Two months ago, some local service providers gathered to describe the impacts of possible funding cuts from the federal government. It was grim. And dire. It felt, someone said, like the room where our dreams of a better world went to die.
This week, I attended a meeting of the Northampton Survival Center finance committee. Long beloved by the community and well-supported locally, it receives no direct federal funds. Some other local cuts will impact us, but likely not catastrophically (for now.)
NSC is thriving.
Recently, a partnership between NSC and two local restaurants — La Veracruzana and Uya Poke Bowl — offered fresh prepared meals at pickup time for six weeks, a delight and relief for struggling people. Another initiative offers after-school snacks to parents who pick their children up from school before coming to get food. Right now, the staff is considering the idea of an after-hours refrigerated locker system, where people who can’t make it during the day or early evening could come pick up food at their convenience. These are just a few initiatives; there are many more.
These initiatives exist because of the incredible staff at the center, and Director Heidi Nortonsmith’s leadership. She gives time, space, and resources for staff to imagine new ideas, seeks input from clients, and supports them as they go for it.
I am proud to be on the NSC Board of Directors, and of the incredible staff and community that persistently shows us where dreams go to live.
Dane Kuttler, board member
Northampton Survival Center