It Still Looks Pretty Grim

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Like the other groups, MCRC relies on a combination of funding sources. "We do annual appeals twice a year. The previous one was in May just before I got here, and we're still receiving money from that. We get money from the Village of Manchester. We also receive money from other agencies. For example, there's a nonprofit resale clothing shop that gives money back to the community, including us. And the United Way, which is a new source of funding for us. It's our first year with them."

More funding is especially important in a recession, particularly when local jobs were already scarce. "Like every other small community, it's very noticeable if employment drops," says Seyfried. "We still have some manufacturing here, but most of it's gone. And because we're removed from the rest of the county geographically, transportation to work can be an issue. People want reliable work to sustain themselves and their families, and that's lacking in this area."

Coupled with cuts in welfare and unemployment benefits, this means increased demand for MCRC's services. "But we're a well-supported organization, with a lot of great community partners behind us," says Seyfried. "Every day brings great things, and the good things outweigh the challenges."

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