Womenaid of Greater Portsmouth Celebrates 20 Years of Service to the Community

PORTSMOUTH, NH — On September 18, 2025, 60 community members gathered at the Elks Lodge to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Womenaid of Greater Portsmouth. Since its founding in 2005, the all-volunteer nonprofit has distributed over $1 million in financial assistance to more than 6,000 local neighbors in need. This success is made possible by the generosity of donors, business supporters, and local organizations.

Womenaid serves the communities of Greenland, Kittery, New Castle, Newington, Portsmouth, and Rye. Operating with no paid staff or office space, the organization relies on a dedicated team of community validators—including social workers, case managers, guidance counselors, and school nurses—who submit requests for help with essential needs not covered by other organizations.

Requests often include support for education, childcare, healthcare, utilities, transportation, car repairs, clothing, and household goods. The impact of this assistance is far-reaching, as described by several of the community validators:

• Womenaid helps the unhoused when they finally get a home. “...So many homeless folks leave EVERYTHING behind when they become homeless...I wish you could see the looks on people’s faces when they are told they will be getting a brand new, never used, mattress...”
• Womenaid helps reunite families. A mother “was able to reunite with her children yesterday… Her two children were thrilled to come home to their own belongings... We are beyond thankful for your assistance and the difference you made for this family and so many others in the area.”
• Womenaid gives hope. “…I can’t begin to tell you how grateful my client is. When I met her for the first time, her life story brought me to tears… She told me that she was starting to lose hope that things would get better…”

During the anniversary celebration, Womenaid shared heartfelt notes of gratitude from people who have received assistance over the years.

One of the founding members, Kathy Ricci, shared a poignant story from the organization’s early years. In its first year of operation, Womenaid faced a difficult choice between two urgent requests for help—one from a family fleeing domestic violence and another from a family facing eviction. Rather than turn away anyone in need, Womenaid rallied the community and raised enough funds to assist both families. Since that time, Womenaid has never had to turn away a request due to a lack of funds.

President of Womenaid, Meg Munsey, expressed deep gratitude to the community for its ongoing support. “Thanks to you, we’ve been able to bring hope and relief to thousands of neighbors over the past 20 years. With your generous support, we can continue our impactful work of providing vital assistance in this amazing community."

To learn more about Womenaid of Greater Portsmouth and how you can help, please visit: https://www.womenaidportsmouth.org/.