New Hampshire is home to dozens of nonprofits that provide much needed services and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to Granite Staters. The staff members and volunteers who help these organizations run have hearts that beat for the communities they serve. Our nonprofits play a vital role in every town, in every region of our state, and help make New Hampshire be the best place it can be. In our “Nonprofit Profile” series, we’re introducing you to the many nonprofits from around the state, and the people who are behind them.
For our latest profile, we’re meeting with the President of the NH Trans Fund, Jennifer Smith. Read on to learn about the new nonprofit, and how they’re hoping to provide emergency funding for LGBTQ+ adults in New Hampshire.
Jennifer Smith
New Hampshire Magazine: Tell us about yourself? What is your role at the NH Trans Fund?
Jennifer Smith: I am the President of the NH Trans Fund. I live in East Kingston and have four adult children. I also own a beauty studio in Exeter called Just Calm Down Skin & Nail Studio. I offer skincare, mani/pedis, waxing and body contouring.
NHM: What is the NH Trans Fund’s mission?
JS: The purpose of the NH Trans Fund is to provide a resource for emergency funding for adults who identify as LGBTQ+ in the State of New Hampshire.
NHM: When was the NH Trans Fund founded and why?
JS: We are a pretty new organization. I just started the process in January and finished filing all our paperwork in early May. The struggles of transgender individuals has always been a concern of mine. But, I came up with the idea of starting this because I have a trans daughter who, a couple of years ago, was trying to find a way of moving forward in her life, while simultaneously struggling with depression. I saw that there weren’t many funding programs in New Hampshire for those that need assistance with getting into an apartment, buying food, copays for mental health care and medications or paying utility costs. At least not without a lot of red tape and hoops to jump through. That is what planted the seed.
NHM: What services do you provide?
JS: None right now, but in the future we hope to provide counseling and support groups for people located on the Seacoast. We would also like to provide hands on help to connect people with legal assistance, doctors, housing and/or bill paying. All the things that can seem monumental when you have trouble just leaving the house.
NHM: What’s next? What are you looking to do over the course of the year?
JS: I am trying to organize some ideas for fundraising, and possibly put on an event. We attended Portsmouth Pride on June 22, and are looking forward to bringing more attention to our organization.
NHM: What is the impact that the NH Trans Fund is looking to make in New Hampshire and beyond?
JS: The NH Trans Fund focuses solely on individuals residing in New Hampshire and aims to give these LGBTQ+ residents an option when they find themselves in a dire situation.
NHM: What’s been your favorite part about working for the NH Trans Fund?
JS: What’s surprised me the most is how much attention we have gained so quickly! We are building up our followers on social media, and without marketing very much, people are finding us! This tells me we are a much needed resource in this state.
NHM: How can our readers get involved in your organization?
JS: Readers can donate to the NH Trans Fund and help us further our mission through our website: nhtransfund.org.