Inspiring Hope, Encouraging Stability

To some, it may look inconsequential: a piece of paper, a building…a sign. But to Liberty Bank’s Senior Security Investigator Rachael Van Ness, those things represent hope, and they mark the growth and development of her own nonprofit – 3H, Inc. With Hands, With Hearts, With Hope.

The mission of 3H is to provide essential items to children in crisis who are involved with child welfare agencies, ensuring that they have the necessities needed for safety, comfort and dignity. This could mean providing beds, cribs, mattresses, diapers, hygiene products and even clothing.

“We don’t work with kids. We work for kids,” Van Ness said, explaining that providing children in heartbreaking circumstances with these items gives families a chance to stabilize. “We want to help level the playing field.”

The effort started about two years ago when Van Ness, a retired State Police Trooper, reached out to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) looking for a way to help. “It grew into this really beautiful initiative,” she said, noting that her organization was initially affiliated with her church, but is now – as of April – registered as its own nonprofit. Because of this, space was recently leased in Newtown.

“I am painfully aware of the privileges that stability brings,” Van Ness said. “I am never not working for these kids.”

Being an independent, registered nonprofit means more responsibility for Van Ness as its founder. She’ll soon be applying for grants and other funding to both cover 3H’s rent and help purchase items for families. The organization does accept donations, including new and gently used items, and Van Ness is quick to praise her Liberty teammates for their generosity. “There are so many people here who have contributed and are involved in this organization,” she said.

While 3H keeps Van Ness busy, her good deeds do not stop there. Van Ness volunteers in her community in countless other ways.  For example, Van Ness, a member of the Liberty Bank Volunteer Hall of Fame, has volunteered eight hours each month at St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury, for nearly a decade, bringing her family and other community members when she volunteers. Every other Saturday, she serves dinner at the homeless shelter and donates items to supplement the meal, such as soda, desserts and salad dressing. It helps those individuals reset and gives them dignity, she said. “There’s something very beautiful about nourishing people,” Van Ness added.

Another example: Van Ness is also responsible for a golf tournament raffle. The raffle (and the tournament) benefits the Children’s Tumor Foundation, an organization Van Ness discovered when a friend’s son was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis – an incurable condition. “I am really blessed to be a part of that,” Van Ness said.

Every day, Van Ness says she chooses to make a difference and to make life better for someone else, and she encourages others to do the same.

“I don’t understand inaction,” she said. “The simple act of caring is courageous.”

To those wondering whether to seize a volunteer opportunity, Van Ness says to go for it.

“Jump in. It feels so good,” she said. “You just have to find something that sets your soul on fire. You’ll find your fit.”

If you would like more information about 3H, Inc., contact Van Ness at [email protected].