to promote independence and choice, and their services reach into every county in the state-from Belknap to Coös-so if someone wants to stay at home but be part of their town, learn new skills, or just be more independent, the staff at Granite State Independent Living can usually find a way to help, always aiming to make life fuller and more connected for people with disabilities.