Keene Housing Kids Collaborative

06/05/2026

What helps children thrive, even when they've experienced adversity?

A new study published in Pediatrics highlights the powerful role of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) in shaping long-term health, well-being, and life outcomes. The research found that positive experiences in childhood are strongly associated with better mental health, physical health, educational attainment, and economic opportunity in adulthood even among individuals who have experienced significant adversity.

This research reinforces what we see every day at the Keene Housing Kids Collaborative: when children have caring relationships, safe environments, opportunities to belong, and supportive adults who believe in them, those experiences matter. They build resilience, create opportunity, and can help buffer the effects of adversity.

Investing in positive childhood experiences isn't just good for kids today it's an investment in healthier, stronger communities tomorrow.

This study shows that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can dramatically reduce the effects of childhood adversity on lifelong health.

06/04/2026

This photo might look like a pile of duffle bags to some. Well it is, but to us it also represents opportunity.

We are incredibly grateful to partner with YMCA Camp Takodah to provide life-changing summer experiences for 21 local children this year.

Not only are these children attending sleepaway camp, but each camper will also arrive with a duffle bag filled with essential camp gear.

As many families know, the cost of camp extends far beyond tuition. The clothing, supplies, and equipment needed can be significant barriers for children who would otherwise miss out on this opportunity.

Thanks to Camp Takodah's partnership and support, these campers can head off to camp feeling prepared, included, and confident. They will spend the summer building friendships, developing independence, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to all of our supporters for investing in our community's children and ensuring that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of transformative experiences. Your generosity is making a lasting difference.

06/03/2026

☀️ Summer baseball is back in Keene! ⚾

Registration for Keene Cal Ripken Summer Baseball is officially OPEN through June 19th!
✅ Ages 5–12
✅ Coach Pitch & Majors Divisions
✅ Weeknight games from June 29 – July 31
✅ Swanzey Cal Ripken players welcome
Give your child a summer filled with teamwork, confidence, new friendships, and fun on the field!

Keene Housing and select Southwestern Community Services kids can register for free through the Kids Collaborative by emailing [email protected].

KeeneKids YouthSports CommunityStrong

06/03/2026

Not asking for a donation today. Really.

Just a quick reminder that NH Gives is one week away! 📅

Mark your calendar for June 9-10 and get ready to help create brighter futures for local kids.

We'll be back next week with the actual ask. 😉

06/01/2026

☀️ FREE SUMMER MEAL KITS FOR KIDS & TEENS! ☀️

Keene families: Free weekly meal kits will be available this summer for children and teens ages 18 and under through the USDA Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids (SUN) and the NH Food Bank.
📍 Location: Keene Middle School
🏠 167 Maple Ave, Keene, NH
📅 Fridays, July 10 – August 14, 2026
⏰ Meal service time: To be announced
🥪 Each kit includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch ingredients.
⚠️ On your first pickup, you must either:
• Bring all children with you, OR
• Provide proof of school enrollment (student ID, report card, attendance record, or official school enrollment letter/email).
Meal kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration helps estimate demand but does not guarantee a meal kit.
🔗 Visit nhfoodbank.org/summermeals or scan the QR code on the flyer for updates.
FreeMeals SummerSupport CommunityStrong KidsNutrition FuelingFutures

05/20/2026

Summer isn't just a break; it’s a time of exploration and growth when young people can try new things, make friends, and deepen their skills in areas that interest them. But for millions of families across the country, that vision of summer is out of reach.

Affordability remains a significant barrier to summer learning accessibility, with almost 4 in 10 families identifying cost as a key factor preventing their child’s enrollment in a summer learning program. This is especially true for low- and middle-income families.

Unfortunately, these statistics ring true for many families right here in our community. That’s why the Kids Collaborative is focused on helping families overcome financial barriers to summer camp and enrichment opportunities.

Nationwide, parents of 24.6M kids want a summer program for their child. However, roughly half of these children are missing out on the positive and engaging experiences summer can hold. New data paints the full picture of summer program participation in America: https://bit.ly/4fqKPNG

05/14/2026

Thank you Stark Level Solutions and Monadnock Shopper News for highlighting the work of the Keene Housing Kids Collaborative but most importantly our wonderful staff member Anna Crosby.

Anna has dedicated the past ten years to improving the lives of the kids we serve. She is a dedicated, caring professional who helps our kids access learning opportunities so they can reach their full potential.

Thank you Anna for all that you do.

05/12/2026

⚽🌟 BIG NEWS from Keene Housing Kids Collaborative! 🌟⚽

We’re excited to welcome our newest community partner, Stellar Soccer !🎉

Keene Housing and select Southwestern Community Services families can now register for the:
⚽ STELLAR SOCCER SUMMER CLINIC @ KEENE FAMILY YMCA
📍 Keene Family YMCA
📅 Friday Evenings | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🚀 Starts Friday, July 3rd
⏳ 6-Week Program | Ends August 7th
👧🧒 For Players Ages 6–12
✅ Co-Ed
✅ Open to ALL skill levels

This is an amazing opportunity for kids to build skills, confidence, teamwork, and have FUN this summer! ⚽💙

Kids Collaborative families email [email protected] or call 603-352-0109 to register.

SummerSoccer YMCA KidsInMotion YouthDevelopment SoccerClinic CommunityStrong

05/08/2026

🌟 Parents, you’re invited! 🌟

Next Saturday, join us for our second Parent Connection Group at the Kids Collaborative office! This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, learn helpful tools, and take time for yourself. 💜

We’re excited to welcome Alyssa Bender from the City of Keene, who will lead an important discussion on teen risky behavior and mental health. Following the workshop, enjoy a mindful presentation and relaxing chair yoga session. 🧘‍♀️

🍴 Lunch will be provided
📍 Kids Collaborative Office
📅 Next Saturday
📞 Please RSVP so we can make sure there’s enough food for everyone!
We hope to see you there!