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Resident representation is a hallmark of the NeighborWorks approach to community development and affordable housing. The idea is that residents know their communities best, and that nonprofits serving the community should allow residents to play a key role in their strategic decision-making. NeighborWorks affiliates also concentrate on underserved populations, including U.S. veterans.
Recently, New Hampshire network member Affordable Housing, Education & Development (AHEAD) found a new board member, retired Brig. Gen. Peter Corey, who is a key asset in its new focus on comprehensive services for veterans.
AHEAD owned space it was converting into a clinic for veterans at Mount Eustis Commons in Littleton. In the process, the staff realized the true scale of the challenges facing the local veteran community.
A survey found there are 115,000 veterans living in New Hampshire (48 percent are over the age of 65). New Hampshire is eighth in the nation for veterans per capita. The VA medical center that serves the area is in Vermont, 80 miles away. Veterans living in outlying regions rely almost entirely on services provided through community-based outpatient clinics. It was believed that upward of 3,500 area veterans would travel from as far away as Maine to the new Mount Eustis Commons clinic during the course of a year.
AHEAD’s electrical contractor for the clinic mentioned that his brother, Peter Corey, was retiring soon from the National Guard and had an interest in community development; in fact, he had been in a community development class with AHEAD’s former executive director.
Corey was born and raised in Littleton but has diverse experience in tough environments, including the Gulf after Katrina, West Africa during the Ebola crisis, United Nations peace-keeping missions in Liberia and Ethiopia, and combat operations in Kuwait and Iraq. His experience overseeing these complex operations, as well as managing services for returning National Guard members, means Corey can be a tremendous help to the Littleton community.
AHEAD invited Corey to the clinic opening and he became familiar with the organization’s service to veterans. This relationship proved important, as AHEAD needed to fill a gap in its board left by long-term board member Tom Eyman. AHEAD realized Corey would be a natural fit and extended him an invitation to join the board. He accepted in December 2015.
Since joining, Corey has made a tremendous impact on both staff and clients. Sally Ayers, AHEAD’s director of operations, says Corey is easy to get along with but not afraid to ask tough questions during board meetings. Corey is the first board member to tour every AHEAD property and he immediately assumed leadership positions on board subcommittees. His infectious personality and confidence is an inspiration for other board members. AHEAD’s board is participating in the NeighborWorks Excellence in Governance program, and is in the process of organizing formal mentorships.
Corey also has proved his value by traveling to a wide variety of small meetings in far-flung locations where veterans gather to discuss their situations.
Executive Director Mike Claflin says, “Peter brings a unique experience in leadership and service to our board. His exposure to the economic and social challenges of developing countries will be incredibly valuable to our organization and to our efforts to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty in rural New Hampshire. Additionally, his knowledge of veterans' issues will provide AHEAD with a better understanding of this underserved portion of our population.”
Recently, New Hampshire network member Affordable Housing, Education & Development (AHEAD) found a new board member, retired Brig. Gen. Peter Corey, who is a key asset in its new focus on comprehensive services for veterans.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new CBOC Littleton, NH, from left: Brig. Gen. Peter Corey, Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen,VISN 1 Deputy Director Barrett Franklin, Maj. Gen. William N. Reddel. |
AHEAD owned space it was converting into a clinic for veterans at Mount Eustis Commons in Littleton. In the process, the staff realized the true scale of the challenges facing the local veteran community.
A survey found there are 115,000 veterans living in New Hampshire (48 percent are over the age of 65). New Hampshire is eighth in the nation for veterans per capita. The VA medical center that serves the area is in Vermont, 80 miles away. Veterans living in outlying regions rely almost entirely on services provided through community-based outpatient clinics. It was believed that upward of 3,500 area veterans would travel from as far away as Maine to the new Mount Eustis Commons clinic during the course of a year.
AHEAD’s electrical contractor for the clinic mentioned that his brother, Peter Corey, was retiring soon from the National Guard and had an interest in community development; in fact, he had been in a community development class with AHEAD’s former executive director.
Corey was born and raised in Littleton but has diverse experience in tough environments, including the Gulf after Katrina, West Africa during the Ebola crisis, United Nations peace-keeping missions in Liberia and Ethiopia, and combat operations in Kuwait and Iraq. His experience overseeing these complex operations, as well as managing services for returning National Guard members, means Corey can be a tremendous help to the Littleton community.
AHEAD invited Corey to the clinic opening and he became familiar with the organization’s service to veterans. This relationship proved important, as AHEAD needed to fill a gap in its board left by long-term board member Tom Eyman. AHEAD realized Corey would be a natural fit and extended him an invitation to join the board. He accepted in December 2015.
 Brigadier General Peter L. Corey (front) with Major General William N. Reddel, the adjutant general for New Hampshire, touring the new clinic with AHEAD. |
Since joining, Corey has made a tremendous impact on both staff and clients. Sally Ayers, AHEAD’s director of operations, says Corey is easy to get along with but not afraid to ask tough questions during board meetings. Corey is the first board member to tour every AHEAD property and he immediately assumed leadership positions on board subcommittees. His infectious personality and confidence is an inspiration for other board members. AHEAD’s board is participating in the NeighborWorks Excellence in Governance program, and is in the process of organizing formal mentorships.
Corey also has proved his value by traveling to a wide variety of small meetings in far-flung locations where veterans gather to discuss their situations.
Executive Director Mike Claflin says, “Peter brings a unique experience in leadership and service to our board. His exposure to the economic and social challenges of developing countries will be incredibly valuable to our organization and to our efforts to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty in rural New Hampshire. Additionally, his knowledge of veterans' issues will provide AHEAD with a better understanding of this underserved portion of our population.”
