by Elizabeth Ropp, LAc.
For the next month, MAS hosts a food collection drive to support the Acts of Kindness food pantry, which serves our neighbors experiencing homelessness in Manchester, NH.
About Acts of Kindness
Acts of Kindness is a Manchester-based non-profit dedicated to assisting the city's unhoused population. Their mission is powerful: to provide a safe and supportive environment, connect individuals to solutions like housing and treatment and walk with them on their journey. AOK operates from the belief that every individual is worthy of dignity and assistance. By working together, they strive to create a brighter future where no one is left behind.
How Acupuncture Connects Us
Our connection with Acts of Kindness began when MAS acupuncturists Andy and Elizabeth met Tia Elie, AOK's passionate founder, during a 5NP Ear Acupuncture Detoxification Specialists Training held at Hope for NH Recovery.
We were immediately struck by Tia's genuine compassion and the powerful stories she shared about accompanying Manchester's most vulnerable. She's a true advocate, helping people navigate everything from substance use treatment to housing applications.
Tia and her partner, Fadzi, returned to a recent training to share how AOK is actively integrating 5NP ear acupuncture into their outreach. While many programs talk about it, Tia rolls up her sleeves! She hosts pop-up clinics in Manchester's parks to help people struggling with mental health and trauma find immediate relief, function better, and feel more grounded. It’s a beautiful example of using simple, effective tools like 5NP to meet people where they are.
AOK founder Tia Elie, getting 5NP ear acupuncture from Fadzi as he works towards his NH ADS certification.
How You Can Help: 🤝
AOK's food pantry is in urgent need of specific shelf-stable items that are easy for individuals without kitchens or reliable storage to manage.
We are collecting the following items at MAS clinics during clinic hours, through the next month:
- Canned goods with pop-top lids (e.g., canned soups, chili, beans, tuna).
- Individual packaged snacks, especially soft foods (e.g., applesauce pouches, fruit cups, pudding cups).
- Cereal (boxes or individual cups).
- Boxed or shelf-stable milk.
- Gatorade or other drinks with electrolytes.
- Handwarmers
Every donation makes a direct, immediate impact on someone's life.
If you would like to support Acts of Kindness directly with a monetary donation, please visit their website.
Thank you for helping MAS support Tia and the incredible work of Acts of Kindness!