Andover – Readers of the Beacon may have seen that residents needing rides to some activities at The Andover Community Hub can now contact Kearsarge Neighborhood Partners (KNP) to request them. This is thanks to a new and evolving collaboration between The Hub and KNP.

When someone calls or emails KNP, their request is broadcast to a network of local KNP volunteers who, in addition to providing transportation in Andover and beyond, can also assist neighbors by helping with meals, errands, connection to local resources, companionship, and more. More information about KNP is available at knpnh.org.

Since 2020, KNP has worked to nurture community connections within its 10-town service area, including Andover, so that “neighbors help each other flourish.” Residents have received rides to medical appointments or the grocery store, gotten help with household budgeting, learned skills, met new people, and in the process have felt less lonely and isolated.

According to KNP’s 2023 Annual Report, 124 active volunteers logged 6,185 hours, which included 13,284 miles driven, 77 loads of firewood provided, and 305 small home repairs. In addition to providing direct neighbor-to-neighbor support and increasing its own volunteer base, KNP, as a larger regional organization, also seeks to share access to its volunteer network and offer “back-office” support to area nonprofits like The Andover Hub, to help them be more effective in their own missions.

A recent example of this collaboration is when KNP offered to supply volunteer drivers to The Andover Hub’s monthly senior lunches. Riders driven by KNP volunteers will be covered by KNP’s insurance and residents who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend will have the chance to socialize with neighbors while enjoying a good nutritious meal.

In the future, The Andover Hub and KNP hope to expand this partnership by piloting other ways to pair more local volunteers with those residents seeking support. The Hub itself may also receive access to KNP’s organizational expertise, shared infrastructure, and volunteer assistance with carrying out its programming, helping to strengthen The Hub’s value as a community nonprofit.  For more about The Hub, readers can visit www.andoverhub.org.

The Boards of Directors of both The Hub and KNP feel that this collaboration can be a “win-win” for Andover residents, as well as for both organizations. KNP is now actively looking for more Andover volunteers, and those interested in offering or receiving assistance can contact KNP at  knpnh.org or by calling 603 317-5900.