Haverhill, MA (January 16, 2019) – Ruth’s House is pleased to announce it has received a $11,273 grant from the Griffin-White Foundation. The Griffin-White Foundation awards grants to organizations that help elderly and disabled adults live more independent, dignified lives. In Haverhill, 12% of the population are seniors and 25% of Haverhill senior households have an annual income of less than $20k (Source: Census.gov ACS). About 1,800 elders are at extreme risk due to winter weather. The grant supports several elder based programs, including:

• The Elder Coat Program enables seniors to choose a new coat for the winter months. In the past year, Ruth’s House provided coats for 155 seniors. Due to the need in the community, the minimum age has been lowered from 55 to 50 as records indicate this past year’s largest client category is the 50-65+ age group. In the upcoming year, 200 coats will be purchased and distributed to elderly indigent seniors. Ruth’s House is committed to providing all seniors who qualify for our coat program with a pair of winter gloves. Seniors are also eligible for a clothing voucher, four times a year, which they can use to purchase any clothing or footwear items that they require.
• At Ruth’s House, underwear and socks are considered a basic clothing necessity. The price of the socks and underwear has increased to an average cost of $6.50 per client visit. From January to June 2018, Ruth’s House provided socks and underwear to 1,156 individuals. 25% of these indigent clients were elderly.
• Job Training Program with Operation Able – Ruth’s House has had great success with the job training program. Ruth’s House has four seniors working in our job training program. The seniors who train at Ruth’s House have a good work ethic, are eager to learn new skills, benefit from the social interaction that is a part of being employed, and are a pleasure to have at The Thrift Shop. In 2019, Ruth’s House will offer job training to at least four more seniors.

“This grant will keep Merrimack Valley’s seniors warm this winter,” shared Barbara Donegan, President of the Board of Directors of Ruth’s House. “Whether it be the basics of coats, gloves and clothing … or job training to keep our seniors engaged in our communities, we are eternally grateful to the Griffin-White Foundation to continuing to provide caring services for our senior population.”