Haverhill Corner – A fund raising event will take place at the Haverhill Common area on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring a variety of delicious foods, live music, raffles, face painting, local
vendors, a silent auction, and more.
The ground zero for this exciting program will be at the newly established River House, a future local children’s home located on the beautiful property formerly owned by Dr. Jim and Bev erly Brown, situated on the
northern edge of the Haverhill Common.
A construction improvement program has been ongoing there for more than
two years, as the River House is being entirely reconstructed to prepare it
for occupancy at the end of 2025. The fundraising efforts will focus on property improvements for the Foster Care project, which has been underway since the property was acquired by Missie Anscombe of Upper Valley Ministries, an organization located at the nearby Piermont Church in
Piermont, NH.
Recently, The Bridge Weekly (TBW) asked Ms. Anscombe (MA) a series
of questions that reviewed the entire project from front to back. The question-and answer session follows.

TBW-Work is continuing on River House. Could you tell me a bit about
what you’re working on inside and outside the house?

MA-Framing of the main portion of the house has been the top priority be
cause once it’s complete, electrical can go into the first floor and the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can be designed.
Next steps are electrical, plumbing & HVAC. Then we’re on to the insulation,
sheetrock, flooring, and other cosmetic things!

TBW- When do you intend to make occupancy? Will there be children there at that time, or later?

MA- The plan is to move in December 2025 (Be fore Christmas) whether
we have sheetrock and flooring or not. The first people to move in will be
Mike and I along with our own four children. We will then begin the fostering process which will involve state inspec tions of the house. Once
the house is ready and we have all of the re quired licensing we will
begin taking in children between the ages of 0-9.

TBW-Do you have a num ber of children or fami lies you expect at River
House?

MA-The property is be ing designed to house up to 10 children plus
the house parents with future plans for the barn to house single staff,
couples or small fami lies. Specific rooms at the river house are being designed on the larger side in hopes of keeping siblings together in
the same house instead of being separated.

TBW-For your June 28 gala, what would you like the neighbors to
know about the day’s program?

MA-This event is so we can meet and get to know our new community and give them the opportunity to partner with us in the exciting things that are happening right here in the heart of Haverhill. And to have an absolute blast
as family! We know our own family is so excited for the festivities.

TBW-Do you plan to have personal visits prior to the June 28 event?
Or do you hope to meet them during the June 28 event?

MA-We’ve loved meeting everyone who has stopped by the project to say hello and if we had more time, we would pay individual visits to them all, but as it is, we are excited to meet everyone at the event. We’ll have a table set up with information and hopefully some merchandise as well to help fund further
renovations.

TBW-Should neighbors ask for a tour when folks are there working? Or would you rather make an appointment or pre-contact?

MA-Sometimes time is of the essence while we’re working, but if they catch us at a good time, we’re always happy to give a tour. It’s often harder to schedule things.

TBW-You have made contact with Josh Smith at WYKR Radio in Wells River?. Can folks hear your radio ad or promotion at a particular time?

MA-Yes! We love the folks at WYKR. I’m not sure of the exact time of day but I know they play twice a day up to the event.

TBW-How can locals sign up or can they sign up to volunteer to assist with the building or with kids’ programs you might have in the future?

MA-We always have projects to do for both amateurs and professionals
in regard to renovations. We have a “Work with us” option on our web
site at www.theriverhousenh.org and I personally respond to each inquiry with current projects or needs. Working with children in the future is a more logistically complicated process as background checks are required.

TBW-If someone wanted to send a meal to the River House or donate items, how could they best do that?

MA-For all donations or inquiries to help will be coordinated through
our website, www.theriverhousenh.org or direct email at TheRiverHouseNH@gmail.com. Financial gifts can be given online or mailed to PO Box 126. Haverhill, NH 03765.

TBW-What will you be needing most for the children at the house? Anything special you are particularly looking for?

MA-Every child’s needs will be unique and we are hopeful to partner with our community and other organizations to meet those individual needs as they come. As far as housing items, we are purchasing all new appliances and have
a fund specifically for housing necessities for everyday life that anyone can donate to. We will also be furnishing a nursery with brand new items (Crib, glider, dresser, etc.) when the time comes as the chance of a child under the age of 3 being placed in our care is very likely.
Things are continuing to come together beautifully, and we have been so encouraged by the outpouring of support from the Haverhill community in this endeavor, from financial gifts to text messages of encouragement, we’ve
been blown away.

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