Community benefits are programs and services that improve health, promote healing, and address identified community needs.

Our Community Benefits Program is central to our mission and is supported through agency operations, grant funding, and charitable contributions.

Each year, Granite VNA provides millions in community benefits as a not-for-profit agency.

As a nonprofit agency, we provide millions of dollars in community benefits each year to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

One important component of the program is providing clinical learning opportunities for undergraduate students. Clinical students gain valuable experience by shadowing our team members to develop sound clinical judgment and confidence while complementing their classroom education at New Hampshire colleges and universities. In FY26, students completed 1,329 hours of clinical shadowing with more than 18 of our clinicians.

These experiences can often inspire students to pursue careers in home health and hospice care. One of our current home care nurses, Derek Steckowych, first connected with Granite VNA as a Rivier University nursing student participating in our program.

“I expected to gain valuable hands-on experience that would build on what I learned in the classroom,” Steckowych said. “I’m a very hands-on learner, and being able to observe, practice, and receive guidance helped me develop my skills.”

The lessons Steckowych learned during his participation in the program continue to shape his nursing practice today.

“What has stayed with me most is the advice my nurse mentor gave me: be yourself, care not only for a patient’s health but also for their overall well-being, and never be afraid to ask questions,” he said.

By investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals, Granite VNA is helping build a stronger workforce for communities while advancing our Mission. Derek’s journey from student observer to home care nurse demonstrates the lasting impact of these learning experiences and the important role they play in shaping future caregivers.