Sharing A Passion for Community Involvement

Paul Hausmann, PSNH Account Executive in Keene, not only works with large accounts in the company’s Western/Central division, he also works with many non-profits making a difference in those communities.

His passion as a Big Brother (a.k.a. a “Big”) with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western NH shines through. Initially, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be a Big, but after a lot of persistence on the part of the program manager, he agreed. That was 2½ years ago, and he’s had a little brother named Kevin ever since. Despite a rocky road at times, Hausmann has seen Kevin through the past couple of years. Kevin is now 14 years old, and Paul sees him every two weeks for two to four hours.

“You learn a lot,” Hausmann admits. “When I first started, I was so sympathetic to the situation he was brought up in, I didn’t want to correct him or play the father figure. I quickly learned that I did have to change my role and be more of that father role.”

One of Hausmann’s other volunteer commitments is to the Community Kitchen in Keene, where he serves as the lead chef approximately three times a year. The kitchen crew of 7 to 10 people often includes youth doing community service. “Many of them are great kids who made a bad decision—it’s fun to mix with them and get them engaged,” Hausmann says.

Other PSNH employees have become engaged at the Community Kitchen as well. Maida Lessard and Jim Vanoudenhove from the Keene Area Work Center (AWC), and Mike Washington from Hillsboro AWC, all volunteer there now. “We have a lot of fun, and it helps build another connection that translates to the work environment,” Hausmann says.

He has also served on the board of directors for the Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce for four years—even though he doesn’t live there. But Hausmann says being a board member as a PSNH employee flows with his goals of being involved in other communities. His favorite events include the town’s annual fireworks spectacular held each summer, and an art auction.

In addition, Hausmann serves on the PSNH Energy for Others Western/Central Ambassador Committee. As part of this volunteer program, he enjoys the opportunity to meet more people throughout the community. During the group’s recent seedling project, many girl scouts and parents visited the Keene AWC to learn about tree planting, enjoy a reading of The Lorax, and went home with a seedling.

Hausmann concludes, “My goal is to get even more colleagues involved in volunteering. It’s doesn’t take a lot of time; it’s easy to find an hour here and there. When my kids were young, we’d volunteer with them—it’s another forum for family time.”

Visit PSNH’s Energy for Others Facebook page to see what PSNH and its employees are doing out and about in your community.