Building Community In New Hampshire
Helping Refugees Navigate Their Way To A Safe, Prosperous, and connected life in New Hampshire
Building Community in New Hampshire was founded in 2009 by a group of refugees from Bhutan to help each other rebuild their lives in New Hampshire. Originally known as the Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire, we broadened our mission and changed our name in 2017. We remain an organization run by and for refugees.
What We Do
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Preparing New Citizens
BCNH provides classes in English and American civics to pepare new Americans for their naturalization exams. In this photo, from 2020, Chura Acharya (standing) poses with members of his class outside the Manchester Public LIbrary.
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Health, Safety, And Coping With COVID
BCNH links clients with medical providers and community mental health centers, often helping people schedule and get to appointments. COVID hit the refugee communities in New Hampshire disproportionately hard. We have responded with PPE, sanitizer, information in many languages, and direct one-on-one counseling. Starting in Feburary 2021, we have helped register refugees for vaccinations and provided translation on site.
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Case Managers Who Speak The Language And Understand The Challenge
BCNH hires case managers who came to the United States as refugees themslves. Eric Irakiza, left, was from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and speaks Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French, and English. He and his peers help individuals and families solve problems, ranging from finiding housing and a job to getting a drivers license or even a divorce.
Then Board Chair Rudra Timsina accepts the Nonprofit Impact Award, April 22, 2021.
Winner: 2021 Nonprofit Impact Award
“Over the past year, nonprofit leaders stepped up to meet the challenges of our communities with heroic determination and compassion,” said Kathleen Reardon, CEO of the NH Center for Nonprofits. “We are pleased to present these awards to celebrate the resilience, vision, and dedication that we see throughout the nonprofit sector. Each of the honorees has made an extraordinary impact on our state.”
“BCNH will be celebrated for ensuring that refugees from many countries get the essential services and cultural connections to become established and thrive in New Hampshire, and eventually become American citizens.”
— NH Center for Nonprofits
Please Help Us Build Strong And Diverse Communities In New Hampshire.
BCNH relies on individual donations and grants to do most of our work.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions or to ask for assistance.
Mail or in person
1045 Elm Street, Suite 202, Manchester NH 03101-1824
Email
bcnh@bcinnh.org
or rminard@bcinnh.org
Phone
603-935-9620 (Manchester office)