Rooted in Kindness, Growing Through Connection
At Community Cares Network of Chester & Andover (CCNCA), we believe in the power of neighborly connection and collective care. Founded on the simple yet profound idea that everyone deserves support, our organization exists to strengthen the social fabric of Chester, Andover, and the surrounding communities.
We are more than a nonprofit—we are a trusted friend, a dependable resource, and a dedicated ally to those in need. From offering essential services to coordinating volunteers and fostering partnerships, we serve as a bridge between challenges and solutions, between isolation and connection.
Our Story
Where Compassion and Community Come Together
In the quiet, close-knit towns of Chester and Andover, Vermont, something powerful began to grow—not from wealth or influence, but from empathy, kindness, and a deep love for community. Community Cares Network of Chester & Andover was born from a simple truth: we all need someone to lean on.
Our story began with a few neighbors who saw a growing need—elders living alone, families facing hardship, individuals overwhelmed by isolation and everyday challenges. These compassionate residents knew they couldn’t solve everything, but they also knew they couldn’t look away. So they acted. They checked in on seniors, cooked meals, offered rides to medical appointments, and sat with those who simply needed to talk.
What started as a handful of good-hearted people quickly grew into a movement. A movement fueled by a shared mission: to build a compassionate and resilient community where every individual and family feels seen, supported, and valued. That mission became our identity—and the foundation of the work we do every single day.
As the need grew, so did we. We formalized our efforts, created volunteer teams, formed partnerships with local organizations, and developed programs to serve more people in more ways. But through it all, we remained rooted in our core belief: community care is personal, and it begins with connection.
We’ve helped neighbors stay in their homes, ensured elders don’t go through a single holiday alone, and responded to crises with speed and sincerity. We’ve empowered volunteers to become leaders, and families to find strength in unity. We’ve turned small, meaningful gestures into lasting impact. And perhaps most importantly, we’ve reminded people that they matter.
Community Cares Network of Chester & Andover isn’t just an organization—it’s a living expression of hope, compassion, and resilience. It’s the comforting presence of someone knocking on your door when you need help the most. It’s the warmth of a phone call, the generosity of a hot meal, the relief of knowing you’re not forgotten.
As we look to the future, we remain as committed as ever. Our story is still being written—by the hands of every volunteer, every donor, every community member who believes that caring is contagious and that love, when shared, multiplies.
We are here because of our community. We exist for our community. And we will continue to grow with our community—one act of care at a time.
Rooted in Compassion, Built by Community, Driven by Hope
At Community Cares Network of Chester & Andover, we believe that true strength lies in the heart of a caring community. We are a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing that strength—by showing up, lifting one another up, and ensuring that no individual or family in our region faces life’s challenges alone.
Our organization was created in response to a growing awareness of the silent struggles so many people face. Whether it’s an aging neighbor without transportation, a family navigating a crisis, or someone experiencing the isolating effects of rural life—our mission is simple but powerful: to create a compassionate and resilient community that supports every individual and family.
A Place Where Everyone Matters
Whether you are 18 or 88, single or part of a large family, temporarily struggling or long in need of support—there is a place for you here. We don’t see people as problems to be solved. We see them as neighbors to be cared for. That philosophy drives every call we return, every home we visit, and every life we touch.
Our volunteers are the beating heart of our work. These incredible individuals give their time, their energy, and their compassion freely, and in return they often receive something even more powerful: the joy of making a difference. From delivering meals to sitting beside someone during a difficult time, every action contributes to a stronger, more caring community.
Our Guiding Beliefs:
Everyone deserves to live with dignity and connection.
No one should feel alone when facing hardship.
Small acts of care can change lives.
A united community is a powerful force for good.
Over the years, Community Cares Network of Chester & Andover has grown from a grassroots effort to a trusted community resource. Yet our values have never changed. We remain grounded in the belief that when we care for each other, we all thrive.
Filling the Gaps, Restoring Connection, Strengthening Community
In a world that often moves too fast and systems that don’t always reach everyone, many individuals and families quietly struggle—especially in small, rural communities like ours. Aging neighbors may live alone without nearby family. Working parents might face emergencies with no support system. Those navigating illness or hardship can feel overwhelmed and forgotten. These realities are more common than they appear, and they form the heart of why Community Cares Network of Chester & Andover exists.