BOOKS
stories with the power to change
Michael, Growing Up "Colored" in NH
My family moved to Lee, NH, in 1957. We were the only "colored family" in the area. My parents were respected members of the community with strong convictions and compassion. Their love and their experiences have shaped who I am today.
Katrin, Finding Grace in Our Battle Against Chronic Illness
Part of chronic illness is the frustration that you have a disease no one can cure. For our daughter, we often have to make hard decisions that have a huge impact on her life. But no good biography ever started with an easy childhood; now we know how her story will begin.
Doug, Person with Diff-abilities
I like to make people laugh. I want to be an actor. I play soccer. I'm a writer. And I've taken out a lot of toes.
Ginger, Confidence in God
Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has given me a foundation of joy and a confidence in God’s love. Knowing that I am a beloved daughter of a Heavenly Father has shaped the choices I have made and has let me witness blessings, miracles, and love throughout my life, even in the midst of difficulties.
Phyllis, Generation to Generation
Passing years bring many varied and wonderful experiences, but also many challenges with frequent and increasingly complex technology.
Stiles, Transgender Male
I love talking with people. I like to help others. I am an actor, a Christian, a good friend. And I am a transgender male.
Buddy, Veteran
I am a Marine Combat Infantry Veteran who has seen much which can't be unseen. I am also a husband, father, Christian and social work graduate student. Most of all I am blessed, not broken.
Alisa, Brain Injury
I live with invisible illnesses. My brain injury is just one. It has effected my life in many ways you can't see, but it does not define me. I have made an ability of of my disabilities through art.
Amy, Vegan Activist
When I share that I'm a vegan with people I think they worry that I'm going to judge them. I want people to understand that I'm a vegan out of love and compassion for life and the environment, not hate or judgement for others.
Anna, Addiction and Recovery
I'm in long term recovery from IV heroin use. I share my story to bring awareness to my community about the public health crisis in NH.
Aziz, Muslim
My grandparents, among two million others, were exiled from our native land Circassia. I live in US for the last 23 years and this is my home now. I am an economist, a husband, a father; but above all, I am a Muslim.
Lyndi, Sexual Assault Survivor
Surviving sexual assault had a profound effect on me. It changed the trajectory of my life. I share my story so others can come forward. I want anyone who experiences an assault to know they are not alone. It is not their fault and, most of all, they are believed.
Jessica, Transgender Woman
I want to share my experiences with discrimination and the fight for transgender equality in New Hampshire. I am a veteran, a police dispatcher, and a mentor who enjoys cooking, reading, and travelling and I am a transgender woman.
Shadi, Iranian Student
I wish people understood how much my life has changed in the past two years. I'm only 21 and I can't visit my family in Tehran because of the new VISA laws in the US.
Photo credits: Elise Sullivan Photography (all photos, except Aziz).